Boris Johnson says biology is 'overwhelmingly important'

 (Photo: Pexels/Magda Ehlers)

The Prime Minister has waded into the transgender debate by coming out on the side of biology.

Boris Johnson said during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday that transgender people should be treated with generosity and respect. 

But he also argued that biology cannot be ignored.

"We must recognise when people want to make a transition in their lives that they should be treated with the maximum possible generosity and respect," he said. 

On the question of "distinguishing between man and woman", though, he said that "the basic facts of biology remain overwhelmingly important".

His comments contrast with those of opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, who in the past has claimed that it is "not right" to say that only women have a cervix. 

"It is something that shouldn't be said. It's not right," he said on the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show last September.

Earlier this month, Sir Keir reiterated his stance by saying that "trans women are women". 

He was criticised by Harry Potter author JK Rowling among others over his comments to The Times newspaper. 

News
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations

Should church funds be used for slavery reparations? A group of Conservative MPs and peers think not.

What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?
What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?

Pastoral care is not a task reserved for a handful of gifted individuals; it is the life of Christ, quietly at work inside ordinary believers.

Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension
Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension

Conservative Christian website, Anglican Mainstream, was surprised to see visitor numbers rise after being forced to relocate its website hosting after GoDaddy closed its account.

Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities
Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities

A former missionary who is now serving as a soldier in the Ukrainian army has spoken about the realities of faith for a man tasked with killing in defence of his country.