Wes Streeting says trans women are ‘by definition' NOT women as Labour finally wakes up from years of woke dithering
Commenting for the first time since last week's Supreme Court ruling, Streeting said the court was right.
3
Wes Streeting has said trans women are 'by definition' not women today
Credit: Getty
3
Keir Starmer also welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that a woman must be defined by biology
Credit: PA
3
JK Rowling was seen puffing on a cigar and enjoying a cocktail following the Supreme Court's ruling
Credit: X
Sir Keir Starmer finally admitted yesterday he had changed his mind to agree with the court's definition that sex is defined by biology at birth.
Top politicians and feminist campaigners hailed the landmark decision as a "victory for common sense".
But the PM was blasted by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch who claimed he spent years dithering over how to define a woman and only made a decision following the ruling.
Meanwhile Mr Streeting told The Sun: "By definition trans women are trans women.
"I have always and will always respect people's identities and I have no trouble whatsoever referring to trans women by their names, referring to them as women as shorthand, or using pronouns like she and her.
"I don't think that's an issue and I think the vast majority of people in our country would also want to be respectful in that way.
"But by definition they're not the same as biological women.
"There are important differences and that is particularly important in a health context.
"It should not be beyond the wits of all of us in the country to live in a world where women are protected and respected and their rights upheld, and so are trans people, and that's the approach the Government's taking."
Mr Streeting dramatically ditched his hardline stance on gender on Never Mind the Ballots last year.
I was wrong to say all trans women are women, Labour's Wes Streeting tells Never Mind The Ballots
The u-turn came as he admitted it was a mistake to insist all trans women are women.
Mr Streeting said he "takes criticism on the chin" for previously arguing people should "get over" concerns - admitting "there are lots of complexities".
It comes after Sir Keir finally broke his silence on the judgement yesterday declaring he welcomes the "clarity" it brings and stating that a woman is an "adult female".
The PM previously argued "trans women are women" and even said that one in every thousand women can have a penis.
But back from his Easter holidays, Sir Keir said that "a woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear".
However, Harry Potter author JK Rowling hit out against the PM despite his latest comments.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, she said: "Imagine being such a coward you can only muster the courage to tell the truth once the Supreme Court has ruled on what the truth is."
In his speech, Sir Keir said: "I actually welcome the judgement 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 judgement 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 judgement."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
'World-class' Scottish produce on Bute House stage
According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by [[The Herald]], 24 official events were held in Bute House between April 1, 2024 and April 17, 2025. On April 15, then-First Minister Humza Yousaf dined on braised lamb shoulder in a biryani sauce, alongside saffron-infused Scottish yogurt, aloo potato cakes, and 'micro coriander'. Guests enjoyed a 'dark chocolate and chilli tart' with Scottish cream and honey biscuit crumb. Former FM Humza Yousaf served guests saffron-infused yogurt, braised lamb, and micro coriander. (Image: PA) On April 29, the day Mr Yousaf announced his resignation as First Minister, he hosted members of Scotland's Sikh community for a Vaisakhi event, which celebrates the birth of a key order in the religious community. Around 40 people dined on chili broccoli salad, tabbouleh, courgette pakoras, carrot and parsnip bhajis, and tamatar-kheera salad. Mains included 'butter paneer curry, aloo gobi and jeera rice, confit tandoori chickpeas and dal,' with mango lassi and fresh fruit served for dessert. Mr Yousaf would depart Bute House a week later, and his successor, John Swinney, would not hold his first officially recorded event until August 7. Read more: Amid the bustle of the Fringe, Mr Swinney hosted an 'All Festivals Reception,' welcoming representatives from the arts community. The same day, staff served 'smoked paprika chicken with spiced seasonal vegetables and pea shoots,' Scottish pancakes with smoked salmon, cucumber and Scottish cream, as well as