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Badenoch's Gestapo Remark Sparks Tory Backlash, VAT Debate

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kemi Badenoch called Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a Gestapo-like figure and has not apologized.
Sir James Cleverly said he would not have used a Gestapo comparison criticizing the private-school tax exemption change.
Labour chair Anna Turley called Badenoch’s remarks appalling and said shadow ministers would not defend them.
Conservatives say Labour’s VAT increase on private schools is a class-war measure to fund teachers despite a recent decline in teacher numbers.

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Story summary

Kemi Badenoch called Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a Gestapo-like figure and has not apologized.
Sir James Cleverly said he would not have used a Gestapo comparison criticizing the private-school tax exemption change.
Labour chair Anna Turley called Badenoch’s remarks appalling and said shadow ministers would not defend them.
Conservatives say Labour’s VAT increase on private schools is a class-war measure to fund teachers despite a recent decline in teacher numbers.