Tom Tugendhat has accused his fellow Tory leadership contender, Robert Jenrick, of using footage of a deceased soldier in a campaign video. The video alleges that the SAS is killing terrorists instead of capturing them.
Jenrick, a leading candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak, faced significant backlash on Monday for a video advocating for the UK’s departure from the European Court of Human Rights. In the video, Jenrick stated, “Our special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because our lawyers tell us if they are caught the European Court will set them free.”
Tugendhat, along with James Cleverly, both military veterans and also in the Tory leadership race, heavily criticised Jenrick’s claims. Tugendhat revealed that he personally knew one of the Special Forces soldiers depicted in the video, who had died shortly after the footage was taken.
Jaw-dropping moment from @BBCNewsnight:
One of the soldiers in the footage used by Robert Jenrick to make false claims about the ECHR and UK special forces died shortly after it was taken. And it seems was a friend of Tom Tugendhat, who seems quietly furious throughout. pic.twitter.com/I0r4jcmj6r
— James Ball (@jamesrbuk) October 1, 2024
During an interview on Newsnight, Tugendhat expressed his distress over the video. He said, “What’s particularly upsetting is that video is using a piece of footage of some of the people I served with, one of whom died shortly after that film was taken in an accident.” He stressed that the soldier could not defend himself against the accusation implied in the video.
When asked by host Victoria Derbyshire if the footage indeed showed someone he knew, Tugendhat confirmed, “Yes. That’s footage of a soldier in northern Afghanistan around 2002.” Tugendhat emphasised that using such footage of special forces soldiers in operations was inappropriate. He suggested that Jenrick should remove the video, calling it “factually incorrect” and “simply wrong.”
Jenrick reiterated his stance at the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday. He affirmed his belief that special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because of legal constraints imposed by the European Court. Citing former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Jenrick argued that the UK’s human rights framework should not hinder operational decisions crucial for national security.
Before his appearance on Newsnight, Tugendhat described Jenrick’s claims as “extremely serious” and advised against commenting on military matters without proper knowledge. At a conference fringe event, Tugendhat emphasised the legal and military capabilities of the UK to conduct operations to protect its people, urging those unfamiliar with military affairs to abstain from such comments.
James Cleverly, the Shadow Home Secretary and former soldier, also refuted Jenrick’s claims. Speaking to Sky News, Cleverly asserted that UK forces do not “murder people” and that the British military adheres to international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict. He described the British military as the most professional in the world.
Dominic Grieve, former Conservative Attorney General, labelled Jenrick’s video as “one of the most astonishing videos I have ever seen posted by a Conservative MP.” A Labour source criticised Jenrick’s attempt to politicise the special forces, calling it a disservice to the brave servicemen and women and demanding an apology.
What Other Media Are Saying
- BBC reports on Robert Jenrick’s controversial claim that British special forces kill rather than capture terrorists, sparking criticism from fellow Conservative Party leadership candidates.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on Tom Tugendhat’s condemnation of Robert Jenrick’s claim that UK special forces kill rather than capture terrorists, emphasizing military law misunderstandings and potential deterrence from surrendering.(read more)
- Politico.eu: The article highlights wild moments at the Conservative Party conference, including Kemi Badenoch’s maternity pay controversy and Robert Jenrick’s confrontational remarks, amidst a leadership contest and party infighting.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Tom Tugendhat accuse Robert Jenrick of?
Using footage of a dead soldier in a campaign video.
Why did Tugendhat find the video upsetting?
It used footage of a fallen comrade, implying false accusations.
Did Robert Jenrick defend his video?
Yes, he stood by his claims at the Conservative Party conference.
What was the controversial claim in Jenrick’s video?
That UK special forces kill rather than capture terrorists due to legal advice.
How did other politicians react to Jenrick’s video?
Many condemned it, calling it irresponsible and factually incorrect.
