Keir Starmer broke his silence on the landmark gender ruling as he welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, calling it “much-needed clarity.”
The Prime Minister described the ruling as a “step forward” while addressing questions during a visit promoting the government’s pilot scheme for free school breakfast clubs. When asked whether he believed a trans woman is a woman, he responded, “A woman is an adult female.”
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer said, “I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court, which has given us clarity, much-needed clarity, and I think for those that are now drawing up guidance, it's a much clearer position. So I'm really pleased that the court has now clarified the position. We can move on from there, and I think that's been very helpful, and I would welcome that.”
Pressure had been mounting for Starmer to respond directly, nearly a week after the Supreme Court ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex. He has yet to comment on death threats made against women campaigners following the judgment or acts of vandalism at recent trans rights protests.
Equalities Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said the government was “crystal clear” in welcoming the ruling. She is expected to address Parliament later. However, some Labour ministers have privately expressed hesitation about fully endorsing the implications of the ruling.
In private messages obtained by the press, Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant agreed with an MP who criticised the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Baroness Falkner, after she stated that the ruling meant trans women could not use women’s toilets or compete in women’s sports.
Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle added, “We need to organise.” Downing Street confirmed it would not take disciplinary action, saying the ministers were not attempting to undermine the ruling.
Phillipson, speaking on BBC Breakfast, said the Supreme Court judgment clarified that biological sex is the basis for providing single-sex spaces. She added that schools would receive more guidance on supporting gender-questioning children, emphasising the importance of children’s wellbeing and clarity for school leaders.
She also referenced her experience running a women’s refuge, stressing the necessity of safe spaces for women who have experienced sexual violence. According to her, the legal protection of single-sex spaces is vital and now clearer due to the ruling.
Phillipson said trans women should use male toilets but encouraged businesses to provide appropriate facilities, such as unisex options. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she noted that many businesses already offer unisex or private cubicle arrangements and reaffirmed that services should be accessed based on biological sex.
She highlighted broader issues, including the provision of hospital spaces, rape crisis centres, and women’s refuges, where long-term accommodation and safety are involved. She welcomed the Supreme Court’s confirmation that such services can be restricted based on biological sex.
Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch also welcomed the ruling and condemned recent protests. Responding to placards that included death threats against author and campaigner JK Rowling, Badenoch said, “A mob of trans-activists waving death threats at women isn't protest — it's criminal incitement. If the law isn't enforced, we don't have equality, we have two-tier justice. It's time for Labour to stop being on the side of these extremists.”
Rowling, a former Labour donor, wrote on X, “It continues to astound that Kemi Badenoch remains the only UK political leader offering unequivocal solidarity to women.”
