Best of the Spectator Quite right!: the 'wickedness' of Labour's gender war
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Nov 26, 2025 This week, discussions dive into the chaos surrounding Labour's biological sex stance due to leaked EHRC guidance. Tensions rise as Bridget Phillipson seems hesitant to clarify the law, while Wes Streeting's shift from a once strong gender-critical viewpoint raises eyebrows. There's a deep examination of the ethics surrounding puberty blockers for minors, highlighting risks and lack of evidence. Finally, Michael and Maddie critique the impact on women's rights and the LGB community amidst political maneuvering and a chaotic holiday shopping season.
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Delay Signals Internal Party Manoeuvring
- Bridget Phillipson may be delaying EHRC guidance to allow a new appointee to dilute its clarity on biological sex.
- Michael Gove argues Labour is split and the delay reflects internal pressure to soften the Supreme Court-backed position.
Trials Reflect Political And Scientific Gaps
- Wes Streeting's department authorised puberty-blocker trials, suggesting party positioning influences policy on gender treatments.
- The Cass report's openness to trials created a pathway for restarting experimental use despite prior suspensions.
Pause New Interventions Until Outcomes Are Tracked
- Avoid treating children as subjects for unproven medical experiments when long-term harms are plausible.
- Prioritize follow-up studies of past clinic patients before restarting widespread interventions.