The PM is facing backlash after he joked about Starmer’s position on trans women while the late teen’s mother was in the room
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY WIRESTOCK DREAMSTIME.COM
Brianna Ghey’s father was “disgusted” by a jibe Rishi Sunak made about trans women in Prime Minister’s Questions, and has demanded an apology. The comments in question were made when the late teen’s mother was in Chambers.
The PM began this interaction by insisting that Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, had broken “every single promise he was elected on”, listing a number of issues such as pensions and peerage. Sunak then proceeded to say that Starmer had changed his position on “defining a woman”, joking that “although in fairness that was only 99 per cent of a u-turn”.
Starmer quickly responded to Sunak’s comments: “Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna’s mother is in this chamber. Shame.”
Peter Spooner, Brianna’s father, has spoken out about the remarks made by the PM. “For the prime minister of our country to come out with degrading comments like he did, regardless of them being in relation to discussions in parliament, they are absolutely dehumanising,” he told Sky News.
“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.”
16-year-old Brianna was murdered last year in a violent attack by two teens who have since been named Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. The PM has been asked by multiple MPs to apologise for the insensitive jibe he made while the late teen’s mother – Esther Ghey – was in Chambers.
Esther Ghey has recently called on the government to fund mindfulness programmes in every school in England. She has also called for “drastic action” to be made to protect children online.
The teens involved in Brianna’s death have been sentenced to 22 years (Scarlett) and 20 years (Eddie) and were warned by Mrs Justice Yip that they may “never be released” if they are seen as a danger.
As they have been since February 2023, our thoughts go out to Brianna’s family, loved ones, friends, and classmates. And they will continue to.
At the time of writing, 8 February, the GoFundMe that was set up in Brianna’s memory has surpassed its target of £50,000. You can donate here.
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