Prosecutors to appeal decision to throw out terror case against Kneecap rapper

Prosecutors will appeal against a court’s decision to throw out the terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh.

A terrorism case against the rapper was thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.

The 27-year-old from Belfast, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024.

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a short statement it would be appealing against the decision because “we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified”.

Following the hearing in which the case was dismissed, Ó hAnnaidh vowed the rap trio would “not be silenced”, saying that the process was not about him, but instead about Gaza.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring, who sat at Woolwich Crown Court on 26 September, had said the charge brought against Ó hAnnaidh was “unlawful” and that he had no jurisdiction to try the case.

His ruling agreed with O hAnnaidh’s lawyers, who argued that the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on 21 May.

Concluding the reasons for his decision, the chief magistrate said: “I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and AG (Attorney General) consent within the six-month statutory time limit.

“The time limit requires consent to have been granted at the time or before the issue of the requisition,” he continued. “Consequently the charge is unlawful and null and this court has no jurisdiction to try the charge.”

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove previously told a court that permission from the DPP and AG was not required until the defendant’s first court appearance and that permission did not need to be sought in order to bring a criminal charge.

The chief magistrate dismissed the arguments, telling the court they “defy logic”.

The decision to appeal against the judgment comes as Attorney General Lord Hermer warned shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick not to prejudice future proceedings against O hAnnaidh, asking him to “carefully consider any further public comments”.

Mr Jenrick had previously written to Lord Hermer calling for an urgent inquiry into the issue, claiming it “raised serious questions about the competence of all those involved”.

The chief magistrate labelled the decision to charge O hAnnaidh as “unlawful” as he dismissed the case while sitting at Woolwich Crown Court on September 26.

Prosecutors allege O hAnnaidh can be seen in a recording of a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, which shows him wearing and displaying the flag of Hezbollah while saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.

After the hearing last month, he said: “This entire process was never about me.

“It was never about any threat to the public, it was never about terrorism – a word used by your Government to discredit people you oppress.

“It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.”

In an interview with Virgin Media News, the rapper told the Prime Minister “better luck next time”, adding: “Even if it had went to court we would have won anyway.”

British steel facing ‘existential threat’ after EU hikes tariffs

The British steel industry has been plunged into crisis after the European Union announced plans to slap 50 per cent tariffs on UK imports.

In what is a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s mission to reset relations with the bloc after Brexit, the European Commission revealed plans to double the current level of 25 per cent, while reducing tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tonnes a year – a 47 per cent reduction.

The director general of UK Steel said the fresh tariffs would be “devastating” to the industry, which currently exports 78 per cent of its steel to the EU. The increase comes after the industry is still dealing with the impact of 25 per cent tariffs on imports to the US, imposed by Donald Trump.

The prime minister has said he is in discussions with both the US and EU about the tariffs, saying the government is strongly supportive of the steel industry.

Gareth Stace, of UK Steel, warned the government must “go all-out” to secure quotas for the UK or “potentially face disaster”.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: “This is perhaps the biggest crisis the UK steel industry has ever faced.

“The US has closed off its steel market to imports, and today, what we’ve seen is the EU proposing to do the same.

“We’re seeing a rapid rise of protectionist trade measures all over the world. And let me tell you, the last country to defend its steel industry will be the first country to deindustrialise. This is a massive issue for our sector.

“If the UK government can’t get round the table with the EU and convince the EU that we’re their friend, not their enemy, and then carve out a reasonable quota for UK exports into the EU, then we will see job losses in our sector.

“We will never, if we can’t get a deal, be the same steel sector in the UK ever again if we cannot trade with our biggest trading partner.”

Alasdair McDiarmid, assistant general secretary at the Community trade union, said: “Given that around 80 per cent of the UK’s steel exports go to Europe, the new measures proposed by the EU represent an existential threat to our industry, as well as the thousands of jobs and communities it supports right across the country.”

And Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB union national officer, branded the measures a “hammer blow” to the UK steel industry. “This could be the end of steelmaking in the UK if proper safeguards aren’t secured,” she said.

Speaking to reporters on a plane on his way to India for a trade visit, Sir Keir said he was in talks with the US and EU over the tariffs.

He said: “Our position in relation to our steel industry is one of strong support, as you saw from Scunthorpe and Port Talbot.

“In relation to the question of tariffs or other measures, as you’d expect, we are in discussions with the EU about this, as we’re in discussions with the US about it. So I’ll be able to tell you more in due course, but we are in discussions as you’d expect.”

