Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has publicly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s handling of the war in Iran. In a recent interview on BBC’s Today programme, Badenoch expressed her dissatisfaction with the government’s response, particularly highlighting a perceived lack of decisive action.

During the interview, which took place on March 5, 2026, Badenoch stated, “We have consistently said that we’ll take the necessary steps to prevent future strikes…” This statement underscores her belief that the UK must adopt a more aggressive military posture in the region.

Call for Escalation

Badenoch’s comments took a controversial turn when she openly advocated for escalating military action, stating, “I want to escalate the war and bomb Iraq.” This declaration has sparked significant debate among political analysts and the public, as it contrasts sharply with Starmer’s more cautious approach, which Badenoch characterized as reactive, only taking defensive action when UK bases are attacked.

The backdrop of this discussion includes a delay in deploying the HMS Dragon warship to the Mediterranean, a move that Badenoch criticized as indicative of the government’s indecisiveness in addressing the conflict. The HMS Dragon is a key military asset, and its delayed deployment has raised concerns about the UK’s readiness to respond to threats in the region.

Public Support and Criticism

Despite her assertive stance, Badenoch’s popularity lags significantly behind that of Prime Minister Starmer, with recent polls indicating only 20% support for her leadership compared to Starmer’s 50%. This disparity in public opinion may influence how her comments are received and the potential impact on her political future.