- Written by Kate Whannell
- political reporter
WATCH: Rishi Sunak chooses not to apologize to Brianna Gee's father for transgender comments in the House of Commons
Rishi Sunak has accused Sir Keir Starmer of displaying the “worst politics” by “exploiting the tragedy” of Brianna Gee during the House of Commons row.
Sir Keir on Wednesday criticized the Prime Minister for making a joke about the “definition of a woman” on the day Brianna's mother was visiting Parliament.
The father of a murdered transgender teenager has called for an apology from Mr Sunak.
But the Prime Minister refused to do so, instead accusing the Labor leader of being “sad and wrong”.
He said his comments about Sir Keir during the Prime Minister's Questions were “totally justified”.
“I have nothing but heartfelt sympathy.” [Brianna Ghey’s] All my family and friends.
“But using that tragedy to undermine the very separate and clear point I was making, that Keir Starmer has a track record of U-turns on major policies, is that he has no plan. I think it's because there isn't, and I think that's sad and wrong, and it shows politics at its worst.”
The exchange that sparked the row took place in the House of Commons, with Mr Sunak citing a number of U-turns from Labor and accusing Sir Keir of changing his position on the “definition of a woman”.
“To be fair, it was only a 99% U-turn,” he added. The comment refers to an interview in which Sir Keir said that “99.9% of women” do not have penises, when discussing the right of people to identify as a different gender than the one they were born with.
Sir Keir said: 'It's been weeks since Brianna's mother said something like that when she was in this room. It's a shame.
“Even though he has no responsibility whatsoever, he stands tall as an honest person.''
Brianna's mother, Esther Gee, said in a statement that she did not want to comment on the statement because she is “focused on creating positive change and a lasting legacy for Brianna.” She supports a mindfulness campaign in schools.
WATCH: Sunak lands trans-jibe on Starmer at PMQs
Ms Gee was not present in the general audience on Wednesday as the two leaders exchanged views during the prime minister's question and answer session, but she arrived shortly afterwards.
Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, said Sunak should apologize for his “degrading” and “dehumanizing” comments.
Mr Spooner told Sky News: “No one should use someone's identity in that way. I am personally shocked by what he said and feel he should apologize for what he said.” Stated.
16-year-old Brianna was lured to a park and stabbed 28 times by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe before being murdered.
Asked about the Prime Minister's comments, House of Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said Mr Sunak was a “good, caring person” and added: “I am sure he is remorseful.
“And it's not just gay couples that he should be reflecting on, but trans people, or people who have trans loved ones or family members, some of whom are sitting on the green benches. You must be thinking about it.
“I want the opposition leaders to reflect on their actions.
“This government was right to protect the safety and dignity of women at every step of the way to bring certainty and security to transgender people.
“This government is also right to hold the opposition accountable for the multiple contradictions and changes in direction in its policy platform.”
But former minister Paul Scully said Mr Sunak should apologize. “If it were me I would probably pick up the phone to Brianna's father,” the Conservative MP told BBC's Politics Live.
“There is no doubt that Mr Rishi is sympathetic,” he added, accusing the opposition of stirring up “confusing anger” over the comments.