Pressed on whether he was seeking exemptions from the tariffs, the prime minister said: “I’m not going to go into the details, but I’m going to tell you in clear terms as you would expect, we are discussing this with the EU and with the US.”

Meanwhile, industry minister Chris McDonald said the government is “pushing for urgent clarification” in the wake of the announcement, saying the UK will “always defend our critical steel industry”.

“It’s vital we protect trade flows between the UK and EU, and we will work with our closest allies to address global challenges rather than adding to our industries’ woes.

“This government has shown its commitment to our steel industry by securing preferential access to the US market for our exporters, and we continue to explore stronger trade measures to protect UK steel producers from unfair behaviours,” he said.

The latest blow comes after months of uncertainty for the industry following the announcement of Donald Trump’s tariffs.

A US-UK deal signed earlier this year slashed trade barriers on a number of goods for both countries, but left British steel exports at 25 per cent, rather than falling to zero as originally agreed.

McGregor hit with UFC ban after anti-doping violation

Conor McGregor has “accepted” an 18-month ban from the UFC after three absences during attempted drug tests, the mixed martial arts promotion has announced.

The UFC said in a statement on Tuesday (7 October) that McGregor, a former two-weight champion in the organisation, had missed three drug tests in 2024 – on 13 June, 19 September, and 20 September of that year.

As a result, the UFC has banned McGregor from competing until 20 March 2026, with the suspension backdated to the date of his final missed test.

That means the Irishman, 37, could still compete on the planned UFC event at the White House next June. McGregor has made clear his desire to feature on that fight card, although UFC president Dana White has stressed that negotiations with fighters have not yet begun.

A UFC statement released on Tuesday read: “Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) announced today that Conor McGregor, of Dublin, Ireland, has accepted an 18-month period of ineligibility for a violation of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP).

“McGregor missed three attempted biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, which constitutes a violation of the UFC ADP. UFC athletes are required to provide accurate whereabouts information at all times, so they can be contacted and submit to biological sample collections without prior warning.

“McGregor’s missed tests occurred on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024, and were each classified as Whereabouts Failures by CSAD under the UFC ADP.

“Although McGregor failed to make himself available for testing on those dates, CSAD noted that he was recovering from an injury and was not preparing for an upcoming fight at the time of the three missed tests. McGregor fully cooperated with CSAD’s investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided detailed information that CSAD determined contributed to the missed tests.

“Despite these mitigating factors, CSAD emphasizes that accurate whereabouts filings and the ability to conduct unannounced testing are essential to the success of the UFC ADP. Taking McGregor’s cooperation and circumstances into account, CSAD reduced the standard 24-month sanction for three whereabouts failures by six months.

“His period of ineligibility began on September 20, 2024 (the date of his third whereabouts failure) and will conclude on March 20, 2026.”

McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his second straight loss to old rival Dustin Poirier.

The Irishman was due to return to the Octagon in June 2024 but sustained a broken toe, withdrawing from a planned fight with Michael Chandler on two weeks’ notice.

More recently, McGregor has involved himself in politics, but this month he ceased his pursuit of becoming president of Ireland. He said the nation’s eligibility criteria was a “straitjacket”.

McGregor has also battled numerous legal issues in recent years and, in November, a civil jury found in favour of a woman who had accused him of rape in 2018. McGregor was found liable for assault, and his appeal against the verdict failed in July, but he continues to deny all allegations against him.

Stephen Lawrence’s killer apologises to family but explains why he won’t name accomplices

Stephen Lawrence’s killer has said he is “deeply sorry” to the teenager’s family for his part in the racist murder – but has insisted he cannot name his accomplices.

David Norris told a Parole Board hearing he was “disgusted and ashamed with himself” for taking part in the 1993 stabbing, but said he and his family would be “at risk” if he divulged details of the others involved.

Speaking publicly for the first time about his role in the notorious murder, he said he was caught up in a “gang mentality” as he described punching the aspiring architect, 18, as he was crouched on the ground.

Questioned if any of the group had a weapon, he told the parole hearing: “I am not here to discuss other people, I am here to take responsibility for my part in what happened, my actions.”

Norris told the hearing there were five individuals involved in the murder, but claimed he did not see the 22cm blade which inflicted the fatal blows until they fled the scene.

The group never spoke about the incident except to say “be careful of what you say from here on in, and it was never spoken about again”, Norris told the hearing.

