An MP who had the Labour whip suspended after criticising the government's ‘utterly ludicrous' policy to curb jury trials has had the whip restored on a probationary basis after apologising for his conduct during clashes on the controversial reform.
In a post on X, former criminal law barrister Karl Turner, who has been sitting as an independent for the past few months, confirmed that the Labour whip had been restored.
In an ‘agreed statement’, Turner said: ‘I want to take this opportunity to apologise and reflect on the offence I may have caused colleagues in recent months. In particular, I recognise that my conduct during disagreements over the government’s proposals to curtail jury trials was, at times, unacceptable.
‘My concerns were sincerely held and reflected my longstanding commitment to justice and the rule of law. However, I acknowledge that, in advancing those arguments, my approach was sometimes overly robust and that my words or actions caused offence to colleagues.’
A Labour party spokesperson said: ‘Following discussions with the government chief whip, Karl Turner MP has had the Labour whip restored on a probationary basis. The chief whip welcomes Karl Turner’s constructive engagement and his acknowledgement that aspects of his behaviour, actions and public comments fell short of the standards expected of Labour MPs.
‘We welcome his public apology and the undertakings he has given regarding his future conduct. We now look forward to moving ahead positively, with Karl Turner continuing to contribute as a Labour MP.’
The Courts and Tribunals Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons after justice secretary Alex Norris scrapped the proposed new Crown Court Bench Division, which would have significantly narrowed the scope of cases heard by a jury. The bill will have its second reading in the Lords on 27 October.
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