By Sandra Kenneth
Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch has mounted a passionate defense of her mixed-race children’s British identity, declaring that she does not want to live in a nation where citizens’ Englishness is open to debate.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026 Conservative Party Conference, the North West Essex MP launched a direct attack against Reform UK lawmakers, accusing them of undermining national unity by openly questioning people’s identities.
“I don’t want to live in a country run by people who threaten journalists, who call veterans traitors, and debate whether my mixed-race children are English,” Badenoch told party faithful.
Reflecting on wider cultural issues, Badenoch shared her frustration over having to address racial identity questions with her family, particularly when supporting the national team.
“I don’t want to explain to my son when we’re watching our brilliant England team play football that some people don’t think our black players are English,” she said.
Drawing a contrast with iconic former football stars like Ian Wright and John Barnes, Badenoch argued that such identity debates represent a step backward for British society.
“I remember back in the day when Ian Wright and John Barnes were playing, nobody was questioning whether they were English,” she recalled. “We certainly didn’t have sitting MPs questioning whether they were English.”
In a clear attempt to draw a line between her party and political rivals, Badenoch urged Conservatives to reject retrogressive rhetoric.
“We must not let these people take us backwards. That is not the country we are,” Badenoch warned. “Reform MPs are openly questioning people’s identity. They are not like us. We are not like them. We are different. We are the Conservative Party.”
