Controversy Erupts as Tugendhat Criticizes Jenrick for Using Footage of Fallen Soldier in Campaign Video

Tom Tugendhat expressed dismay over Robert Jenrick's use of a video in his campaign that included a special forces soldier Tugendhat had served with, who passed away shortly thereafter. In the video, Jenrick alleges that the SAS is being compelled to kill terrorists instead of capturing them.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 12:

Tom Tugendhat, a contender for the Conservative Party leadership, expressed dismay that his opponent, Robert Jenrick, featured a clip of a fellow soldier from his Afghanistan service, who passed away shortly thereafter, in an electoral campaign video.

On Monday, Mr. Jenrick shared a video in which he expressed his belief that the UK should withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). He argued that, among other issues, the court's influence compels the SAS to opt for lethal force against terrorists rather than detaining them, due to concerns that they might be set free under European human rights legislation.

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Mr. Tugendhat, one of the last four candidates in the race for Tory leadership, mentioned recognizing a soldier in the video from his days serving in the army in Afghanistan.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, the ex-military officer, who also served in Iraq, expressed distress, stating: "It's especially troubling that the video includes a clip featuring some of my former comrades, including one who tragically passed away in an accident soon after the footage was shot. He can't defend himself against the claims being indirectly made against him."

"I believe it's inappropriate to utilize video recordings of our special forces during missions.

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"I wouldn't release that video. Actually, I'd take it down."

Former Security Minister Mr. Tugendhat, speaking with Sky News on Tuesday, criticized Mr. Jenrick's remarks regarding the SAS as "incorrect" and indicative of a "deep lack of understanding of military strategies and the rules of engagement in unarmed conflict."

He expressed to Sky News his serious worries that these statements should not in any way be interpreted as promoting any actions other than yielding to British forces upon their request.

During a side event at the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, he encouraged Mr. Jenrick to refrain from discussing military issues about which he is uninformed.

At the conference, Mr. Jenrick reiterated his claims, emphasizing that his statements were sincere.

"He emphasized to Conservative Party members that he does not wish for the human rights system to obstruct the necessary operational choices crucial for national security and the safety of our courageous special forces personnel."

Further reading: Badenoch makes light of statement that 10% of civil servants 'deserve jail time'; Poll shows increasing backing for Jenrick

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A spokesperson for Mr. Jenrick relayed to Sky News that a September 2023 interview from The Telegraph featuring former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, upon which Mr. Jenrick's remarks were based, "is self-explanatory."

Mr. Wallace asserted in his article "Human rights laws are protecting terrorists" that international agreements like the European Convention on Human Rights are putting defense secretaries in a tough position, having to decide whether to eliminate suspects through drone strikes or allow them to keep planning their activities.

He stated that the UK frequently had to resort to deadly measures because of the madness of not being able to extradite individuals or make arrests in nations where the police forces are deemed inadequate.

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Mr. Wallace did not explicitly state that the European Court would release terrorists if apprehended, but he highlighted concerns with rendition agreements, pointing out that international law obstructs operations involving the extrajudicial transfer of suspects from foreign nations to the UK.

He mentioned handling "similar situations" during his tenure as defense secretary.

Wednesday marks the conclusion of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, where the four remaining Tory leadership contenders have presented their arguments to MPs and party members.

Members of Parliament will participate in a vote to narrow the candidates to two, following which party members will cast their votes, with the new leader being declared on November 2.

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