Pod Save the UK

The UK Supreme Court ruling and the fight for trans rights

May 1, 2025

Ellen Jones, an LGBTQ+ activist and author of 'Outrage,' delves into the ramifications of the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of 'woman,' which she argues endangers trans rights. She discusses the backlash against figures like J.K. Rowling and the need for community support in advocacy. Meanwhile, Wayne Swan, former Deputy PM of Australia, highlights the importance of the Commonwealth in light of global political shifts and shares insights on Australia's voting system, offering lessons for the UK and US.

57:41

Episode guests

Ellen Jones

Wayne Swan

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The UK Supreme Court's ruling defining 'woman' as solely biological has intensified risks of discrimination against the trans community.

Ellen Jones argues that recent anti-trans campaigning threatens inclusivity and marginalizes transgender voices in crucial public discourse.

Wayne Swan emphasizes the importance of strong democratic policies in Australia, highlighting economic stability and social equity as critical for progress.

Deep dives

The Return of Cool Rush Deodorant

Degree Cool Rush deodorant recently restored its original formula after facing backlash from consumers who were unhappy with the new scent. A petition was even launched in response to the change, demonstrating the strong feelings that users had for the original version. The company acknowledged its mistake and brought back the beloved Cool Rush scent, which is now available at major retailers for under $4. This move has pleased many men who appreciated the cool, crisp aroma that had made it the top antiperspirant for a decade.

Intro

2min

UK Supreme Court Ruling and Trans Rights

16min

Advocating for Trans Rights

4min

Staying Connected: The Joy of Sharing Family Moments

2min

UK Local Elections Analysis

12min

Navigating Political Reform and Economic Recovery

3min

Navigating Australia's Political and Economic Landscape

10min

The Flaws of First-Past-The-Post

7min

In the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of woman should be based on biological sex, Nish and Zoë speak to LGBTQ+ activist Ellen Jones, author of "Outrage: Why the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not yet won and what we can do about it" about the implications for trans people .

They discuss how the campaigning of reactionaries like billionaire author JK Rowling led to the decision that has seen Prime Minister Keir Starmer backflipping on his support for the trans community. Ellen speaks on the dangers of the recent ruling and practical ways to resist and support the trans community.

Then, as the Tories flounder ahead of the local elections, Zoë hedges her bets. And we take a look at two shocking attempts to seize the limelight by Liz Truss and Tony Blair.

Plus, ahead of the Australian election this weekend, Nish speaks to former Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan about how, in the wake of Trump's tariffs and attacks on allies, the commonwealth might be more important than ever and what the US and UK could learn from Australia's compulsory preferential voting system.

CORRECTION: In this episode we at one point refer to the EHCR incorrectly, for clarity, it is the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS

AURA FRAMES

https://www.auraframes.com CODE: PSUK

SHOPIFY

https://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk

Guests:

Ellen Jones

Wayne Swan

Useful links:

Outrage: Why the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not yet won and what we can do about it by Ellen Jones

https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/ellen-jones/outrage/9781035030606