Tom Tugendhat’s Bold Shift on ECHR Stance Marks a New Chapter in Conservative Leadership Race

Conservative Party leadership contender Tom Tugendhat has stated his willingness to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Previously, the shadow security minister had rejected suggestions to exit the convention that ensures basic human rights are legally protected.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Thursday, July 25, 2024, 10:

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Tom Tugendhat, a contender for the conservative leadership, has stated he would consider withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights if it proves to be against our national interests.

The ex-defense minister and veteran entered the race to succeed Rishi Sunak on Wednesday evening as the nomination period began.

Regarded as a centrist contender, Mr. Tugendhat, currently serving as the shadow security minister, declared his candidacy, stating that the Conservatives' defeat was due to a loss of credibility with the British public for failing to fulfill their promises.

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He has shifted his stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, which enshrines essential human rights in legislation.

The European Court of Human Rights oversees its implementation, and the UK was instrumental in its establishment following World War II.

Previously, he had rejected suggestions to exit the ECHR, but he has recently stated he would consider withdrawing, a position that appears to cater to the right-wing faction of the party.

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Mr. Tugendhat informed Sky News' Breakfast with Kay Burley, "I am ready to take whatever steps are needed to ensure the safety of Britain."

"We must be ready to evaluate all these entities to see if they align with British interests, offering our support accordingly, and assess our stance if they do not."

"Then we either modify them, criticize them, or we abandon them."

"And I believe it's important to see this situation realistically.

It's important to avoid involvement in any group that doesn't align with our personal goals.

"It's crucial that we only join coalitions that enhance our safety and contribute to our prosperity."

He emphasized, "It is absolutely essential that every institution and treaty operates in favor of the British public."

"Where they succeed, they'll have my support; where they fail, they will not."

Discover more: Who might succeed Rishi Sunak?

Tugendhat's Unexpected Shift on ECHR Might Determine His Campaign's Fate

By Darren McCaffrey, Political Correspondent

For a long time, the UK's participation in the European Convention on Human Rights has stirred debate within the Conservative Party.

Despite a substantial loss in the elections, the discussion has resurfaced today.

Shadow security minister and contender for leadership, Tom Tugendhat, has indicated his willingness to depart from the convention.

He informed Sky News: "I'm ready to take whatever steps are required to ensure the security of Britain."

It's quite unexpected, especially considering that just last year, Tom Tugendhat cautioned that exiting the convention might impact the Good Friday Agreement, the Windsor Framework, and the governance of devolved regions.

What alterations have been made?

Often seen as the centrist, unifying figure, Mr. Tugendhat may believe that broadening his support within the diverse factions of the Conservative Party is essential to clinch the leadership contest.

By demonstrating a readiness to adopt a stricter stance on the ECHR, he aims to persuade previous critics.

What are the limits of his commitment? Is his stance sincere?

If he fails to prove his point, his somewhat unclear stance could end up damaging his aspirations for leadership more than benefiting them.

Over time, Mr. Tugendhat has altered his stance on the ECHR; he initially advocated for its reform while supporting the UK's continued membership.

In 2015, he expressed the opinion that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) should not be applicable to the UK's military during armed conflict, and he reportedly favored withdrawing from specific sections of it.

He has voiced worries that the court has exceeded its bounds, particularly when it determined that Switzerland's human rights were at risk because of its inadequate efforts to address carbon emissions.

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On Thursday, ex-immigration chief Robert Jenrick entered the race as the third Conservative candidate.

Ex-interior minister James Cleverly officially declared his candidacy for the Conservative Party leadership on Tuesday.

Four additional Conservative MPs have collected papers to enter the nomination: Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, Mel Stride, and Suella Braverman.

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