Hull East MP Karl Turner has Labour whip restored

Karl Turner has had the Labour whip restored after an almost six-month long suspension.

The MP for Kingston upon Hull East, who had been an outspoken critic of Keir Starmer and other senior Labour figures, was suspended following an interview with campaigner and former Workers’ Party candidate Jody McIntyre.

Turner had been openly critical of former Justice Secretary David Lammy over controversial plans to scrap jury trials, which have since been dropped under Andy Burnham.

It was understood that Turner’s suspension was due to his then “recent conduct”, with the whip restored on a “probationary basis”.

The Labour Whip has now been restored.

The agreed statement is attached.

I will not comment further on this issue.

Any media enquires should be directed to the office of the Labour Party Chief Whip. https://t.co/qQfc95q4zp

— Karl Turner MP (@KarlTurnerMP) October 21, 2026

In a 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.

“With the party under new leadership and a renewed approach to managing differences of opinion, I am keen to move forward positively and draw a line under this episode.

“I am grateful to have had the whip restored and to the government chief whip for her constructive approach. I have given her assurances as to my future conduct. I remain committed to supporting the Prime Minister and look forward to once again playing my full part as a Labour Member of Parliament.”

Turner also said he will not be commenting further on the issue.

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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.”

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