In a recently leaked video shared exclusively with PinkNews, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was captured making derogatory remarks about the transgender community. The footage, which was taken during a gathering of the 1922 Committee on June 5, 2023, shows Sunak joking about “women having penises” and mocking the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, for his support of trans rights. The event was attended by numerous Conservative MPs, including Sir Graham Brady and Johnny Mercer.
The leaked video unveils Sunak’s address, highlighting his choice of humor that dehumanizes and marginalizes trans women, eliciting raucous laughter from his fellow Tory MPs. This incident suggests that the Prime Minister maintains an anti-trans stance when speaking to colleagues in private, contrasting with his public image. The leaked recording also captures Sunak criticizing an unidentified individual, possibly referring to Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faced criticism for his apparent support of outing trans pupils to their parents.
During his address, Sunak takes a dig at Ed Davey, emphasizing the need to focus on biology while jokingly suggesting that women have penises. This remark relates to Sunak’s plan to extend the study of mathematics until the age of 18, though it remains uncertain how the government intends to provide the necessary resources for this proposal. The leaked video, exposing Sunak’s derisive comments, reveals his willingness to adopt gender-critical viewpoints and attack the trans community when addressing his colleagues privately.
The individual who shared the video with PinkNews expressed concerns about the Prime Minister’s private behavior, noting the stark contrast between his public support for freedom of speech and the offensive jokes made in private. This incident has raised discomfort among attendees, particularly younger individuals, who visibly showed their unease. A senior Tory MP emphasized the importance of equalities legislation in preventing discrimination against protected characteristics and expressed disappointment at the marginalization and demonization of minorities.
In previous instances, Sunak has made statements aligning himself against the inclusion of trans women in single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms and sporting competitions. He has also signaled plans to rewrite the Equality Act to restrict the rights of trans women. Moreover, in a recent interview, Sunak reiterated the sentiment that “100 percent of women do not have a penis,” distancing himself from Keir Starmer’s acknowledgment of the biological reality for the vast majority of women. Additionally, Sunak utilized a Section 35 order in January to block Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Act, a historic legislation aiming to simplify the legal recognition process for trans individuals.
The leaked footage sheds light on the Prime Minister’s controversial remarks and his anti-trans stance, raising questions about his commitment to inclusivity and equality. The incident underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for the trans community, urging policymakers to prioritize the rights and well-being of marginalized groups in their decision-making processes.