He insisted there is “no group loyalty” or “criminal code” preventing him from naming his accomplices, adding: “There is one reason and one reason only, because I’m worried about the safety of my family.”

Only two of Mr Lawrence’s five or six alleged attackers have ever faced justice after Norris was jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years, along with Gary Dobson, who must serve a minimum of 15 years, in a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence in 2012.

A panel of experts from the Parole Board must now decide whether he is safe to be released or moved to an open prison.

In a prepared statement at the start of his evidence, Norris, now 49, apologised to the Lawrence family and the entire black community.

“The guilt I have carried around all these years has been a very heavy burden upon my shoulders,” he said, adding Mr Lawrence was “completely innocent”.

He admitted he was a “horrible, violent, racist” 16-year-old who was “fixated on becoming a gangster” when the group targeted Mr Lawrence and his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, southeast London, in 1993.

“It also affected the wider community as well, especially the black community,” he said.

“It must have made some, if not all, not feel safe walking around the streets of London and I want to sincerely apologise to the whole black and ethnic community for the fear I have caused.”

However, Mr Lawrence’s grieving mother told the panel he was an “obvious danger to society” and should not be released.

In a statement read by her lawyer, Imran Khan, Baroness Doreen Lawrence said: “I am of the view that this person is a risk to society and dangerous.

“I simply can’t see him walking the streets of our diverse country without thinking that he would harm someone like me – a black person – someone he described as wanting to kill and torture.”

She reminded the hearing of a shocking covert police recording of Norris and Dobson from 1994, known as the Footscray tapes, in which Norris discussed how he would “kill every black c***” he knows.

He later discussed taking two submachine guns to Catford, a diverse area of southeast London.

“Any person who expresses views like this and doesn’t recant is an obvious danger to society and must remain in custody,” Baroness Lawrence added.

She said Norris forced her to listen to “denial after denial” during his 2012 trial, adding he did not show “a hint of empathy or feeling for me or what my family had gone through”.

Mr Lawrence’s father agreed his son’s killer has not shown “genuine remorse”, adding that “justice has not been done” if Norris is released without naming the other members of the gang.

Dr Lawrence said at times he did not think he would survive during the 18-year battle for justice, during which time his marriage to Baroness Lawrence broke down.

In her opening remarks, the panel chair, Cassie Williams, said Mr Lawrence’s murder was an “awful crime” which had a “profound impact on society”.

Referring to the judge’s sentencing remarks when Norris was jailed in 2012, she said the judge noted he had “not shown the slightest regret” and had “lied to the court”.

Norris, who had always denied involvement, finally admitted he was at the scene of the murder in prison. He told the hearing he was inspired to take responsibility for actions after he watched a documentary featuring Mr Lawrence’s father, which touched him “deeply”.

“The next day I thought I have got to do the right thing for my soul and hopefully it will give the family some peace,” he said.

The prisoner, who was wearing a dark T-shirt, glasses and has short, greying hair, was only visible from behind as the prison hearing was streamed to the Royal Courts of Justice.

He claimed he hopes to one day remarry and live a crime-free life in a new area, away from his old criminal associates. He told the panel he stopped socialising with the other group members in 2002 or 2003.

Despite his apparent contrition, he admitted he would not have handed himself in, and justice would not have been served if he had not been convicte,d because he did not want to leave his children.

His prison offender manager (POM) said she could not rule out that the father of five had changed his stance in order to aid his release efforts. She told the panel that she does not believe Norris is ready for release or to be moved to open conditions.

The panel heard he has completed courses relating to racism and violence in custody, but prison records allege he used a racial slur as recently as October 2022, which he denies.

Prison officers found a mobile phone and a sharpened screwdriver in his cell in 2022, and he last failed a drug test in June 2023, the hearing was told.

Norris also rejected prison intelligence reports that suggested he and two other inmates were English Defence League supporters.

Asked if he was worried he would be a “poster boy for the far right” on his release because of his crime, he replied: “Of course.”

He claimed he would reject any attempts to persuade him to join far-right groups and that he does not hold those beliefs.

A bungled police investigation led to the landmark MacPherson Inquiry, which concluded that the Metropolitan Police’s probe into the murder was marred by institutional racism. However, Norris told the panel he had never sat down to read the inquiry’s findings.

Ahead of the hearing, Mr Lawrence’s father said Norris should not be considered for parole until he names the other members of the racist gang.

