Chris McAndrew, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has finally addressed the Supreme Court’s recent gender identity ruling, calling it a “welcome and much-needed clarification.”
During a visit to promote the government’s pilot programme for free school breakfast clubs, Starmer responded to questions about the ruling, describing it as a “step forward.”
When asked whether he considered a trans woman to be a woman, he replied simply, “A woman is an adult female.”
In an interview with the BBC, Starmer stated:
“I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court, which has provided clarity—clarity that was very much needed. It helps those working on related guidance and gives us a firmer foundation going forward. I’m pleased the Court has set out this position clearly.”
Starmer had faced growing pressure to speak out, following nearly a week of public debate after the Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of “woman” pertains to biological sex.
He has not yet commented on reported death threats against women’s rights activists or vandalism linked to recent trans rights protests.
Equalities Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed the government’s support for the ruling, calling it “crystal clear.”
She is expected to speak on the matter in Parliament later. However, some Labour figures are reportedly uneasy about fully endorsing the broader consequences of the decision.
Leaked private messages revealed Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant aligning with criticism of Equality and Human Rights Commission head, Baroness Falkner, who stated that the ruling implied trans women should not access women’s toilets or sports.
Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle responded to the messages, saying, “We need to organise.”
Downing Street confirmed no disciplinary action would be taken, as their remarks were not considered attempts to undermine the ruling.
On BBC Breakfast, Phillipson said the judgment makes it clear that biological sex determines access to single-sex spaces.
She also noted that additional guidance would be issued to schools to help support gender-questioning students, underlining the need for clear policies and safeguarding children’s well-being.
Drawing on her past experience running a women’s refuge, Phillipson stressed the importance of legally protected safe spaces for women who’ve experienced sexual violence.
She maintained that while trans women should use male-designated facilities, businesses could provide unisex or gender-neutral alternatives.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she added that many businesses already offer private or unisex facilities, and reiterated that services such as hospitals, rape crisis centres, and long-term women’s shelters should operate based on biological sex.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also welcomed the Court’s decision and strongly condemned recent protests that included placards with threats against author and activist JK Rowling.
“A mob of trans activists waving death threats at women is not a protest—it’s criminal incitement,” Badenoch said. “If the law isn’t upheld, we don’t have true equality—we have double standards. Labour must stop siding with these extremists.”
JK Rowling, a former Labour donor, praised Badenoch on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“It still amazes me that Kemi Badenoch remains the only political leader in the UK showing clear, unwavering support for women.”
