Emily Thornberry defends attack ad against Sunak after Labor was accused of 'nasty politics'

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Labour MP Emily Thornberry has defended a party attack ad claiming Rishi Sunak doesn't think child molesters should go to jail.

The Shadow Attorney General admitted it. has faced widespread criticism, including that the social media post is "racist", but she said the critics were "wrong".

Leading Labor figures joined the Tories to express their discomfort with the campaign announcement while Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell refused to endorse it.

The Independent also includes that other members of Sir Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet are not comfortable with this tactic.

The row centers on a tweet in which Labor calls itself "the party of the law and order".

Next to a photo of the Prime Minister, an image reads: "Do you think adults convicted of child sexual abuse should go to jail? Rishi Sunak doesn't."

He pointed to Labor's analysis of Justice Department data, saying, "Under the Tories, 4,500 adults convicted of sexual assaults on children under 16 have not served any prison time. The work will lock up dangerous child abusers."

Ms Thornberry told BBC Radio 4's Any Questions: "I've heard a lot of people criticizing it, and a lot of people I love and respect criticizing it and saying they felt very uncomfortable about it. Some people said they thought it was racist.

"I have to say, I think they're wrong. I disagree with that. I think the truth is that we need to have a debate in this country, and Rishi Sunak is the Prime Minister and he is responsible for a broken justice system. align-none">

Emily Thornberry defended the attack announcement (Jacob King/ PA)

(PA Archive)

When asked if she honestly thought Mr Sunak shared these views, Ms Thornberry replied: "If he thinks all those responsible for child abuse should get a custodial sentence, why don't so many people get a custodial sentence?

"He's the first mini...