Anyone Else Watch Sky News Just Now? Tom Tugendhat and Grant Shapps Interviewed

(On a side note: “a Shapps premiership" 😆)

I'm embarrassed for him.

That statement alone should have him removed from parliament, let alone be allowed to run for prime minister.

Everyone who says its not an issue, or we can have both men with female birth certificates and female only spaces, need to be challenged about how exactly they intend to keep everyone happy, safe and with dignity.

Just saying is really okay, wouldn't wash with any other policy, so why is this one different.

Grant Shapps was on Broadcasting House on Radio 4 this morning.

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00193r2 from 12 minutes in.

Mainly a load of stuff about tax and the economy and the behaviour of Boris Johnson, then some quickfire questions at the end. “Is a transwoman a woman?” Shapps: you can’t deny the biological position but we must have love and respect and care for those who do want to change their gender but a Shapps premiership would focus on the bread and butter things that matter to everyday people and making sure that everyone feels part of British society no matter how they feel about their gender or sexuality. (I paraphrase a little.)

He really doesn’t want to talk about it, does he? So he gave a politician's fudge. But it’s really interesting that the question is being asked at all.

(On a side note: “a Shapps premiership" 😆)

Right, have watched Shapps and he describes himself as “libertarian socially” and says he’ll always be in favour of supporting people who want to change their gender, and wants to hear no more about it. We know where he is in this debate. He’s not dismissing the issue, he’s disagreeing with those (like me) who believe liberalism is about being free to do what does not hurt other people.

I thought that Tom T was pretty good actually. Clearly knows the issues and spoke about biology and sport etc. while being respectful.
Shapps was absolutely abysmal and said it wasn't his thing and if you don't like it don't vote for him!

Indeed ICake

Shapps is awful full stop.

Well Shapps very identity is kinda fluid.

It occurred to me recently that the men will only pay attention when the detransitioned males start speaking up. Ritchie is going for the jugular. So many women have done so too but good ole sexism prevails.

‘"I just don't think we need to get caught up in some US-style debate and aggressive war on these issues. It's just not necessary."

Let me fix that for you, Grant: it’s just not necessary for you.

Here are some women for whom it has been very necessary: Keira Bell, Maya Forstater, Macy Grey, Jess de Wahls, Kathleen Stock, Selina Todd.

If you don’t respect women, I imagine things look one way to you. If you do, they look very different.

No, I missed this. Thanks. Shapps is definitely a slippery fish, and Tugendhat (I believe) supports GRA reform, although I can’t remember where I saw that he did.