Rishi Sunak Accuses Keir Starmer of Exploiting Tragedy in House of Commons Row
In a heated exchange during Prime Minister’s Questions, Rishi Sunak accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of exploiting the tragedy of Brianna Ghey for political gain. The row began when Starmer criticized the Prime Minister for making a joke about his “definition of a woman” on the same day that Brianna’s mother was visiting Parliament. The father of the murdered transgender teen called on Sunak to apologize, but the PM refused, instead accusing Starmer of being “sad and wrong.”
Sunak defended his words, stating that his criticism of Starmer’s multiple U-turns on major policies was legitimate and separate from the tragedy of Brianna Ghey. He expressed sympathy for her family and friends but condemned the use of such a tragedy to deflect from the main point he was making about Starmer’s lack of a plan. Sunak argued that this kind of political exploitation represents the worst of politics.
The exchange that sparked the row occurred as Sunak listed several Labour U-turns, including Starmer’s changing stance on “defining a woman.” In response, Starmer expressed his disappointment, particularly given Brianna’s mother’s presence in the chamber. He accused Sunak of parading as a man of integrity while shirking responsibility.
Brianna’s mother, Esther, was not present for the exchange but arrived shortly afterward. Her former headteacher, Emma Mills, who accompanied her to Parliament, stated that they missed what was said and that Esther needed time to review the context. Mills emphasized that Esther wants to understand exactly what was said before responding.
Brianna Ghey, a sixteen-year-old transgender girl, was brutally murdered after being lured to a park and stabbed 28 times by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the safety and rights of transgender individuals.
When asked about the comments made by Sunak, Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt described him as a “good and caring man” who is likely reflecting on his words. Mordaunt urged Sunak to consider not only the Ghey family but also trans individuals and their loved ones. She also called on Starmer to reflect on his actions and acknowledged the government’s efforts to protect the safety and dignity of women while providing certainty and assurance to the transgender community.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension and political divisions surrounding transgender rights and the responsibility of politicians to address these issues sensitively. It remains to be seen how this row will impact the relationship between Sunak and Starmer, as well as the broader discourse on transgender rights within the UK political landscape.
