Written by Chas Geiger, a political writer
On the day Brianna Ghey’s mother visited Parliament, Sir Keir Starmer claims he was “shocked” to hear Rishi Sunak make fun of the Labour leader for his definition of a woman.
He had previously been accused by the PM of using the death of the transgender teen to divert attention from his U-turns.
However, Sir Keir told the BBC that Mr. Sunak had a responsibility to “make every person in the country feel safe.”
It was about “fundamental decency and respect,” he claimed.
Brianna’s father has pleaded with Mr. Sunak to apologize, but the prime minister has refused, claiming that his remarks to the Labour leader during Prime Minister’s Questions were “absolutely legitimate.”
“I have nothing but the deepest sympathies for Brianna Ghey’s whole family and friends.”
See: Due to a trans comment made in the Commons, Rishi Sunak decided not to apologize to Brianna Ghey’s father.
“However, I believe it is both sad and incorrect, and it demonstrates the worst of politics, to use that tragedy to undermine the very distinct and clear point I was making about Keir Starmer’s proven track record of multiple U-turns on major policies, because he doesn’t have a plan.”
Sir Keir said Mr. Sunak could apologize for what he said in Prime Minister’s Questions in a BBC interview in response. “Through the looking glass, I get the impression that I’m to blame for his comments.”
“I believe Rishi Sunak needs to do the right thing, stop blaming everyone else, truly bear some responsibility, and apologize.”
“The prime minister said those things in front of the mother of a child who had been murdered,” Sir Keir continued, adding that he was “genuinely shocked.”
“The majority of the Conservative MPs in the room quickly fell silent.” “I’m not the only one. This is about the fundamental decency and respect that I value, no party politics.”
“The prime minister’s job is to ensure that every member in this country, regardless of their identity, beliefs, or background, feels safe and respected. Yesterday, he or she violated that duty, and indeed, I was shocked.”
The exchange that sparked the argument occurred in the Commons as Mr. Sunak listed what he called a number of Labour U-turns and accused Sir Keir of changing his stance on “defining women.”
“That was only 99% of a U-turn,” he continued, “though in fairness.” When discussing the rights of people to identify as a different sex from the one they were born, Sir Keir claimed in an interview that 99.9% of people do not have penises.
“When Brianna’s mother is in this room, of all the weeks to state that,” Sir Keir retorted. “Shame.”
“Acting like a man of integrity when he has no responsibilities whatsoever.”
Esther Ghey, Brianna’s mother, stated in a statement that she didn’t want to respond to the comments because she “focuses on bringing about positive change and enduring legacy for Brianna.” She is in favor of a meditation education plan.
Esther Ghey arrived shortly after the exchange between the two leaders at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, but she wasn’t present in the public gallery.
After being lured to a park and stabbed 28 times by youth Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, sixteen-year-old Brianna was killed.
When questioned about the prime minister’s remarks, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt responded that Mr. Sunak was a “good and caring man,” adding, “I’m sure he has reflected on things.”
“He may think about people who are transgender or who have transgender loved ones and community, some of whom sit on these benches, in addition to Mr. and Mrs. Ghey, I’m positive.”
“I hope the opposition leader may consider his actions as well.”
“This state has been best to safeguard women’s health and integrity at every stage of the process, and it has worked to give trans people certainty and assurance.”
“This state is also correct to hold the opposition accountable for its numerous contradictions and U-turns on its policy system.”
However, former minister Paul Scully advised Mr. Sunak to apologize. The Tory MP said, “If it were me, I would likely pick up the phone to Brianna’s father,” while speaking on Election Life on BBC Two.
He continued by saying he had “no doubt that Rishi is compassionate” and accused opposition parties of inciting “contrived outrage” in response to the remarks.
