Tories ‘investigate’ Senedd member who compared EU supporters to Trump rioters

The Conservative Party is “investigating” one of its Senedd members who compared EU supporters to Trump rioters.

Andrew RT Davies MS came under fire for telling Labour’s Westminster leader Keir Starmer that he cannot credibly condemn rioters on the US Capitol because he supported the Remain campaign.

BBC Wales correspondent Ione Wells reported that it is understood that co-chair of the Conservatives Amanda Milling MP is writing to Mr Davies to remind him about the consequences of his use of language.

A Welsh Conservative spokesperson told the BBC: “The scenes in Washington last night were disgraceful and unacceptable. We totally condemn them. We are investigating these comments.”

Keir Starmer had condemned the rioters as a “direct attack on democracy”. Thousands of supporters of US President Donald Trump had breached the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s win.

But he was told by Andrew RT Davies: “To be honest I’m not sure you’re in the strongest position right now given you campaigned to overturn democracy and the will of the British people.”

 

‘Brexit’ 

He was referring to Keir Starmer’s advocacy of a second Brexit referendum while in previous Labour leader’s Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet. Mr Davies’ comments were widely criticised.

Labour MP Chris Bryant wrote to Ms Milling demanding that he be suspended for his remarks.

He said: “Equating democratic political debate with an armed violent assault on the Capitol validates violence.”

Alistair Burt, who used to be a Conservative MP, as well as UK government minister told Mr Davies: “Have you taken leave of your senses equating the two? If you are an office holder of any sort in the Conservative Party, resign now.”

Mr Davies later said: “Violence must never be tolerated and I will work with politicians of all persuasions to ensure we never see scenes like those in Washington in this country.

“No one should be in any doubt about my position on this.”