The conservative leadership contender argues that the government’s response to the riots was inadequate and dismisses Elon Musk’s prediction of inevitable civil war in the UK as misguided

Tom Tugendhat, a prominent candidate for the Conservative Party leadership, has launched a strong critique of the government’s response to the recent summer riots, accusing it of failing to act decisively. In his latest speech, Tugendhat contended that the violence, which followed the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport on July 29, could have been contained more effectively with a more robust police presence.

The riots, which spanned across England and Northern Ireland, saw attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers and were fueled by a viral but false social media rumor. Over a thousand arrests have been made in connection with the unrest. Tugendhat specifically targeted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of mismanaging the crisis by delaying the convening of an emergency Cobra meeting and not deploying necessary resources like volunteer officers or the Army sooner. He criticized the government’s subsequent announcement of a “standing army” of specialist police officers, labelling it as a superficial public relations measure rather than a substantial policy initiative.

Tugendhat’s critique also extended to the broader Conservative leadership race. Mel Stride, another leadership contender, has raised concerns about social media’s impact on community cohesion, while other candidates are preparing for internal party votes. The Conservative Party is set to finalize its leadership election by early November.

In a related development, Tugendhat also addressed comments made by Elon Musk, who suggested that civil war in the UK was “inevitable” following the riots. Tugendhat dismissed Musk’s remarks as “delusional” and “false,” arguing that they mischaracterize the situation in the UK. He acknowledged some inconsistency in policing but rejected the notion of a deliberate two-tier system of law enforcement, which Musk had accused Starmer of supporting.

Tugendhat’s speech emphasized his centrist position and commitment to effective law enforcement. He called for immediate action during protests and suggested that arrests should be made on the spot rather than after the fact. Additionally, Tugendhat clarified that if he becomes Conservative leader, he would not pursue a deal with Reform UK or integrate Nigel Farage into the party, reflecting his stance on maintaining the Conservative Party’s current trajectory.

BBC

In a recent speech, Tom Tugendhat criticized the government’s handling of the summer riots, arguing that they could have been contained more swiftly with a stronger police presence. Tugendhat, a candidate for the Conservative leadership, accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of failing in his first major test by not convening an emergency Cobra meeting sooner. He claimed the government’s response lacked urgency and effectiveness, suggesting that earlier intervention could have prevented the escalation of violence.

The riots, which erupted after three young girls were killed in Southport on July 29, included attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers and were fueled by a false rumour spread via social media. Over a thousand people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, which spanned parts of England and Northern Ireland.

Tugendhat criticized Starmer for delaying key meetings with police and for not utilizing a full range of resources, including volunteer officers and potentially the Army, sooner. He also dismissed the government’s announcement of a “standing army” of specialist police officers as a mere public relations move rather than a substantive policy.

Other Tory leadership contenders have also weighed in on the issue. Mel Stride highlighted broader concerns about social media’s role and community cohesion, while other candidates are preparing for internal party votes to determine the final leadership contenders. The Conservative Party is set to finalize its leadership election by early November.

Sky News

Tom Tugendhat, a candidate for the Conservative leadership, has sharply criticized Elon Musk for his claim that civil war in the UK is “inevitable” following the recent riots. Tugendhat labelled Musk’s comments as “delusional” and “false,” arguing that they misrepresent the situation in the UK. He also touched upon the issue of social media’s role, citing his refusal to use TikTok due to its foreign ownership.

In his first major speech of the leadership campaign, Tugendhat addressed the concept of “two-tier policing,” which Musk had accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of supporting. While Tugendhat acknowledged some inconsistency in policing, he dismissed the idea of deliberate unequal treatment of communities, asserting that such an approach is not actively practiced.

Tugendhat criticized the government’s response to the riots, arguing that the situation could have been managed more effectively with an earlier and stronger police presence. He advocated for immediate action during protests, suggesting that arrests should be made on the spot rather than afterward.

Additionally, Tugendhat stated that he would not seek a deal with Reform UK if he becomes Conservative leader and ruled out integrating Nigel Farage into the Conservative Party. His comments reflect his centrist stance and emphasize his commitment to robust law and order policies