‘Kids respect a firm adult’: Kemi Badenoch says she has intervened to stop music blaring on public transport… as she reveals her son wants to join the army

Kemi Badenoch said she has asked passengers to turn down loud music on public transport, arguing that young people respect a firm adult. Her comments came amid debate about how new measures against anti-social behaviour will be enforced, with the Government advising passengers not to intervene themselves.

Badenoch questioned why existing rules are not enforced and called for consequences for disruptive behaviour. Andy Burnham’s campaign includes potential £100 fines for playing music without headphones, alongside measures addressing littering, vaping and threatening behaviour. Local authorities can set and enforce bus rules, while authorised officers are expected to handle incidents; rail passengers who refuse staff instructions can face fines of up to £1,000 or removal from a train. Badenoch also said her 10-year-old son has expressed a wish to join the army.