Badenoch Accuses PM Starmer of Lacking Courage in Trans Debate

During Prime Minister's Questions, Kemi Badenoch sharply criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his perceived inconsistency on gender issues, accusing him of lacking the courage to clarify his stance and of previously supporting policies that undermined women's safe spaces. Badenoch referenced the recent UK Supreme Court ruling confirming that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to biological sex, which allows service providers to exclude transgender women from single-sex spaces if proportionate. Starmer responded by welcoming the Supreme Court decision, emphasizing his commitment to implementing the ruling, protecting single-sex spaces based on biological sex, and ensuring respect and dignity for trans people. He called for lowering the temperature of the debate and urged all sides to approach the issue with compassion. The exchange highlighted ongoing political divisions over gender policy and the challenges of balancing women's rights with respect for transgender individuals. Both leaders framed their positions as matters of moral courage and leadership.