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Duffield slams Starmer’s gender response

(Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Starmer Chameleon strikes again. Sir Keir hadn’t taken to the stage long in the BBC’s Question Time special last night before the issue of his tendency to U-turn cropped up. Turning to the trans debate and Starmer’s rather, um, checkered history on the matter, one audience member asked the Labour leader: ‘Three years ago you criticised your MP Rosie Duffield for saying only women have a cervix. What do you believe now and how do we know you will stick to your views?’

For readers that are struggling to remember quite how many times Sir Keir has dithered on the gender debate, Mr S can fill you in. Starmer was previously in favour of allowing trans people to self-ID just three years ago – and even worked with LGBT+ site PinkNews to release a video reiterating his support for the trans community. It was in September 2021 that Starmer blasted Duffield for saying that only women have a cervix.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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