Labour MP labels Ann Widdecombe ‘woke’ over trans prisoner debate

A Labour MP has branded Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe as “woke” following her remarks on the treatment of trans prisoners.

Jonathan Hinder, Labour MP for Northbridge, used the term “woke right” to describe Widdecombe after she criticised the government’s stance on housing trans women in male prisons. Writing in a column for GB News, Widdecombe urged Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch to “grow up” and clarify whether it is Conservative policy to place trans prisoners in facilities that may endanger them.

“We have a duty to ensure [trans female prisoners’] safety too,” Widdecombe wrote. “They would not be safe in a male prison but liable to serious sexual assault, including rape.”

Hinder responded on social media, saying: “The ‘Woke Right’ not letting this drop. Incredible.” His comment appeared to highlight the irony of a traditionally right-wing figure advocating for protections often associated with progressive politics.

The debate stems from Reform UK’s new justice adviser Vanessa Frake stating that trans prisoners should not be automatically excluded from female prisons. Speaking to The Telegraph, Frake, a former prison security official, said: “It’s all about the risk assessments for me, and each has to be done on an individual basis. There are equally vile women as there possibly are trans women.”

Frake’s comments prompted a clarification from Reform UK, which stated that her views did not represent official party policy. Widdecombe later reiterated that Reform UK’s position is that prisoners should be housed according to their birth sex, but acknowledged that a small number of trans individuals have undergone extensive medical transition and may pose no risk in female facilities.