Ann Widdecombe – apology and correction

Article published on the 21st of May 2023 wrongly reported that Ann Widdecombe was famous for insisting that pregnant prisoners should be handcuffed whilst giving birth in hospital

In an article published on the 21st of May 2023 we wrongly reported that Ann Widdecombe was famous for insisting that pregnant prisoners should be handcuffed whilst giving birth in hospital. This is incorrect and she has never insisted or advocated that pregnant women should be handcuffed whilst giving birth.

In fact Miss Widdecombe made clear at the time when addressing the House of Commons in 1996 that it has never been Prison Service policy to keep women handcuffed during labour and childbirth and that restraints are removed when treatment has commenced or, in the case of pregnant women, when labour is confirmed.

We are happy to set the record straight and apologise to Miss Widdecombe for the error”.