Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Starmer welcomes clarity on definition of 'woman' from Supreme Court

"A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear," Starmer said in an interview with, marking his first public comments on the judgment delivered last week.

Keir Starmer

Starmer’s remarks reflect a change from his earlier position that 'transwomen are women'.

Getty Images

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling that the legal definition of a woman refers to a person’s sex at birth.

"A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear," Starmer said in an interview with ITV, marking his first public comments on the judgment delivered last week.


"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," he added.

Starmer’s remarks reflect a change from his earlier position that "transwomen are women".

When asked if the prime minister still held that view, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "No, the Supreme Court judgment has made clear that when looking at the Equality Act, a woman is a biological woman."

The ruling was made by five judges at the court in London, who unanimously held that "the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman, and biological sex".

Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson told the BBC that the judgment means transgender women should use male toilets where there is no alternative provision.

She also told ITV, "I hope 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."

The ruling came after a legal battle between the Scottish government and the campaign group For Women Scotland, which had appealed to the UK Supreme Court after earlier decisions in Scottish courts.

The case centred on legislation concerning the recruitment of women in public-sector bodies.

Although Scotland has its own legal system, the UK Supreme Court can hear appeals from devolved administrations on matters of public importance and on points of law.

The ruling has been supported by gender-critical campaigners, including author JK Rowling. Over the weekend, protests in support of trans rights were held in London and Edinburgh.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

Starmer home

Police officers stand outside Starmer's private home, after it was damaged by fire in a suspected arson attack in north London, on May 13.

Reuters

Police arrest 21-year-old over fire at Starmer’s private residence

POLICE have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson after fires were reported at three locations, including prime minister Keir Starmer’s private home in north London.

Officers were called in the early hours of Monday to a fire at a property in Kentish Town, which Starmer represents in parliament. No injuries were reported, but the entrance of the property was damaged.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK legal immigration

Among those who favoured reductions, 49 per cent prioritised reducing irregular arrivals such as small boat crossings, while only 4 per cent wanted fewer work or student visas.

iStock

Most Britons back immigration for work and study, new poll finds

A MAJORITY of people in Britain support immigration for work and study, according to a new survey published on May 11, ahead of the government's expected Immigration White Paper.

The poll, conducted by Focaldata for British Future, found that most respondents would not reduce immigration for doctors (77 per cent), care home workers (71 per cent), engineers (65 per cent), fruit pickers (70 per cent), catering staff (63 per cent) or lorry drivers (63 per cent). Two-thirds (65 per cent) also said they would not reduce the number of international students.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-speech-Reuters

Although he did not give a specific target, Starmer said migration would fall sharply under his government’s new plan. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Starmer pledges sharp fall in net migration by 2029

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer on Monday said net migration to Britain would drop significantly by the end of this parliament in 2029, promising greater control to support social cohesion and boost local workforce investment.

Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, Starmer said countries need rules to define rights, responsibilities and obligations, and warned that without them, Britain risked "becoming an island of strangers".

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing pressure to bring down net migration, following the strong performance of Reform, which campaigned on an anti-immigration platform in recent local elections.(Photo: Getty Images)

UK to limit skilled visas and push local worker training

The UK government has announced plans to restrict skilled worker visas to graduate-level jobs and require businesses to train more local workers. The move is aimed at ending what it calls a "failed free market experiment" in mass immigration.

The policy will form part of a white paper to be published on Monday, which will outline how the Labour government plans to reduce immigration.

Keep ReadingShow less
Southport killer Axel Rudakubana investigated over alleged attack

Axel Rudakubana (Photo: Merseyside Police)

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana investigated over alleged attack

POLICE are investigating an alleged attack on a prison officer by Axel Rudakubana, who is serving a life sentence for killing three girls in Southport last year.

The incident took place last Thursday (8) at HMP Belmarsh in London. It is understood that the officer had boiling water thrown over them. According to the Ministry of Justice, the officer was taken to hospital as a precaution and discharged the same day.

Keep ReadingShow less