Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to apologise and correct the record after making a significant legal blunder during Prime Minister’s Questions today.
Prime Minister Starmer erroneously claimed that Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak during the pandemic equated to criminal convictions.
The misstep, particularly embarrassing given Starmer’s former role as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Critics argue that a man who once led the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) should clearly understand the distinction between an administrative penalty and a criminal conviction.
What Are Fixed Penalty Notices?
FPNs, as the RAC explains, are not criminal convictions:
“A fixed penalty is issued by the police for minor offences and isn’t classed as a criminal conviction. If you pay the fine on time, that’s the end of the matter and all liability for the offence is discharged. It will not form part of a criminal record.”
Boris Johnson, one of those implicated in Starmer’s erroneous claim, responded swiftly. Speaking to Guido Fawkes, Johnson demanded that the Prime Minister correct the record:
“The Prime Minister has clearly misled the House and should correct the record today.”
Embarrassing for Starmer
The gaffe is particularly damning for Starmer, whose legal career and time as DPP would presumably make him well-versed in such distinctions. This blunder has raised questions about his credibility as both a legal expert and a political leader.
The Fallout
The misstatement came during a heated exchange in PMQs when Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch landed a jab at Starmer, saying:
“The country needs conviction politicians, not politicians with convictions.”
This was a pointed reference to former Labour Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who resigned after revelations of a criminal conviction for theft.
Starmer, attempting a retort, said:
“I gently remind her that two of her predecessors had convictions for breaking the COVID rules.”
However, Starmer’s comment has been widely criticised for its inaccuracy. FPNs are administrative penalties, not criminal convictions—a nuance that many argue Starmer, of all people, should have understood.
A Troubling Pattern
This incident marks the second legal misstep by Starmer in as many weeks. Critics suggest that such repeated errors undermine his credibility and highlight a concerning lack of precision for someone in his position.
Will Starmer Apologise?
As the rules of parliamentary conduct stipulate, misleading the House is a grave matter requiring immediate correction. Starmer is now under significant pressure to apologise and clarify his remarks.
The question remains: will the former DPP take responsibility for this glaring error, or will he persist in doubling down, risking further damage to his credibility?
One thing is clear: the public expects better from a leader who once championed the rule of law.
