Former Labor deputy leader Tom Watson used his first speech to the Lords to formally apologize for raising allegations of historic abuse by Carl Beach, who was later revealed to be a serial fantasist.
Lord Watson, who was also a minister during 18 years as an MP, left parliament ahead of the 2019 election and was expected to quickly join the upper house.
However, his premiership was initially rejected by the committee that scrutinizes new members of the Lords, apparently because of his role in seeking action against Beech’s claims of an alleged VIP pedophile murder ring in Westminster.
Police have raided the homes of the late Conservative minister Leon Brittain, the late military chief Lord Bramall and former Tory MP Harvey Proctor following the allegations.
Beach was later sentenced to 18 years in prison after a court found he made up the charges. Brittan died in 2015 before he was publicly exonerated.
Speaking in the Lords for the first time on Wednesday after being confirmed as a peer, Watson apologized to Brittain’s widow, saying: “The first area where I think consensus is always better than disagreement is police reform.
“I apologize unreservedly to Lady Brittan for the role I played in the investigation into historic child sexual abuse. Her experience led to several recommendations about police behavior. I am sorry and I owe it to her to work towards those goals in this room in the months and years to come.”
Lucy Neville-Rolfe, a cabinet minister, responded by praising Watson’s speech “and for the apology he rightly gave to Lady Britain”.
Watson is now chairman of industry group UK Music and adviser on problem gambling to betting firm Flutter Entertainment.
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In his speech to the Lords he noted the difference between his experiences there and in the House of Commons. “From the day of the presentation I felt welcome,” he said. “The security guards, Garter and his team, Black Rod and her team, our staff, the catering staff and our IT people – they all showed kindness and professionalism and that is deeply appreciated.”
While several peers have welcomed Watson, some of Brittain’s Tory contemporaries are unlikely to be so warm. When Watson was announced in October, former Tory chancellor and now peer Norman Lamont called him an “absolute disgrace” and a “stain” on the Lords.
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