home made vegetarian haggis truffle with onion jam. Guests listen to a speech by Mr Swinney at the reception. (Image: Scottish Government) Two weeks later, a reception was held ahead of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Guests enjoyed 'chickpea, spinach, and almond butter seasonal vegetables' with warm in house made blackthorn focaccia bread, as well as 'mini Scottish beef burgers with Scottish cheddar cheese and inhouse made tomato sauce.' Chips and macaroni and cheese were also served, alongside 'bite sized' treats and Scottish vanilla ice cream with fresh fruit. In September, Mr Swinney held a special dinner to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. Just 18 people were invited to the intimate event, including Mr Swinney's wife, Elizabeth Quigley, and son Matthew. Several Scottish politicians attended along with their partners; including Lord Wallace of Tankerness, Fiona Hyslop, Jackson Carlaw, and Alison Johnstone. Starters included a 'heritage tomato salad with Fife buffalo mozzarella,' Scottish gin curd smoked salmon, a Highland game, prune and baby leek terrine, vegetable piccalilli, and Scottish oatcakes. 'Pan seared Scottish salmon' was the first main course, alongside 'braised Scottish lamb shoulder served with Scottish Edinburgh butter fondant,' baked fillet of cod with a 'blackthorn Scottish sea salt and dill crust,' slow braised Scottish beef, and pan roasted chicken stuffed with local butcher haggis. Winter risotto and a seasonal vegetable tartlet (with peppery rocket) were offered to vegetarian guests. Scottish cranachan, an 'Edinburgh Ale dark chocolate tart', an almond sponge and a lemon posset were served for dessert, alongside a selection of Scottish cheeses, fruit, and oatcakes. Several days later, on October 1, guests to Bute House enjoyed vegetarian haggis truffles with onion jam, 'mini choux buns filled with an Isle of Mull cheddar mousse,' and caramel pecan éclairs served with candied orange. On October 24, an afternoon tea hosted for young carers and their companions brought out a different side of the Scottish Government's culinary expertise. Young carers enjoyed an afternoon tea with Mr Swinney. (Image: Scottish Government) Young people were served house made pork sausage rolls, poached chicken and mayonnaise scones, blue cheese and pickle buns; as well as roast chicken on focaccia, cheddar finger sandwiches, and brownie bites and mini carrot cakes. December at Bute House saw meals become heartier as the dark days of winter drew near. On December 10, Mr Swinney oversaw a reception consisting of mini beef burgers, panko chicken bites, mini pizzas, brownies, empire biscuits, and fresh fruit. Six days later, guests enjoyed haggis truffles with onion compote, a 'sticky shallot and almond parcel,' and a holiday favourite – mince pies. At an event toasting Scotland's 'senior culture sector representatives', in early January 2025, guests were served a tomato and mozzarella salad, Scottish baked cod with citrus potatoes and wild mushrooms, and winter risotto with pumpkin and squash. Attendees at the small affair included MSP Angus Robertson, BBC presenter Kirsty Wark, former Fringe boss Shona McCarthy, and Scottish Music Industry Association CEO Robert Kilpatrick. One attendee at the dinner, Culture Counts director Kathyrn Welch, posted on LinkedIn about the dinner, writing: 'A thoroughly memorable evening – dinner with First Minister John Swinney and Cab Sec Angus Robertson at Bute House in Edinburgh. Such a treat to be in the company of thoughtful and brilliant folk from across the culture sector, discussing what the future of a vibrant and ambitious sector would look like.' Read more: At an intimate dinner celebrating the retirements of Lord Justice Clerk Leeona Dorrian and Lord Justice General Colin Sutherland in February 2025, guests enjoyed smoked chicken with an 'Ayrshire ham and sultana terrine,' oven roasted North Sea halibut, winter baby vegetables, and a whisky crème brulee and Perthshire rhubarb. Multicultural fare returned in March, as Irn-Bru onion bhajis, lentil, coconut, and corn curry, slow cooked chicken madras, and lamb shoulder josh rogan were served at several Bute House receptions. A [[Scottish Government]] spokesperson praised the work of the Bute House kitchens, commenting: 'Events at Bute House, the First Minister's official residence, are an important way to showcase what Scotland has to offer, promoting jobs and investment to industry while engaging with representatives from around the world. 'The menus are carefully chosen to ensure ingredients are sustainable and sourced from Scottish producers – giving world class Scottish produce a platform on the global stage.'
