by Pieter Snepvangers
James Murray defended a transgender swimmer competing against female athletes in a 2022 interview
The new Health Secretary has claimed that the definition of a woman is up for “debate” after arguing that trans women are women.
James Murray, a Starmerite minister chosen to replace Wes Streeting, previously said he defined women as “adult female and trans women”.
He said it was very important to have “this debate” in an unearthed interview in which he defended a transgender swimmer competing against female athletes.
On Friday night, the Conservatives raised concerns about Mr Murray’s appointment.
‘Clarity on biological sex is not optional’
Stuart Andrew, the shadow health secretary, told The Telegraph: “It is striking that the Health Secretary responsible for women’s healthcare appears unable to answer a basic question about biological sex.
“His role oversees maternity services, breast cancer screening, female hospital wards and the rules on single-sex spaces for patients and staff.
“These are serious issues that shape care and safeguarding across the NHS. Following the Supreme Court judgment, clarity on biological sex is not optional. The Health Secretary should be able to define a woman without implying it is up for debate.”