Burnham apologises after appearing to convict Ann Widdecombe's accused killer at PMQs before any trial
Ann Widdecombe, whose Devon home was targeted in a suspected terrorist attack; Joshua Kerry, 28, also faces charges relating to a separate alleged terror plot targeting Reform leader Nigel Farage.Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has apologised after telling MPs that a named individual was "responsible for the murder" of Widdecombe before any verdict was reached.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has apologised and placed a correction on the parliamentary record after telling MPs at PMQs that an "individual" was "responsible for the murder" of Ann Widdecombe — statements made before any verdict had been reached. Joshua Kerry, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder in July and is scheduled to go on trial at the High Court in June next year. Shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman called the remarks "directly contrary to the rule of law" and a violation of the presumption of innocence that "goes back to Magna Carta." Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell confirmed Burnham had "acknowledged that he misspoke" and apologised.
Kerry also faces charges relating to a separate alleged terror plot targeting Reform leader Nigel Farage.
Jesse Norman warned that, in any setting outside Parliament, Burnham's words could amount to contempt of court.
No 10 initially declined to comment Wednesday evening, with a spokeswoman saying only that "the fact that we have issued an update speaks for itself."
