Robert Jenrick Advocates UK Exit from ECHR, Citing SAS Operational Constraints

Robert Jenrick intensifies his claim that the SAS prefers killing over capturing terrorists because of the ECHR. As a leading candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak as the head of the Conservative Party, Jenrick argues that the UK should exit the ECHR, alleging it interferes excessively with British legislation.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 2:

Robert Jenrick has reiterated claims that the SAS is compelled to kill instead of capturing terrorists due to concerns that the "European Court will release them."

Mr. Jenrick, a leading contender to succeed Rishi Sunak, unveiled a video on Monday in which he stated that the UK "needs to exit the ECHR" – the European Court of Human Rights.

Referring to an article written by ex-defense secretary Ben Wallace, Mr. Jenrick states, "Our special forces opt to kill terrorists instead of capturing them due to legal advice indicating that if apprehended, the European Court might release them."

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Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly, who are also contenders for the leadership position, have strongly criticized the accusation.

Addressing the audience at the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, Mr. Jenrick reiterated his stance, emphasizing the sincerity of his previous statements.

"He expressed to Conservative members that he does not wish for our human rights mechanisms to obstruct making the correct operational choices concerning our national security and safeguarding the lives of the courageous individuals in our special forces."

Mr. Tugendhat, a former army member and security minister until the recent election, spoke to Sky News, criticizing Mr. Jenrick's statements as "incorrect" and indicative of a "basic lack of understanding of military tactics and the rules of non-armed conflict."

He expressed to Sky News: "It's vitally important that these statements are not interpreted as a call to action, except to encourage compliance with British forces upon request."

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Mr. Cleverly, who has served as both foreign and home secretary, stated that it was the first time he was hearing such a claim, emphasizing that "our military does not commit murder." He also mentioned that he was not at ease with reiterating the accusation.

He explained to Sky News: "If Robert can provide a justification for that, I believe he ought to. The British military consistently adheres to international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict.

"Our military is the most skilled and professional globally. They do not engage in the killing of innocent people."

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Mr. Jenrick's staff conveyed to Sky News that Mr. Wallace's interview with the Telegraph in September 2023 is self-explanatory.

In a statement titled "Human rights laws are protecting terrorists," Mr. Wallace expressed that international agreements like the European Convention on Human Rights are compelling defense secretaries to make a tough decision: either eliminate individuals, typically through drone strikes, or allow them to persist in their planning activities.

He stated that the UK frequently finds itself compelled to take deadly measures because of the absurdity involved in not being able to extradite individuals or make arrests in countries where the police forces are deemed inadequate.

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Mr. Wallace did not explicitly state that the European Court would release terrorists upon their capture, but he highlighted concerns with rendition treaties. He pointed out that international law obstructs operations involving the extrajudicial transfer of suspects from foreign countries to the UK.

He mentioned handling "such cases" during his tenure as defense secretary.

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