Keir Starmer no longer believes trans women are women, No10 says

Keir Starmer no longer believes trans women are women, Downing Street has said.

Asked if the still believes trans women are women, the PM's official spokesman said: "No. The Supreme Court judgement has made clear that when looking at the Equality Act, a woman is a biological woman - that is set out clearly by court judgement."

In 2022, Mr Starmer : “A woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view — that is actually the law.”

Earlier today Mr Starmer should determine whether people can use same-sex spaces. The Prime Minister said he was "really pleased" that the controversial Supreme Court announcement has given "much-needed clarity" on transgender issues. The ruling found that people should be viewed in law according to their sex at birth.

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In his first public comments since the justices' decision on April 16, the Prime Minister told West Country: "A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear. I actually welcome the judgment because I think it gives real clarity. It allows those that have got to draw up guidance to be really clear about what that guidance should say.

"So I think it's important that we see the judgment for what it is. It's a welcome step forward. It's real clarity in an area where we did need clarity, I'm pleased it's come about. We need to move and make sure that we now ensure that all guidance is in the right place according to that judgment."

Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said the ruling means transgender women should use male toilets but suggested businesses should ensure "they have appropriate provision in place" for all customers. That could mean the wider use of unisex facilities in cafes, pubs and restaurants in order to ensure "dignity" for all people.

She told Radio 4's Today programme the court's ruling was clear that "services should be accessed on the basis of biological sex", meaning transwomen should usually use male toilets if there is no alternative provision. "But I know that many businesses, large and small, will ensure that they have appropriate provision in place," she said. "For example, many businesses have moved towards unisex provision or separate cubicles that can be used by anyone."

She added: "There are important questions around, for example, the use of toilets, around the use of changing facilities, but there are also profound questions that I think are even more important about, for example, hospital provision, rape crisis centres, women's refuges, where you are talking about people often being in that provision on an accommodation basis for an extended period of time.

"And I think it is important, and welcome that the Supreme Court have put beyond doubt, that providers can make sure that is done on the basis of biological sex."

Pushed on which toilet a transgender woman should use in a pub, she told ITV's : "We don't routinely police toilets and it's for businesses, including pubs, to decide how they run their premises. But I would hope that that business would make sure that there is a safe and appropriate place for all people to use, including trans people, who do deserve dignity and respect, let's be clear."

Ms Phillipson will later update MPs on the Supreme Court's ruling.

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