I didn't feel like he avoided the questions about self ID and women's rights, but he essentially said what Corbyn said all those months ago - we will have a genuine discussion and I'm sure we can come to a consensus. This didn't happen, although the structures within the Labour Party are there to enable it to happen throughout the party, not just at leadership level. Instead, we find that 'transwomen are real women', they are taking places on women only shortlists and as women's officers, and the equalities minister has only the most cursory meeting (under pressure) with women's representatives.
So essentially, McDonnell said the right things, but I will only believe it when I see it. Also, what did he mean about having a serious look at this over the next few months? The consultation period for self id ends on October 19th and if it's not Labour Party policy to vote against it, they have failed women.
It's also going to be so much harder to have that kind, reasonable discussion now that things have got so polarised. I won't be fooled twice and I'm sure a lot of women who are still in the party will now be suspicious. That good will is lost. But worse, how do you draw back from promises to 'the most oppressed group of people since time began' and not lose face? What do they tell all the woke supporters who have fallen for this crap? Apart from 'We were never at war with Oceania'.
They've seriously fucked up.