Rishi Sunak says Keir Starmer sad and wrong to link trans jibe to Brianna Ghey case

Rishi Sunak has accused Sir Keir Starmer of demonstrating "the worst of politics" for "using the tragedy" of Brianna Ghey in a House of Commons row.

Sir Keir criticised the PM on Wednesday for making a joke about his "definition of a woman" on the day Brianna's mother was visiting Parliament.

The father of the murdered transgender teen called on Mr Sunak to apologise.

But the PM has declined to do so - and instead accused the Labour leader of being "sad and wrong".

He said his words to Sir Keir at Prime Minister's Questions had been "absolutely legitimate".

"I've nothing but the most heartfelt sympathy for [Brianna Ghey's] entire family and friends.

"But to use that tragedy to detract from the very separate 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, I think is both sad and wrong, and it demonstrates the worst of politics."

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The exchange that triggered the row took place in the House of Commons as Mr Sunak listed what he described as a number of Labour U-turns, accusing Sir Keir of changing his position on "defining a woman".

"Although in fairness, that was only 99% of a U-turn," he added. The comment referenced an interview where Sir Keir said "99.9% of women" do not have a penis when discussing the rights of people to identify as a different gender to the one they were born into.

Sir Keir replied: "Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna's mother is in this chamber. Shame.

"Parading as a man of integrity when he's got absolutely no responsibility."

Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, said in a statement she did not want to comment on the remarks as her "focus is on creating a positive change and a lasting legacy for Brianna". She is supporting a campaign for mindfulness in schools.

Ms Ghey was not in the public gallery on Wednesday for the exchange between the two leaders at Prime Minister's Questions but arrived shortly afterwards.

Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, has said Mr Sunak should say sorry for the "degrading" and "dehumanising" remark.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Spooner said: "Identities of people should not be used in that manner, and I personally feel shocked by his comments and feel he should apologise for his remarks."

Sixteen-year-old Brianna was murdered after being lured to a park and stabbed 28 times by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe.

Asked about the prime minister's comments, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt said Mr Sunak was a "good and caring man" adding: "I'm sure that he has reflected on things.

"And that is not just about Mr and Mrs Ghey, that he should reflect on, but I am sure he is also reflecting about people who are trans or who have trans loved ones and family, some of whom sit on these green benches.

"I hope the leader of the opposition will also reflect on his actions too.

"This government has been right to protect the safety and dignity of woman at each stage of doing so has sought to bring certainty and assurance to trans people.

"This government is also right to hold the opposition to account for its multiple inconsistencies and u-turns on its policy platform."

But former minister Paul Scully said Mr Sunak should apologise. Speaking on the BBC's Politics Live the Tory MP said: "If it was me I would probably pick up the phone to Brianna's father."

He added he had "no doubt that Rishi is compassionate" and accused opposition parties of whipping up "confected outrage" around the comments.