Keir Starmer changes his stance on gender identity as he supports Supreme Court ruling during school visit in South West England

During a recent school visit to spotlight the government’s free breakfast clubs initiative, Prime Minister Keir Starmer found himself in the spotlight for a completely different reason—his evolving stance on gender identity.

It’s a conversation that’s sparked headlines, debates, and even protests across the UK.

Starmer, who had once firmly stood by the statement “trans women are women,” now says he welcomes the “clarity” brought by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling defining a woman as an “adult biological female.”

This shift in tone has caught attention, raising questions about policy, party unity, and how leaders should navigate the conversation around gender identity.

Starmer’s New Response: “A Woman is an Adult Female”

Pressed on whether he still believed a trans woman is a woman, Starmer didn’t echo his previous language.

Instead, he stated clearly: “A woman is an adult female,” emphasizing that the recent Supreme Court judgment brings much-needed clarity.

Speaking to both BBC and ITV, he said, “I’m really pleased the court has clarified the position. It allows those creating guidance to be much clearer.”

For him, this legal ruling now seems to be the reference point moving forward.

A Notable Shift from Past Statements

Starmer’s current stance marks a significant departure from his earlier views.

Back in 2022, he said it was “wrong” to claim only women have cervixes.

In 2023, he sparked criticism by stating 99.9% of women don’t have a penis—a comment many interpreted as implying that 1 in 1,000 women might.

Later that year, however, he tried to course-correct, aligning with Tony Blair’s perspective that biological distinctions between men and women do matter.

In April 2024, he supported MP Rosie Duffield’s claim that only women have cervixes, calling it “biologically accurate.”

Government Officials Back the Ruling

Equalities Secretary Bridget Phillipson also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, calling it “crystal clear.”

She emphasized the need for guidance based on biological sex, particularly when it comes to single-sex spaces like schools, hospitals, and women’s shelters.

Phillipson, who once ran a women’s refuge, stressed the importance of these spaces for survivors of abuse and sexual violence.

She said, “We can now move forward with confidence knowing that the law supports biological sex as the basis for these protections.”

The Question of Toilets, Changing Rooms, and Public Spaces

On practical matters, Phillipson said trans women should use male toilets, but also encouraged businesses to provide inclusive options like unisex facilities.

She pointed out that many organizations already have gender-neutral options in place.

“The court was clear,” she said, “services should be accessed based on biological sex. But we know many businesses will want to ensure everyone is treated with dignity.”

Cracks Within Labour and Calls for Discipline

Despite the official government line, not all Labour members are completely on board.

WhatsApp messages surfaced showing culture minister Sir Chris Bryant and Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle discussing concerns about the ruling.

Bryant even criticized Baroness Falkner, the equality watchdog chair, for supporting the biological sex framework.

Downing Street, however, stated that no disciplinary action would be taken, asserting that the ministers were not actively undermining the ruling.

Protests, Vandalism, and Backlash

Following the court decision, protests erupted across the UK—some peaceful, others more confrontational.

Statues around Parliament Square were defaced, and controversial placards, including those with death threats, were displayed.

Phillipson condemned the protests, calling the graffiti and violent slogans “completely unacceptable.”

She added, “We must protect single-sex spaces, yes—but also ensure trans people can live free from discrimination and harassment.”

Kemi Badenoch and JK Rowling Speak Out

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch didn’t hold back.

She called the protests “criminal incitement” and urged Labour to distance itself from extremist elements within the movement.

“If the law isn’t enforced,” she warned, “we don’t have equality—we have two-tier justice.”

JK Rowling, who has long been outspoken on the issue, expressed her disappointment in Labour and praised Badenoch as the only UK leader showing consistent support for women’s rights.

So, What’s Next?

With this ruling, the UK now has a clear legal definition that prioritizes biological sex in single-sex spaces.

Starmer and his team say they’ll work with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to provide new guidance that reflects the judgment.

At the same time, the government is facing the challenge of balancing legal clarity with compassion and inclusion.

As this debate continues to unfold, the real question is whether consensus can be reached in a nation increasingly divided over how we define identity, space, and equality.