Hull MP Karl Turner has Labour whip restored after suspension

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 08:02 · Archive

Hull East MP Karl Turner has had the Labour whip restored on a probationary basis after his suspension from the parliamentary party in March. Turner was suspended for publicly criticising government policy, particularly plans to restrict jury trials in England and Wales. He had also criticised Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, describing the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election defeat to the Greens as 'catastrophic'.

In an agreed statement with party leadership, Turner offered a public apology. He said: 'I want to take this opportunity to apologise and reflect on the offence I may have caused colleagues in recent months.' He acknowledged that in advancing his arguments, his approach was sometimes overly robust and that his words or actions caused offence to colleagues. However, Turner maintained that his concerns over restricting jury trials reflected his 'long-standing commitment to justice and the rule of law'.

Turner added he was keen to 'move forward positively and draw a line under this episode' under the party's new leadership and 'renewed approach to managing differences of opinion'. The Labour Party welcomed his constructive engagement and public apology. Having the whip restored means Turner is again an official member of the Labour parliamentary group and is expected to follow the party line on votes.

How it is being reported

• Time to 'draw a line under this episode': Karl Turner has Labour whip restoredThe outspoken East Hull MP was not happy with proposals to restrict jury trials in England and Wales - but in a joint statement agreed with the party leadership, he has now offered a public apology and expressed his desire to 'move forward'Hull Daily Mail · 22 Oct, 07:28
• Hull MP has the Labour whip restoredKarl Turner is back in the parliamentary party after his suspension for criticising the government.BBC Humberside · 21 Oct, 17:58

In this story: Karl Turner · Labour Party · Hull East · Sir Keir Starmer · Andy Burnham

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