Rishi Sunak needs to say sorry. Using transgender people as a political punchline in the Commons last week while the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey was in parliament was grossly offensive. He should apologise rather than continue with self-exculpatory dodges. By failing to acknowledge his error – and make amends – Mr Sunak emphasises a lack of a connection with, curiosity about and compassion for others.
Brianna’s father was right when he called the prime minister’s words degrading and dehumanising. He has asked for an apology. But it’s hard to communicate with people if you haven’t listened to them. These are grieving parents of a young person who was murdered, in part, because of her transgender identity. Expressing regret for his crass jibe is the least Mr Sunak can do. But, sadly, grubby electoral calculations appear more important to him than basic human decency.
