Tugendhat sets out foreign policy pitch as Conservative conference turns to welfare and defence

Tom Tugendhat used the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham to set out a foreign policy pitch that tied economic security to national security. He highlighted the UK's resilience, including 40 days of diesel reserves, which he said was about 10 times more than Germany.

The conference session was also due to hear from the shadow work and pensions secretary on the UK economy and the welfare bill, followed by the shadow defence secretary on investing in defence. Organisers and speakers linked the agenda by arguing that investment in defence and in economic security would translate into national security.

Tugendhat argued that projecting weakness invites challenge and threats from Russia, China and Iran. He said strong men will probe those weaknesses. His message was intended to draw a contrast with Labour, which he accused of weakness and an unclear stance on China. A political analyst, Anne McElvoy, said Tugendhat is known as a China hawk and was trying to broaden that reputation into a wider critique of the government.

She said the government sometimes appears to allow Chinese mega embassies while at other times security services warn of threats. She added that the UK is exposed to threats from Iran, which the Prime Minister has referenced in connection with events at RAF Fairford. Labour would deny that it has projected weakness, she said.

On Israel, Tugendhat did not go far on sanctions, but he made clear he viewed Labour's approach as an indulgence of the left progressive position. He argued that sanctions on settlers and settlements could strain the relationship with Israel, including intelligence sharing. McElvoy noted a tension in his position: he criticised over-willingness to trade with China and accused the Foreign Office of bending the knee, while opposing sanctions on Israel. She said the parties are choosing different villains in the international space.

The conference also faces questions about spending. The Conservatives are calling for more defence spending, while Kemi Badenoch has promised more inheritance tax giveaways, including action on a tax cliff edge at around £100,000. McElvoy said voters may question whether the numbers add up, describing the risk as fuzzy maths in opposition.

Tugendhat had previously described the pensions triple lock as unsustainable, but he is now part of a team in which Badenoch has made clear she would keep it. That is an expensive commitment at a time when the party is signalling tax breaks for wealthier households. Badenoch is seeking clear dividing lines with Reform rather than the murky middle, and candidates are being asked to bring more policy clarity.