LONDON — UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has aligned himself with last week’s Supreme Court ruling defining the legal term “woman” strictly in biological terms, confirming through Downing Street that he does not consider trans women to be women.
The Prime Minister’s response came shortly after his return from an Easter break, marking his first public comments on the court’s significant decision. The judgment, led by the Deputy President of the Court, Lord Hodge, determined that references to “sex” and “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act refer exclusively to biological sex. This move invalidates the legal weight of Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) in those contexts.
Supporters of gender-critical policies praised the verdict, calling it a much-needed clarification of the law.
Author J.K. Rowling, among others, expressed approval of the ruling, which she and fellow campaigners argue protects single-sex spaces. However, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups condemned the decision, warning it may roll back protections for transgender people in the UK.
Starmer, who in a 2022 interview with The Times said, “A woman is a female adult, and in addition to that, trans women are women,” declined to repeat that view during an interview on Monday. When asked whether he still believed trans women were women, Starmer instead pointed to the court’s judgment. “I think the Supreme Court has answered that question,” he said.
Speaking to ITV West Country, Starmer said, “I welcome the judgment because it gives absolute clarity. It helps those responsible for writing guidance to be clear on what it should contain.
This is a step forward in a space that has caused considerable confusion, and I’m glad the matter has now been clarified.”
At a Downing Street briefing later the same day, a spokesperson was asked explicitly whether the Prime Minister believed trans women are women. The answer was a firm “No.”
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, echoed that position and expanded on its implications during media appearances. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, she stated that the court’s interpretation of sex meant trans women should be expected to use male-designated toilets.
“Access to services should be based on biological sex,” she said. However, she acknowledged that many companies have already taken steps to offer inclusive facilities.
“Plenty of businesses, both large and small, have adopted unisex or individual cubicles to accommodate everyone,” Phillipson said.
In an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Phillipson clarified that while the government supports guidance based on biological sex, enforcement in public venues is not a matter for the state. “We don’t routinely police toilets,” she said.
“It’s up to businesses, including pubs and restaurants, to decide how they want to manage their facilities. But I would hope all businesses provide a safe and appropriate place for all, including transgender people, who deserve to be treated with dignity.”
The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Phillipson’s interpretation of the ruling — that trans women should use male toilets and trans men should use female ones — reflects the wider government position.
Phillipson also condemned acts of vandalism that occurred during a pro-trans rally in London over the weekend. Several statues were reportedly defaced, and demonstrators carried signs that criticized inflammatory messages. She described the behavior as “completely unacceptable.”
Despite backing the ruling, Phillipson called for respectful discourse and coexistence. “We need to move towards a society where everyone is treated with dignity,” she said.
“Yes, we should maintain single-sex spaces for women as the ruling affirms. But trans people also have the right to live free from harassment and discrimination. I believe that is a common-sense position shared by the majority of the British public.”