“It’s important for me because of what these people have done,” Dr Lawrence said.

“They ruined my life. They’ve caused me not to be able to live in this country. They’ve robbed me of the chance of seeing my son getting married, of having (his) grandchildren.

“This man has robbed me of so much that there is no way I can even start to think that he should be allowed to walk free.”

The hearing continues.

How the warm weather has created a bumper crop of berries and acorns

A summer of sun followed by a spell of rain has set the UK up well for a bright and colourful autumn, as a bumper crop of acorns, conkers and berries arrives across the country.  

National Trust experts have called it a “mast year”; a crop phenomenon occurring once every four years in which certain trees produce an abundance of nuts and berries. 

John Deakin, head of trees and woodland at the organisation, said: “In recent years, with the climate becoming more unpredictable, it’s become even trickier to predict autumn colour. 

“However, this year with the combination of reasonably widespread rainfall in September and a particularly settled spring we should hopefully see a prolonged period of trees moving into senescence…which leads to the revealing of other pigments that give leaves their autumn colour, as well as a bounty of nuts and berries.”

Several parks and gardens had initially entered a “false autumn” due to the summer’s dry period, but Steve Feazey, Sheffield Park and Garden’s head gardener, said: “Our trees have had a good drink and we are now hopeful that our autumn display will be as fiery and spectacular as ever.” 

Mr Feazey said cold and frosty nights in the upcoming weeks will also help to bring out the orange colours. 

Petworth House and Park in West Sussex also reported a false start to its autumn, but says the autumn colours have now arrived alongside a bountiful crop of corns, chestnuts, and beech nuts.

Professor Jane Memmott, an ecologist from the University of Bristol, said there was a huge pulse of nutrients coming into the ecological systems with acorns and sweet chestnuts being particularly abundant this summer.  

She said the UK can see a set of conditions that creates the right environment for this to happen, allowing for more crops to germinate and giving animals plenty to feed on during the season as well. “People tend to think about all the birds and all the mammals but there’s a whole slew of insects that feed on the seeds as well,” she said. 

In September, the National Trust said the weather conditions also brought a bumper crop of apples, squash, and pumpkins. 

Experts say the hot summer even affected drinks, making the grapes, berries, and apples sweeter, while strengthening the alcohol content in cider and wine. 

Bartosz Pinkosz, the operations director of The Summer Berry Company in West Sussex, said: “We’ve seen an exceptional abundance of strawberries this year – large, sweet and full-flavoured thanks to the continual sunshine and cool nights that let the plants rest and develop steadily.”

Norwegian nature: Enjoy wild, wonderful adventures on a safari-at-sea

Norway’s rugged coast is chock-full of natural beauty, dotted with steep fjords where the mountains meet the sea and teeming with all kinds of curious wildlife, from orcas, humpbacks, and over 80 species of seabirds to red foxes, reindeer, and otters. Norwegians are famous for their deep love of the outdoors, which even has its own word: friluftsliv. It helps that it is home to more than 150,000 lakes and is known for its dramatic fjord-fringed landscapes and shimmering glaciers. It’s also one of the best places to catch the technicolour magic of the Aurora Borealis.

What’s more, if you explore this breathtaking region on a Hurtigruten cruise, you’ll do so alongside the expert local Expedition Team, who have spent years traversing Norway’s rugged coastline. They are always on hand to provide engaging insights into the nature, wildlife, and culture you’ll encounter on every voyage. They go above and beyond to ensure you experience more than just the tourist hot spots. Each team member has their own area of expertise and hosts regular lectures for those who want to delve deeper into a specific interest. They also encourage you to join them on their hand-picked hikes and activities, which are at an additional cost and subject to availability but offer the chance to explore with those who know the area best.

Drawing on over 130 years of travel experience, Original and Signature Hurtigruten Voyages lead passengers along Norway’s dramatic Arctic coastline, showcasing its remarkable natural beauty in all its glory, with options to stop off in various locations along the way. As you sail between destinations, keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that frequents the area. The coastline is a popular haunt for mammals like giant humpbacks, frolicking seals and playful porpoises.

During time spent on land, depending on your route, you might also come face-to-face with reindeer in the north or the elusive lynx, not to mention the flora that decorates the landscape in various seasons. Some routes stop at Mehamn, a traditional fishing town with only 800 inhabitants. From here, you can embark on an excursion to learn about the Sámi, an indigenous people from Europe’s northernmost region, known for reindeer herding, traditional handicrafts, and a deep connection to nature. Get to know the family, hear their stories and joik chanting, and try dried reindeer meat around a fire in a lavvo tent.