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Recognised Palestinian state could develop disputed gas resources, expert says
Recognition of Palestine as a state would put beyond doubt that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is entitled to develop the natural gas resources of the Gaza Marine field, according to one of the experts that worked on the stalled project. Michael Barron, the author of a new book on Palestine's untapped gas reserves, has suggested the field could generate $4bn (£3bn) in revenue at current prices and it is reasonable that the PA could receive $100m a year over 15 years. He said the revenues 'would not turn the Palestinians into the next Qataris or Singaporeans, but it would be their own revenue and not aid, on which the Palestinian economy remains dependent'. Plans to develop the field have a near 30-year history, during which time legal controversies over ownership have stalled exploration. A law firm representing Palestinian human rights groups sent a warning letter to the Italian state-owned firm ENI that it should not exploit the gas fields in an area known as Zone G, where six licences were awarded by Israel's energy ministry. In their letter, the lawyers claim that roughly 62% of the zone lies in maritime areas claimed by Palestine and, as such, 'Israel cannot have validly awarded you any exploration rights and you cannot validly have acquired any such rights'. Palestine declared its maritime borders, including its exclusive economic zone, when it acceded to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2015, and set out a detailed claim in 2019. Israel is not a signatory to UNCLOS. Barron said recognition of Palestine, particularly by states with large oil firms registered in their jurisdiction, would effectively end the legal ambiguity, and provide the PA with not only a new secure source of income, but regular supplies of energy independent of Israel. Since the legal letter, ENI has told pressure groups in Italy that 'licences have not yet been issued and no exploratory activities are in progress'. Another group, Global Witness, claims the East Mediterranean Gas pipeline that runs parallel to the Gaza coastline is unlawful since it runs through Palestinian waters, and is not providing any revenue to the PA. The 56-mile (90km) pipeline transports gas from Ashkelon in Israel to Arish in Egypt, where it is then processed into liquefied natural gas for export, including to Europe. 'The Oslo Accords agreed in 1993 clearly give the Palestinian National Authority jurisdiction over territorial waters, the subsoil, power to legislate over oil and gas exploration and to award licences to do so,' Barron said. 'Control over natural resources was an important element of [the] state-building agenda of the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Israeli exploitation of Palestinian resources was and remains a central part of the conflict.' Gas was discovered in the Gaza Marine field in 2000 in a joint venture owned by the BG Gas group, a giant privatised off-shoot of British Gas and the Palestinian Consolidated Contractors Company. The plan was for the gas to be used by the sole power station on the Gaza strip to end the territory's perennial energy shortages. Barron argues in his book – The Gaza Marine Story - that the fate of the project is a microcosm of how Israel worked to increase Palestinian dependence on Israel while at the same time trying to separate Palestinians from Israelis. The project was dogged by issues of commercial viability and an Israeli court ruling that the waters were a 'no-man's water', partly because the PA was not a sovereign entity with unambiguous powers to award licences. The court also did not resolve whether the rights to Palestinian territorial waters clearly provided for in the Oslo Accords included a Palestinian 'exclusive economic zone', a zone that normally extends 200 miles off the coast. The accords were only intended to be an interim arrangement before full statehood and so did not delineate the full maritime border. Territorial waters are normally defined as only 12 or 20 miles off the coast and Israel always argued that any licence for Gaza Marine 20 miles off the Gaza coast should be seen as a gift to the PA by Israel, and not a right. After Hamas took control the Gaza strip in 2007, Israel did not want the revenue to fall into its hands, so it blocked the development, prompting the BG group to put the project on hold and then eventually to quit. In June 2023 Israel approved plans for an Egyptian firm EGAS to develop the field, only for the war in Gaza to start. Gaza Marine is estimated to contain only 30 billion cubic metres (BCM) of natural gas, which is a small fraction of the more than 1,000 BCM contained in Israel's own territorial waters. Barron argued that Israel has its own gas supplies and so long as a Palestinian state with unified governance is recognised, Israel will have no motive or legal right to block Palestine exploiting its single greatest natural resource. The whole controversy around private sector investment in Israel's acknowledged occupation of Palestine moved centre stage with a report published last week by the UN special rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, warning corporations against sustaining what has been declared an unlawful occupation by the international court of justice (ICJ). She claims ICJ decisions place on corporate entities a prima facie responsibility 'to not engage and/or to withdraw totally and unconditionally from any associated dealings with Israel, and to ensure that any engagement with Palestinians enables their self-determination'. Her claim has been rejected wholesale by Israel.
