Health Secretary Slammed For Trans Women Statement

The health secretary has been accused of being “weak” after he U-turned on his previous claim that “trans women are women”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4′s Today programme, James Murray admitted he would no longer agree with that sentiment after the 2025 Supreme Court ruling that a “woman” can only be defined by biology.

“I have changed what I would say,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say that phrase anymore. Over the last few years, a lot of us, myself included, have thought about this question in some detail.

“The Supreme Court has obviously ruled very clearly that biological sex is what matters is what matters when it comes to the equality act and determining the importance of single sex spaces.

“I believe that single sex spaces should be protected on the basis of sex, on the basis of biological sex, whilst at the same time believing in dignity for trans people.

“Recognising the sex agenda of different things, but being absolutely clear that single sex spaces within the NHS need to protected on the basis of sex.”

That is a complete pivot to Murray’s remarks from 2022, when he told TalkTV: “I believe trans women are women.”

Campaign group, TransActual slammed Murray, who replaced Wes Streeting as health secretary last month, over his change of heart.

A spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “The UK does not need another health secretary who is too weak to stand up to political pressure on healthcare.

“Rather than stick with his principles, Murray seems set on following the same flawed and unscientific path as his predecessor Wes Streeting, U-turns and all.

“After his appointment, TransActual wrote to Murray outlining the many issues facing trans people in the NHS, and asked to meet. He did not respond.

“The DHSC [Department of Health and Social Care] is meant to protect our health, not damage it.

“We need a health secretary who will listen to the evidence when it comes to trans healthcare – not abandon it when politically convenient.”

The spat comes after the Equality and Human Rights Commission released new guidance on single-sex spaces last month.

The equalities watchdog ruled that single-sex spaces, like changing rooms and toilets, can only be used on the basis of biological sex, while trans people have to use a third or gender-neutral space.

Trans+ Solidarity Alliance director Alexandra Parmar-Yee said: “The law here is a mess, and clearly many businesses will just go gender neutral to avoid the headache, but the government risks pushing trans people yet further out of public life.

“This guidance is going to be a Section 28 moment for this Labour government, defining their legacy on LGBTQ+ rights.”

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