There are many different journeys you can take, depending on what you want to get out of your cruise. Trace the historic Coastal Express route on one of their Original Voyages, Hurtigruten’s first and most iconic route, established in 1893 and often hailed as the world’s most beautiful voyage. You’ll cover 2,500 nautical miles and visit 34 ports, starting in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, where you can hop on a funicular to the summit of Mount Fløyen and soak up the incredible views of the city, the nearby fjords, and the surrounding mountains.

The North Cape Line Winter route is another popular cruise for nature lovers. This Signature Voyage adventure starts and finishes in Norway’s Capital, Oslo. The Signature Voyages take things up a notch, offering unmatched views of Norway’s best bits with more time to explore each stop. They’re also a hit with foodies, thanks to the all-inclusive option featuring award-winning restaurants and seasonal produce from Norway’s bountiful coastline.

Åndalsnes is also a favourite stop on the route, home to soaring mountains overlooking the surrounding town. It’s the ultimate hotspot for hikers, climbers and skiers thanks to its abundant accessible natural beauty. The Troll Wall is a highlight for adrenaline seekers here; this 1,000-metre vertical cliff in the Romsdalen valley boasts some of the most epic views from atop, including 360-degree vistas of Romsdalshorn, Åndalsnes town centre, and the Rauma River.

This route also takes you to The City of Northern Lights, Alta, where you can stand at the northernmost point in Europe, Cape Point in Honningsvåg – the perfect vantage point for those trying to catch this incredible natural phenomenon. Hurtigruten is so confident you’ll see the lights that they even offer a ‘Northern Lights Promise’: a free cruise if you don’t see them during the season (valid on 11-day plus voyages from 20th September to 31st March).

Many of the routes stop at Lofoten, an archipelago with immense peaks and fishing villages sandwiched between slopes. It’s not hard to see why this chain of islands is referred to as one of Norway’s most beautiful locations. Hiking opportunities abound here, and most trails lead to spectacular vistas, or if you prefer to stay on the water, you can hop in a kayak and enjoy a leisurely paddle.

Lofoten isn’t the only archipelago you’ll see on specific routes — keep an eye out for the Vega archipelago, a collection of around 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. On Gardsøy Island, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Centre with dedicated huts for local eider ducks to build their nests.

Journeying south along Norway’s west coast, many of the routes also take you past some of the country’s most famous fjords, including Hardangerfjord, measuring a whopping 179 kilometres in length, making it the second longest fjord in the country and fifth longest in the world. Get your cameras ready, as you’ll be treated to panoramic mountain vistas from every direction, with snow-capped peaks peeking over the fjord reflected on mirror-like water.

Hurtigruten cruises stop at Torsken on the southbound leg of the Svalbard Line, one of their premium, all-inclusive Signature Voyages that sails from Bergen to the Arctic archipelago and back. The secluded fishing village of Torsken is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts, tucked away in Torskenfjorden on the rugged west coast of Senja Island. It’s home to just a handful of houses, workshops, and small piers sprinkled with fishing boats and is the ideal base for exploring Norway’s second-largest island, Senja.

Senja’s stunning coastline has been rightly nicknamed the ‘Caribbean of the North’ thanks to its white-sand beaches and towering mountain peaks. It’s best to take an excursion and explore by small boat to spot white-tailed eagles, seals, seabirds like cormorants, and maybe even a golden eagle. Whether exploring Senja or simply soaking up sea views from onboard, a Hurtigruten cruise offers a chance to connect with nature, wildlife, and Norway’s stunning landscapes, with countless routes to choose from.

Book your Norwegian adventure for less, with up to 30% off, plus 10% off excursions on selected Coastal Express and North Cape Line voyages. For offers, routes and excursion info, visit Hurtigruten.

Two men arrested over cyber attack on nurseries in London

Two arrests have been made after a cyber attack on a chain of nurseries in London.

Specialist officers from Met Police raided a number of residential properties in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, where two people were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse as well as blackmail.

The Met Police arrested two men, aged 17 and 22, at the scene and took them in to custody where they remain for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.

It comes as the force received a referral from Action Fraud on 25 September detailing a ransomware attack on a set of pre-schools in Greater London. Cyberhackers allegedly used pictures, along with the names of around 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain, to demand ransom money.

