UK special forces' controversial tactics under scrutiny in leadership race
- Robert Jenrick claimed in a campaign video that UK special forces are killing terrorists instead of capturing them due to European human rights laws.
- His statement has faced backlash from Labour, a former Tory attorney general, and a former army officer, who have called for an apology.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the UK's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights and its implications for military operations.
In the UK, Robert Jenrick, a Conservative leadership candidate, has faced backlash for his controversial statement regarding the actions of UK special forces. In a campaign video released on September 30, 2024, he claimed that these forces are opting to kill terrorists instead of capturing them due to concerns that European human rights laws would lead to their release if detained. This assertion has sparked significant criticism from various political figures, including Labour representatives and a former Tory attorney general, who have called for an apology. Critics argue that Jenrick's comments politicize the military and misrepresent the legal complexities surrounding the treatment of terror suspects. Jenrick's remarks were reportedly inspired by previous comments made by former defense secretary Ben Wallace, although Jenrick's interpretation diverges significantly from Wallace's nuanced discussion of the legal challenges faced by special forces. As the frontrunner among four candidates vying for the Tory leadership, Jenrick's statements have raised questions about the implications of his proposed policies, particularly regarding the UK's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Conservative party conference in Birmingham is set to take place soon, where all candidates will present their views before the final selection of candidates on October 10.