Tom Watson admits 'deep regret' after promoting false child sex abuse claims

Speaking exclusively to GB News, Watson was asked whether Lady Brittan had accepted his apology.

Lady Brittan is the wife of the late Leon Brittan, who was one of those who faced false claims in the wake of Watson’s high profile campaign.

Watson told Gloria De Piero: “Not at first, actually, no. And in politics, you know, sometimes deeds not words matter.

“I'm very pleased to say that she did accept my apology when I gave it, and I gave it with a commitment to try and work with her to achieve police changes, reforms that came out of that inquiry.

“I mean, let's not forget that some historic child sexual crimes were investigated, and people did go to jail. But in all sorts of feverish investigations, one corrupt individual made false allegations and people were harmed because of those false allegations.

"I feel deep regret for that, and I need to put that matter right.”

Asked how he felt “making things right” would happen, the 56-year-old continued: “The inquiry that came out of that episode made recommendations for Metropolitan Police reform. And actually, one of the first meetings I had when I was put in the House of Lords was with Sir Mark Rowley, the head of the Met Police at present. And he committed to get back to me on the progress on reforms.

"I'm sad to say that six months later, after a number of chase ups, I'm still waiting for the courtesy of a response to that commitment.

"But I'm not going to let it go. And if he won't give me private reassurances then I'm going to have to be more vocal in my criticisms and demands for change in the Metropolitan Police."

Meanwhile, Watson also reflected on his time as Deputy leader of the Labour Party.

Pressed on whether he could see Jeremy Corbyn ever returning to the Party, he said: “I doubt it. He’s probably taken it too far now. I think he probably knows that. And I think Keir Starmer gave him a fair hearing.

"He needed him to apologise, and he refused to do so. And I think he quite likes it on the outside now. I don’t think it really matters if he runs as an independent in his constituency or for another position.

"I think, actually, that will probably help the Labour Party because in those Red Wall seats there’s a whole load of working-class people who were very frightened of a Jeremy Corbyn government. And for Jeremy to be running against Keir Starmer will probably help Keir Starmer, I suspect.”

On the advice he had for Sir Keir Starmer ahead of the next election he added: "If I was Keir, I would say every day put yourself in the shoes of the working people of this country. They're struggling. Their kids are finding it hard to find secure work, they're finding it hard to pay their rent and mortgages, their shopping bills have gone up nearly 20 per cent.

"Put yourself in their shoes every day and every decision you make should be a decision on their behalf. And if you can do that between now and the general election, you won't go far wrong."

The full interview is broadcast on Sunday July 23 on GB News from 6pm