Labour refuses to rule out ripping up new school trans guidance — saying it contains ‘unnecessary language’

LABOUR yesterday refused to rule out ripping up new school trans guidance because it contains “unnecessary language”.

Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson sparked fears that the much-welcomed guidelines, published by her counterpart Gillian Keegan earlier this year, could be watered down and wokified.

The fresh guidance, currently undergoing consultation, stipulates that teachers should not teach gender ideology in any form in the classroom.

It also rules that teachers do not have to abide by whatever pronoun a pupil chooses.

Ms Phillipson told the BBC the guidance contained “partisan and unnecessary language”.

She said: “There are trans people; they have a right for their existence to be recognised.

“Many trans people are vulnerable and are deserving of support.”

She added: “Let’s make sure that children’s wellbeing is at the heart of this.

“Let’s stop this being a political football.”

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan last night accused Labour of “playing politics with the lives of our children by ripping up guidance on Gender Questioning Children”.

She said: “The Labour Party must urgently change course to put the protection and welfare of all children first.”