Minister apologises after suggesting disorder is ‘politically justified’
The shadow Wales secretary has apologised and been reprimanded by his chief whip after appearing to claim disorder sweeping across parts of England was “politically justified”.
Lord Davies of Gower said he “utterly” condemns the violence seen in multiple towns and cities over the last week and suggested his original remarks had been “misconstrued”.
The shadow minister had responded to a post on social media by Mail On Sunday commentator Dan Hodges, in which the journalist had written: “There’s no political justification for the disorder we have seen. But if people want to get into the blame game these are the facts.
“The Tories were in power for 14 years. Labour have been in power for four weeks. Blaming Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper for this is just ridiculous.”
Lord Davies replied on X, formerly Twitter: “But Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times, of course it’s politically justified!”
He initially said he would “stand by my comment”, insisting he had meant Labour’s immigration approach was not politically justifiable, but backed down after the remark drew criticism online.
The shadow minister was “spoken to” by the Lords opposition chief whip following his intervention and reminded of the consequences of the misuse of language, the Tories said.
“I apologise if earlier words have been misconstrued, particularly at such a sensitive time,” Lord Davies wrote.
“To be crystal clear, I utterly condemn the violence in our cities. What I am criticising is Labour’s totally negative approach to immigration & organised crime. I stand by that.”
A Conservative spokesman said: “These comments are unacceptable. Lord Davies is being spoken to by the Lords opposition chief whip and reminded of the consequences of the misuse of language at such a sensitive time and the standards expected of him as a member of the shadow cabinet.”
Escalation
It comes as violence escalated in parts of England on Sunday on the sixth day of disorder since the killings of three girls in Southport on Monday, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemning “far-right thuggery” at play in the unrest.
Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Lancashire, is accused of the attack, but false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had travelled to the UK by boat.
A hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham was set on fire with rioters storming the building and attacking police, while others in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and hurled objects at officers.
Cleveland Police has said 35 arrests have been made. South Yorkshire Police said one arrest has been made and suggested others will follow in the coming days as evidence is analysed after one of its officers was struck unconscious in the violence.
Conservative leader Rishi Sunak condemned the “violent, criminal behaviour” later on Sunday, saying: “The shocking scenes we’re seeing on the streets of Britain have nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport.
“This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society.
“The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full weight of the law.”
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Weasel words.
Mr Davies knows that the bill was blocked for humanitarian reason and if his party had the majority, how come they were so bad at it. In the end that had to hammer it through.
Now tackle the Welsh Cons leader airing questions to Welsh councils on a public forum concerning halal meat, and doing it on a public forum for only one reason I can see in this febrile atmosphere.
‘Labour blocked the Rwanda bill 130+ times’. What? Labour may have voted against but simply did not have the numbers to block it. This is blatant disinformation, the Tories’ stock in trade.
So he is a kipper or reform type really. All I read is opportunist thugs, destroying cities. Yet to hear or see people actually protest.
In 2019 the Tories won a landslide election, gaining 48 seats with an overall majority of 80. They gained the highest percentage vote of any party since 1979. To blame the opposition parties for them failing to pass the Rawanda bill is risible. It was their cawlach from begining to end and they should be honest and own it.
“But Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times, of course it’s politically justified!”
Wow imagine what blocking could have been done by the opposition if the Tories didn’t have a Commons majority of over 60 .
Also it wasn’t the opposition that blocked the bill in the House of Lords.
The Tories have an even bigger majority there.
It was blocked by Tory Peers voting against the bill or not voting for it.
Edit – oops i should have read previous comments before commenting
He sits in the lord’s, he’s a shadow minister and he’s experienced in politics. There is no excuse for his inflammatory words. He should know better. Trying to justify domestic terrorists is sick.
He is an ex-copper, 32 years in the Met !
Welsh Lords are a complete waste as they contribute nothing for Cymru’s interests…
The violence actually started in the Republic of Ireland, where over the past few months there have been arson attacks on immigrant hotels and hostels.
If you want to see how much has shifted politically then all you have to do is look at this protest in Belfast, where an Irish tricolour and a UK Union flag were side by side, yes its in Belfast.
Rioting to the west of us, rioting to the east of us
Thankfully so far not in Cymru
As a “Welsh Patriot” and therefore one who puts Cymru’s best interests to the fore you’ll be grateful, yes.
One Irish flag held by whom I wonder. Yes I’ve heard of anti immigrant activity in Dublin but the idea that the rioters in England took their cue from that is delusional.
Byron Davies, who in his day seemed to be a more rational and humane species of Tory, lets himself down. A sort of madness seems these days to have infected the Conservative tribe – by now, even the erstwhile seemingly rational ones. Others on this thread have referred to very the considerable post-2019 Commons majority which ought to have enabled the Tories to enact whatever law they could unite around, had they not been so engaged in biting each others’ throats out. So instead I’ll just content myself with pointing out that the Rwandan government had committed itself to take… Read more »
But WHY at this time are we seeing ‘violent criminal behaviour’? What is causing it? Why are our young, particularly, feeling so disenfranchised that they have no thought for the consequences of their actions? Is it because they feel they have nothing to lose and that no one in authority cares how empty and pointless these people feel their life has become ? Poorly paid jobs, huge student debts. no prospect of owning their own Homes, Sky high rents., all things I never had to deal with nor did any of my Generation huffing and puffing about these mindless acts.… Read more »