Kate Whannel, a journalist for politics
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused by Rishi Sunak of exhibiting “the worst of politics” by “using the horror” of Brianna Ghey in a House of Commons debate.
On Wednesday, Sir Keir criticized the Prime Minister for making a joke about his “definition of a person” on the day Brianna’s family was in Parliament.
Mr. Sunak was contacted by the parents of the girl who was murdered to apologize.
However, the PM has chosen not to do so and has instead accused the Labour leader of being “terrible and wrong.”
He claimed that his remarks to Sir Keir during the Prime Minister’s Questions were “completely legitimate.”
“I have nothing but the deepest sympathies for Brianna Ghey’s whole family and friends.”
However, I believe it is terrible and wrong to use that tragedy to undermine Keir Starmer’s demonstrated track record of many U-turns on significant policies because he lacks a plan, and it illustrates the worst of politics.
The argument started in the House of Commons when Mr. Sunak listed what he called a number of Labour U-turns and accused Sir Keir of changing his stance on “defining a woman.”
“Although, to be fair, that was only 99% of a U-turn,” he continued.
“Of all the days to say that, when Brianna’s mum is in this room,” Sir Keir retorted. “Shame.”
“Being a man of integrity when he has no obligations whatsoever”
Watch: At PMQs, Sunak makes a transgender jibe at Starmer.
Esther, Brianna’s mother, did not attend the exchange between the two leaders in the public gallery but did show up immediately after.
Emma Mills, a former headmistress of Brianna, had accompanied Esther Ghey to Parliament.
She stated to BBC Breakfast, “We arrived late to the gallery and missed what was said. I don’t believe she has had time to consider the context and the exact words, and she wants some time today to be able to do that.”
When questioned about the remarks on Thursday, House Speaker Penny Mordaunt responded, “I’m sure he has reflected on things,” and described Mr. Sunak as a “good and caring man.”
“And he should 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 sure.
“I hope the leader of the opposition will also reflect on what he did.”
“This government has done everything in its power to ensure the safety and dignity of women while also attempting to give trans people confidence and certainty.”
“This state is also correct to hold the opposition accountable for its numerous contradictions and U-turns on its policy platform.”
