Thin Blue Line and House of the Dragon actor James Dreyfus has defended the late politician Ann Widdecombe after journalist Andrew Clark criticised her views on homosexuality. Taking to X on Saturday, Dreyfus replied to Clark's tweet that called Widdecombe's belief that heterosexual marriage was the 'preferred model' 'deeply bigoted'. Dreyfus wrote: 'Probably worth bearing in mind that other religions are available, whose views on homosexuality remain far more worrisome than anything she believed.' He added that Widdecombe 'had many gay friends, who didn't necessarily agree with her on everything, but were intelligent enough to understand that mild disapproval, due to her religious convictions, was NOT a barrier to years of friendship, laughter & mutual admiration.'
Background on Widdecombe's murder
Widdecombe, a former Tory politician and Reform UK campaigner, was murdered at her home in Haytor, Devon, at age 78. She was found with serious injuries on Thursday, with police believing the attack occurred around 12:30pm on Wednesday. Initially, a 26-year-old man was arrested but later released and ruled out as a suspect. On Saturday evening, a 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder. Police confirmed: 'We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody. Ms Widdecombe's family have been informed of this development.'
Security measures for Reform MPs
Following Widdecombe's death, Reform UK arranged around-the-clock protection for senior politicians. However, police have stated there is no evidence the attack was politically motivated. Dreyfus's defence of Widdecombe highlights her personal relationships and religious beliefs, contrasting with Clark's criticism of her public statements on marriage and sexuality.
