Tom Tugendhat’s Bold Shift on ECHR Stance Shakes Up Tory Leadership Race

Conservative party contender Tom Tugendhat expresses willingness to exit ECHR

Previously, the shadow security minister had rejected suggestions to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, which establishes essential human rights legally.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Thursday, July 25, 2024, 10:

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

Tom Tugendhat, a contender for the Conservative party leadership, has stated his willingness to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights should it fail to align with national interests.

On Wednesday evening, as the nomination period began, the ex-security minister and veteran entered the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.

Regarded as a centrist contender, Mr. Tugendhat, who currently holds the position of shadow security minister, declared his candidacy by stating that the Conservatives were defeated in the elections due to a loss of credibility with the British public, stemming from their failure to fulfill their promises.

Stay updated with live coverage of

He has shifted his stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, which ensures basic human rights are protected by law.

The European Court of Human Rights upholds it, and the United Kingdom was instrumental in its establishment following World War II.

In the past, he had rejected suggestions to withdraw from the ECHR, but he recently stated he would consider exiting, a position that appears to court the favor of the party’s right-wing members.

Stay updated on the most recent developments both in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Speaking to Sky News on 'Breakfast with Kay Burley,' Mr. Tugendhat expressed his readiness to take any required measures to ensure the security of Britain.

"We must be ready to evaluate each of these organizations to see if they align with British interests and deserve our support, or if they do not."

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

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

It's important to avoid involvement in any group that fails to align with our personal goals.

"We should always avoid joining alliances that do not enhance our security, which includes our economic well-being."

He emphasized: "It is absolutely essential that every institution, every agreement, must prioritize the interests of the British public."

"I will back them when they do, and I won't when they don't."

Discover more: Who might succeed Rishi Sunak?

Tugendhat's unexpected shift on ECHR may determine the fate of his campaign

By Darren McCaffrey, political correspondent

For a considerable time, the UK's affiliation with the European Convention on Human Rights has stirred debate among Conservative politicians.

Despite a major loss at the polls, the issue has resurfaced for discussion today.

This is due to the fact that Tom Tugendhat, a contender for the leadership position and the shadow security minister, has indicated his readiness to exit the convention.

Speaking to Sky News, he stated: "I am ready to take whatever steps are required to ensure the safety of Britain."

It's truly 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 devolved governments.

What's different now?

Often seen as the moderate, unifying contender, Mr. Tugendhat may believe that to secure victory in the leadership contest, he must broaden his reach to encompass the diverse factions within the Conservative Party.

By adopting a firmer stance on the ECHR, he aims to persuade those who have previously expressed skepticism.

How deep is his commitment? Is this stance sincere?

If he fails to prove its effectiveness, his somewhat unclear stance could potentially damage his aspirations for leadership more than it benefits them.

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

In 2015, he expressed the opinion that the ECHR should not govern the UK's military operations during war and is believed to have backed the decision to withdraw from specific sections of it.

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

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

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

On Tuesday, ex-home secretary James Cleverly officially declared his candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

Four additional Conservative Party members have obtained the necessary nomination documents: Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, Mel Stride, and Suella Braverman.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sites from Sky