Will Lyne, Met’s Head of Economic and Cybercrime, said: “Since these attacks took place, specialist Met investigators have been working at pace to identify those responsible.

“We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern, especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.

“We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.

“These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

Gender critical activists accused of ‘hateful’ remarks after suggesting trans rights supporters have ‘broken brains’

Gender critical campaigners have been accused of making “hateful” and “extremist” remarks at an event at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester after suggesting those who support trans rights have “broken brains” and that so-called gender ideology is “an evil”.

Speaking on a panel event on the fringes of the conference, titled ‘After the Supreme Court Ruling: what next for sex-based rights’, Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, referred to trans women as “a man in a dress”.

Meanwhile, Kate Barker, CEO of the LGB Alliance, claimed the medical establishment has been captured by “fanciful and malign ideology that tells gay people that they can be cured by making grotesque and permanent changes to their body”.

She added: “I don’t think I’m exaggerating to say this is an evil that is being visited on majority gay young people. The Supreme Court ruling clarified that sex means biological sex, and our task now has to be to strip out the poisonous homophobia of gender identity ideology from public life wherever we can.”

In April, the Supreme Court ruled trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act – a judgment that has been hailed as a victory for cis women and girls.

But there are concerns about the impacts on trans people, amid fears they could be excluded from public life and unable to use facilities appropriate for their gender.

Speaking about those who have criticised the Supreme Court’s ruling on biological sex, Ms McAnena said: “I think their brains have been broken by the illogicality of trying to treat some men as women and thinking that makes them the good guys, so now they can’t bear to be bad guys.

“And they remain afraid of trans activists and often afraid of their own children, you know, young adult children particularly.”

Meanwhile, former Tory MP Miriam Cates, who was also sitting on the panel, accused British schools of “actively encouraging children to believe this lie that men and women could become women, or that there is such a thing as gender identity”.

Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, said there has been an increasing trend of “ignoring the fact that trans people exist and have rights and have existed quite happily within society for a very long time”.

“The way we move forward [from the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex] is we acknowledge the concern, we acknowledge that anxiety on all sides and we look for a way of resolving it in the best interests of everyone.”

“Right now, the loudest voices seem to be those that want to wind back progress on any trans rights and just pretend they don’t exist. And I find that worrying,” she added.

“On any subject, it doesn’t matter what the subject is, you cannot have a debate if you only listen to one side and you can’t make progress for everyone if you only listen to one side.”

Labour MP Richard Quigley said he was “appalled by the comments, but not surprised”.

“The Tory party are desperate to seem relevant and the only way they have found to do this is to insult and malign people,” he told The Independent.

“People just want to be allowed to be themselves, without fear or favour, just getting along with their neighbours. If Kemi had anything about her, she would distance herself from this event (and probably the Tory party as a whole).”

Steph Richards, founder of trans campaign group TransLucent, added: “It is a great shame that the Conservative Party has allowed such an extremist event to take place, which is a violation of the human rights of trans people.

“Trans people have existed for millennia and it’s well documented… It doesn’t help the LGBTQ+ cause to echo the narratives of far-right evangelical organisations who are out to take away LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights – and we’ve only got to look to America to see what the narrative is.”

Meanwhile, Conservative politician Andrew Boff, who earlier in the day had heckled a main stage panel session on gender identity, dubbed the views “hateful”.

He told The Independent: “What they can’t understand – and what they hate – is that trans people exist. I know it’s inconvenient for their binary view of the world, but trans people have been around for thousands of years and they don’t like it.”

“Back in 1987, we had the same arguments being presented that justified Section 28 – because [they said] gay people we unnatural. They said we were a threat to children and that we were trying to convert children.”

Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) was a law that prevented local authorities from “intentionally promot[ing] homosexuality” or teaching “the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”.

Mr Boff, who has been a Tory assembly member since 2008 and led the party in the body for three years, added: “What happens in a fringe meeting is up to their own little hateful selves… What I’m offended by is that on the main stage of the conference, in something that was called a debate, there is only one side of the argument, that is not a debate.”

The Conservative politician shouted from the front row of a separate main stage event that the views being presented were “one-sided” and the discussion had wrongly been billed as a “debate”.

He dubbed the event – titled “The meaning of sex: Gender Critical Debate” and chaired by shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho – “curated hatred”.

In response to Mr Boff’s heckles, former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who was on the panel, said she would not apologise for defending the rights of women and girls.

The Conservative Party has been contacted for comment.