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Andy Burnham requests correction to parliamentary record over Ann Widdecombe murder remarks
Overview
Andy Burnham has asked for Parliament's official record to be corrected after mistakenly stating during Prime Minister's Questions that an individual was responsible for the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The remarks drew criticism from Conservatives for breaching the presumption of innocence and the sub judice rule, as a man has been charged but is yet to stand trial. Downing Street confirmed that a correction has been issued to Hansard.
Key points
- Andy Burnham asked for Parliament's official record to be corrected following remarks made during Prime Minister's Questions.
- Burnham had stated an individual was responsible for the murder of 78-year-old former minister Ann Widdecombe.
- Conservative MPs criticized the comments for breaching the presumption of innocence and Parliament's sub judice rule.
- A man, Joshua Kerry, was charged with the murder in July and is awaiting trial next year, having not yet entered a plea.
- No 10 confirmed a correction has been issued to Hansard and will be published.