It’s the second time Ms Badenoch has skipped confidential briefings, intended to make sure senior politicians are fully informed on government actions on sensitive and national security matters
Kemi Badenoch did not attend a high level meeting to discuss details of the UK and US’ joint strike on a Houthi target in Yemen.
It’s the second time Ms Badenoch has skipped confidential briefings, intended to make sure senior politicians are fully informed on government actions on sensitive and national security matters.
While the Tory leader was “informed” of the action last night, her spokesman said she did not attend a briefing on confidential ‘privy council terms’ this morning.
Members of the privy council – a group of senior politicians and officials – are usually informed before it takes place and briefed in detail on military action .
After initially saying at a huddle for reporters that Ms Badenoch was “briefed” on the attack last night, the spokesman later corrected himself, saying: “I can confirm she was informed under privy council terms, but Kemi certainly wasn’t at the meeting this morning.”
In February, Keir Starmer slammed Ms Badenoch for failing to take up the government’s offer of a briefing on the detail of the Chagos Islands deal – despite criticising the deal herself.
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Today, Mr Starmer paid tribute to the “professionalism and bravery” of personnel involved in the Royal Air Force raid in Yemen.
Opening Prime Minister’s Questions, the PM said: “Yesterday evening, Royal Air Force Typhoons successfully conducted strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, in a joint operation with our US allies.
“This action was in-line with longstanding policy of the UK Government to defend freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, after Houthi attacks fuelled regional instability and risked economic security for families in the UK.
“I am pleased to say that all UK aircraft and personnel returned safely, and I pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of all our servicemen and service women.”