Karl Turner MP seeks ‘full explanation’ for loss of Labour whip through solicitor

‘I WILL SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER’: Karl Turner MP

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Hull MP Karl Turner says he is “surprised and disappointed” to have lost the Labour whip and is seeking an explanation through his solicitor.

The Hull East MP had the whip suspended today and will now sit as an independent.

He has also sought to reassure his constituents amid the furore, saying: “I will continue to work tirelessly for the people of East Hull.”

Mr Turner said he was sure his suspension related to his opposition to plans to limit jury trials as a means of reducing the courts backlog.

In a statement released to The Hull Story, Mr Turner said: “I joined the Labour Party at 13 and have been a loyal member ever since. In 16 years as a Labour Member of Parliament, I have never broken the whip except on the issue of jury trials. That is why I am surprised and disappointed to have been suspended from the Labour whip without any prior verbal communication, and I have written to the Chief Whip, through my Solicitor, to seek a full explanation of the reasons behind this decision.

“It is clear this relates to my stance on jury trials, where I have offered what I believe to be robust but fair criticism. I will not stand back from speaking truth to power when it matters. Jury trials are a cornerstone of our democracy and a vital safeguard in our justice system. Weakening them will not solve the Crown Court backlog; it will undermine public confidence while doing nothing to address the real causes; years of underinvestment, crumbling courts, outdated technology, and insufficient resources.

“It is fundamentally dishonest to suggest juries are the problem. These plans are unworkable, ill-conceived, and not supported by any evidence. Serious concerns have been raised across the legal profession, including by the Bar Council, Criminal Bar Association, Law Society, and numerous charities. Support for these proposals is scarce, while experts warn they could do little to reduce the backlog, risk miscarriages of justice, and even increase harm to vulnerable victims.”

The statement also appears to refer to an interview Mr Turner recently gave to Jody McIntryre, a campaigner who had stood against Labour’s Jess Phillips in the 2024 General Election.

Mr Turner said: “There have also been reports regarding an interview I gave last week. At the time, I was unaware of the interviewer’s wider views, and had I known then what I know now, I would not have participated. I have already requested corrections where my comments were misrepresented.”

He added: “Despite this disagreement, I want to build bridges with my Party, the Prime Minister, and the Government. I want to help repair our justice system and ensure this Labour government delivers the change people elected us to achieve.

“My commitment to the Labour Party is unchanged. My loyalty remains, but so does my determination to stand up for what is right. I will continue to speak out against these proposals because my duty is to act in good faith, according to my principles, and to protect the most vulnerable.

“Above all, I will continue to work tirelessly for the people of East Hull. My constituents come first, and no suspension or disagreement will stop me from standing up for them and fighting for the community I am proud to serve.”

Mr Turner’s solicitor, Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors, said: “We have asked the Chief Whip to specify the allegations Karl faces. We did that in January when the issue first came up, when he simply chose not to respond.

“We have done so again today. For a party that prides itself on principles of fairness and open justice, this is not a good day for them. It seems they consider themselves above the law with no obligation to explain themselves.

“It cannot be right to suspend someone, not knowing why, and expect them just to carry on, without recognising the risks surrounding that approach. It is a dark day for the Party when they exhibit such reckless disregard for the wellbeing of loyal and long standing servants such as Karl.”