Lord Davies apologises for racial riot comments
Lord Byron Davies said he "utterly condemns" the violence in cities
- Published
The shadow Welsh secretary has apologised after suggesting the escalating violence across parts of England is "politically justified".
Lord Byron Davies of Gower issued an apology insisting he "utterly condemns" the violence but stands by his criticism of Labour's "totally negative" approach to immigration and organised crime.
The comments were made in response to a social media post by journalist Dan Hodges, external, who condemned the attacks as having "no political justification" and any blame on the Labour party to be "ridiculous".
Lord Davies has since been reprimanded by his chief whip and reminded of the consequences of language misuse, according to the Conservatives.
- Published31 July
- Published31 July
Lord Davies initially stood by his comment, which stated the attacks were politically justified because "Labour blocked the Rwanda Bill 130+ times", but has since aimed his frustration solely at the Labour party.
The Rwanda Bill is the Conservatives' plan to send migrants to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed.
The comments follow outbreaks of violent disorder in parts of England since the killings of three girls in Southport on Monday.
Cardiff born Axel Rudakubana, 17, is accused of the attack but false rumours spread online of the killer being an asylum seeker who travelled to the UK via boat.
There have been riots in several cities including Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, and Belfast.
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Posting to X, external, formerly known as Twitter, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said Lord Davies's comments were "disgusting, misguided and dangerous".
"Racist violence is never justified," she said.
"Politicians, including unelected ones, have an important responsibility to de-escalate tensions. Those inflaming them should seriously consider their position."
Welsh Office minister Nia Griffith said she was "horrified" by what she felt was justification of the violence, adding she was "very pleased to hear that he has apologised".
Conservative leader Rishi Sunak condemned the "violent, criminal behaviour" around the country on X on Sunday,, external saying that the scenes unfolding had "nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport".
"This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society," he said.
"The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full weight of the law."
A Conservative spokesperson told Nation Cymru that Lord Davies's comments were "unacceptable" and is being spoken to by the Lords opposition chief whip.
