Downing Street says ministers ‘free to decide which events to speak at’
Rishi Sunak's deputy spokesperson confirmed he did not agree with views such as those expressed by David Starkey in relation to the Holocaust at the NatCon conference
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Downing Street says it is a matter for ministers to decide which events they speak at after being asked if the prime minister was concerned that senior members of the government – including home secretary Suella Braverman and levelling up secretary Michael Gove – had appeared at this week’s controversial National Conservatism conference.
Asked about ministers decision to participate at a conference at which there was concern as some speakers faced claims of antisemitism and racism, Rishi Sunak’s deputy spokesperson told journalists:”Ministers will speak at a range of events, it is for them to decide which events they speak at.”
Questioned on whether this meant that ministers were “free” to speak at whatever event they wanted the spokesperson added:”With regards to specific ministerial events that should be a matter for them.”
The PM was himself travelling to Japan for the G7 summit on Wednesday.
Sunak’s deputy spokesperson said the prime minister “would not agree with comments” such as those made by the controversial historian David Starkey on Wednesday, when he suggested the “left” were attempting to replace the Holocaust with slavery.
National Conservatism is about recognizing what is distinct and cherishable in Britain and in the United Kingdom.
And reminding us, in a way–as a friend from abroad would remind us–of the things of which we should be proud.
-Secretary @michaelgove at #NatConUK pic.twitter.com/Pg5xnhYWQX
— National Conservatism (@NatConTalk) May 16, 2023
The MP Miriam Cates had sparked anger on Monday, after using the term “cultural Marxism” in her speech, claiming it was “destroying the souls” of children in this country. The term is views as antisemitic dog whistle by some in the community, although others defended the MP saying she was a “friend of the Jews.”
There was further controversy at the conference on Tuesday, when the writer and commentator Douglas Murray defended the rise of nationalism in Israel and the UK, saying it should not be tainted because Germany “mucked up” twice in a century.
Some Tory MPs also accused the home secretary of launching her own leadership bid when she spoke at the NatCon conference on Monday, with speech railing against experts and elites, and calling for further controls on immigration.
Deputy party chairman and MP Lee Anderson was also due to speak as the NatCon conference.
Labour leader Keir Starmer had told his MPs the Tories had responded to their election drubbing with “a series of mad hatter’s tea parties” which were “carnivals of conspiracy and blame”
The NatCon conference was organised by the Edmund Burke Foundation whose chair is American-Israeli populist theologian Yoram Hazony.
There were also calls for Sunak to take firmer action over ministers taking part in events such as NatCon.
The Jewish Labour Movement’s national chair Mike Katz tweeted: “Speakers at the @natcontalk conference have used the antisemitic trope of cultural Marxism, downplayed the Holocaust and now this.
“Tory MPs and cabinet ministers past and present have shared this platform, legitimising cranks and extremists on the right. Yet Sunak does nothing.”
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