Brianna Ghey’s mother breaks silence over Rishi Sunak trans row - latest

Sunak branded ‘an absolute disgrace’ after making jibe at ill-tempered session of Prime Minister’s Questions

Starmer and Sunak clash over transgender rights and NHS waiting lists during PMQs

Brianna Ghey’s mother has said she wants to create a lasting legacy for her daughter by creating a more “understanding, peaceful, and stronger society” in her first comments since Rishi Sunak’s trans jibe at Prime Minister’s Questions.

In a message posted on her Peace and Mind Facebook page, Esther Ghey said: “I don’t wish to comment on reports of wording or comments recently made. My focus is on creating a positive change and a lasting legacy for Brianna.

“Through Peace & Mind, we want to improve lives by empowering people, giving them the tools they need to build mental resilience, empathy, and self-compassion through mindfulness.

“In developing these skills, I hope that we can create a more understanding, peaceful, and stronger society for everyone.”

Earlier, the prime minister refused to apologise to the parents of a murdered teenager after making a transgender joke in the commons.

He insisted his comments on Wednesday, made while Brianna Ghey’s mother Esther was visiting parliament, were “absolutely legitimate” because he was pointing out Sir Keir Starmer’s U-turns.

Key Points

• Sunak makes joke about trans people at PMQs
• Brianna’s mother breaks silence on Sunak row
• Jibe made as Brianna Ghey’s mother visited parliament
• Brianna’s father demands apology over ‘disgusting’ remarks
• Starmer meets Esther Ghey

[7 February 2024 13:56 · Matt Mathers]

Watch: Sunak makes trans jibe at PMQs

[7 February 2024 13:53 · Matt Mathers]

Sunak branded an ‘absolute disgrace'

Senior Labour MP Jess Phillips has branded Rishi Sunak an “absolute disgrace” for making a jibe about trans people at PMQs.

She went on to describe the PM as a “deplorable man with no heart, no sense, no clue.”

“The sooner we are rid the better,” she added.

[7 February 2024 13:51 · Matt Mathers]

Sunak jibe came days before anniversary of Brianna’s death

Rishi Sunak’s joke about trans people came just days before the first anniversary of Brianna’s murder.

The 16-year-old was lured to Culcheth Linear Park, Warrington on 11 February last year and stabbed repeatedly by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who were jailed for life last week after being found guilty of murder.

Jenkinson was sentenced to a minimum term of 22 years imprisonment while Ratcliffe got a minimum term of 20 years imprisonment.

Briann Ghey

Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe (Cheshire Constabulary/PA) (PA Media)

[7 February 2024 13:46 · Matt Mathers]

In full: Rishi Sunak makes trans jibe in front of Brianna Ghey’s mother

The tone deaf remarks were in reference to Mr Starmer’s previous comments that “99.9 per cent of women do not have penises,” a comment that itself drew criticism.

Mr Starmer replied: “Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna’s mother is in this chamber. Shame.”

The Labour leader added that the PM was “parading as a man of integrity when he has got absolutely no responsibility”, while shouts of shame ran up from the backbenches.

Full report:

[7 February 2024 13:44 · Matt Mathers]

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live politics coverage.

Rishi Sunak is facing a backlash after making a joke about trans people at PMQs.

We’ll bring you all the latest updates on this story and others from Westminster and elsewhere throughout the afternoon.