Spectator
2 hours ago
- Spectator
When did double-barrelled surnames stop being posh?
When the lead singer of Bob Vylan's name was revealed, it caused a fair amount of amusement. This anti-establishment musician who hit the headlines after ranting about the Israel at Glastonbury is actually called…Pascal Robinson-Foster. 'A posh double-barrel name is perhaps not the best handle for a self-styled Rasta radical. So he goes by the name Bobbie Vylan instead,' wrote veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil. But while it's vaguely amusing that Vylan's real name is rather less 'rock-n'roll' than his stage act suggests, Neil got one thing wrong: the era of double-barrelled surnames signifying poshness is over. Once upon a time, hyphenated surnames were a way of aristocrats displaying their social cachet. The upper class is full of Parker-Bowleses and Spencer-Churchills. The list of current earls in the Peerage of England includes a Chetwynd-Talbot, a Hastings-Bass, a Fiennes-Clinton, and an Ashley-Cooper. When, in 1964, the fourteenth Earl of Home faced the fourteenth Mr Wilson, it can't have been lost on the electorate that the former was a Douglas-Hume. It is no accident that the poshest pupil at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books is named Justin Finch-Fletchley. But times have changed, and now double-barrelled surnames can be more of a disadvantage than an advantage. Double-barrelled names have more recently reared their head as a political liability. When Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Jacob's sister and sometime Brexit Party MEP, embarked upon her political career, then-Tory leader David Cameron famously advised her to change her name to Nancy (also, curiously, the name of his own daughter: yes, the one he left at a pub). Less well-known is that Cameron also reportedly told her to drop the Rees; Nancy Mogg might have been the future, once. Under Cameron's leadership, there were reports that other Tory candidates were told to go single barrel: thus Simon Radford-Kirby became Simon Kirby, and candidate Scott Seaman-Digby became Scott Digby. But while politicians were dropping the hyphens from their names, the same wasn't true in other fields. In football, there has been a crop of stars with double-barrelled names, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Ward-Prowse, Emile Smith Rowe, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It is a sign of the times that, whereas the men's and women's England football squads contain between them five double-barrelled names, Britain's Olympic equestrian team – surely the poshest sport – has none. There are proportionately far more double-barrelled surnames in elite football than rowing. All this reflects a wider trend. In 2017, it was reported that 11 per cent of couples now take on a double-barrelled name on marriage. It is difficult to work out what's driving this change. Is it that double-barrelled names are more common in mixed-race families (like Bobby Vylan's own), because both sides wish to preserve their cultural heritage? The shifting politics of double-barrelled names might also reflect an increase in single-parent families, or other deviations from the traditional norms of the nuclear family; single mothers quite understandably want to share a name with their children. Double-barrelled surnames can also carry some advantages. Aside from appearing to promote equality between the sexes, they also make people more distinctive, lowering the risk of confusion. Hence the full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who plays for Southampton, is not the right-back Kyle Walker, who recently signed for Burnley. Names can still be signals of social class, with all that this implies: there is every difference, in the Shire of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, between the humble Bagginses and their snooty Sackville-Baggins cousins. But one should not be deceived by appearances: Ainsley Maitland-Niles could have been an excellent Victorian high court judge. In fact, he used to play for Arsenal.
