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What makes Theresa May a controversial figure in international politics?

Kamila Giorgione

Theresa May's tenure as the UK's prime minister has been marked by controversy, with much of the debate arising from her handling of Brexit negotiations. May was seen by many as a divisive figure in international politics due to her tough stance on Brexit and her perceived lack of empathy towards the concerns of other EU leaders. Her tenure saw her engage in a series of high profile political battles, from wrangling over divorcing the United Kingdom from the EU to tense negotiations with Russia over the Skripal poisonings, May's leadership was marked by controversy and conflict.

May's attempt to push through a deal that would allow the UK to leave the EU failed, as her critics argued that her proposals would result in a "hard Brexit" that could leave the country isolated on the world stage. The biggest challenge for the Prime Minister was dealing with the issue of the Northern Ireland border and the backstop agreement, which kept the UK in the EU's customs union, transforming Brexit into a complex issue.

Aside from Brexit, May's strategies on immigration, human rights, and gender equality have become controversial topics in the international community. Her stance on Brexit and her attempts to enact a more "nationalistic" immigration policy lead to the widespread perception of her as a divisive figure. In the wake of terror attacks in the UK, she advocated for additional police powers and other measures that many in the opposition saw as undermining civil liberties and democratic institutions.

May was also heavily criticized for her handling of the Windrush scandal, where members of the long-resident Caribbean population in the UK were wrongly detained, denied benefits, and deported after being wrongly accused of residing illegally in the UK. The lack of action and tone-deaf response from May’s government regarding this situation were seen as symptomatic of her wider issues in managing complex policy situations.

Finally, her approach to gender equality including the establishment of a gender pay gap disclosure and the legalisation of upskirting were well received, but some of her policies, such as a legal requirement for companies to report the number of foreign workers they employed, raised concerns about her government's commitment to equal treatment for all.

In conclusion, May's role as an international figure has been one marked by controversy, with her attempts to push through Brexit and her perceived lack of empathy towards other countries and their leaders having led to many uncomfortable situations. While her efforts to promote greater gender equality were well regarded, her other policy proposals, particularly around immigration and civil liberties, met with widespread opposition. As she departs after her tenure as Prime Minister, it remains to be seen what her legacy will be both in the UK and internationally.