Keir Starmer answers if he believes trans women are women after court verdict (2025)

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Keir Starmer no longer believes trans women are women, in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that stated the definition of a woman was based on sex

Downing Street has claimed that Keir Starmer has changed his opinion on whether trans women are women.

When asked about the PM's current views, his official spokesperson declared: "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 made a different declaration to The Times, saying: "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."

But today, Starmer seemed to agree with the groundbreaking verdict that puts biological sex front and centre for access to same-sex spaces. After the Supreme Court's latest word, the Prime Minister said he was "really pleased" with the "much-needed clarity" it brings to the trans debate.

The court's decision sticks to the script of recognising individuals by their sex assigned at birth, reports the Mirror.

Breaking his silence since the judges made their decision on April 16, the Prime Minister told ITV 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 has weighed in on the landmark ruling, suggesting transgender women should stick to male loos but hinting that businesses might want to adjust their facilities to cater for everyone. She thinks a selection of unisex options in hangouts like cafes, pubs, and eateries could be the way to appease all punters.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today show, she spelled out that the court's verdict was bang on the money, saying "services should be accessed on the basis of biological sex", which means transwomen should use the gents unless there's another choice. "But I know that many businesses, large and small, will ensure that they have appropriate provision in place," she added.

"For example, many businesses have moved towards unisex provision or separate cubicles that can be used by anyone."

She highlighted: "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."

When questioned about which bathroom a transgender woman should use in a pub, she responded on ITV's Good Morning Britain: "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 is set to give MPs an update on the Supreme Court's decision later on.

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