Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has denied comparing a new air defence system proposed by the party to Israel’s Iron Dome, despite using the term in her press release and a newspaper article.[8159063] The Conservative leader said the party’s ‘Britannia Shield’ would not be comparable to the missile defence system in Israel, which is primarily designed to counter short-range attacks.[8159063][8143060] The proposed ‘Britannia Shield’ is part of the UK’s efforts to boost its air and missile defence capabilities amid growing concerns about the threat of drone and missile attacks.[8143060] The announcement comes as the threat of missile and drone attack against Britain and our allies continues to grow, with Russia bombarding Ukraine daily with ever more advanced drones and missiles.[8143060] Kemi Badenoch’s comments come after the Conservative party used a cartoon of Andy Burnham, created by artist Stanley Chow, to mock the Labour leader during their party conference.[8159063][8018677] The use of the cartoon without consent has sparked concerns about the party’s respect for artists’ rights and the limits of free speech.[8018677]