Shadow minister apologises after suggesting disorder is ‘politically justified’

A shadow cabinet minister 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 Wales secretary 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!”

I apologise if earlier words have been misconstrued, particularly at such a sensitive time

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.”

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.

This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society

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.”