The situation between Rishi Sunak, Kemi Badenoch, and David Tennant revolves around a disagreement over LGBTQ+ rights. David Tennant expressed frustration with Kemi Badenoch, the women and equalities minister, wishing she would stop speaking on the matter and suggesting a future where her views aren’t relevant.
Badenoch responded by labeling Tennant as a “bigot.” Rishi Sunak intervened by seemingly criticizing Tennant, implying he is “the problem” in this dispute.
The prime minister waded in on the spat on Wednesday morning, writing on X, formerly Twitter:
“Freedom of speech is the most powerful feature of our democracy. If you’re calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn’t exist, you are the problem.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he “wouldn’t have engaged in the way” Mr Tennant did, telling broadcasters:
“I think in politics, as in life, it’s really important that we are able to robustly disagree with others. Obviously, that happens a lot in the general election campaign, but we should do it with respect for everybody involved in that robust discussion.”
Kemi Badenoch, as the women and equalities minister, has led the Conservative Party’s election promise to include biological sex as a protected characteristic in the Equality Act, alongside the existing protection for gender reassignment. She has pledged to persist in advocating for this position despite criticism.
In response to David Tennant’s comments at the British LGBT Awards, Badenoch criticized him as a “rich, lefty, white male celebrity” who is strongly influenced by his ideology.
Home Secretary James Cleverly was also among those who interjected in the row, calling for Mr Tennant to apologise for his remarks, as he wrote on X:
“I’m not sure David understands the irony of trying to silence the voice of the most senior Black female politician in the UK’s history, in the name of ‘defending’ a minority community.”
Mr Tennant, who won Celebrity Ally at the ceremony, received cheers and applause when he said of the Conservative Cabinet minister:
“I don’t wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up.”
I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls.
A rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can’t see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government by calling publicly… https://t.co/caIQOFYnrU
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) June 25, 2024
Ms Badenoch hit back, saying:
“I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls.
“A rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can’t see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government by calling publicly for my existence to end.
“Tennant is one of Labour’s celebrity supporters. This is an early example of what life will be like if they win.
“Keir Starmer stood by while Rosie Duffield was hounded. He and his supporters will do the same with the country.
“Do not let the bigots and bullies win.”
David Tennant is highly regarded as a strong ally and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, as recognized by the British LGBT Awards. He frequently wears pins associated with LGBTQ+ causes, including a Doctor Who-themed Tardis badge designed in the colors of the Trans Pride flag.
This badge has contributed significantly to charity fundraising, reflecting Tennant’s active support and advocacy within the community.
He said in his acceptance speech:
“If I’m honest I’m a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and live their life how they want to live it as long as they’re not hurting anyone else should merit any kind of special award or special mention – because it’s common sense, isn’t it?
“It is human decency. We shouldn’t live in a world where that is worth remarking on.
“However, until we wake up and Kemi Badenoch doesn’t exist any more – I don’t wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up – whilst we do live in this world, I am honoured to receive this.
“I am thrilled to be here and to be a part of this night. Pride is very important in our house, it’s a family affair, we have skin in the game, so this event tonight thrills me.
“It gives me hope, it gives me fire, it gives me energy and deep joy, and even if I feel I don’t really deserve this, I’m very pleased and very proud to be receiving it.”
Freedom of speech is the most powerful feature of our democracy.
If you’re calling for women to shut up and wishing they didn’t exist, you are the problem.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 26, 2024
David Tennant received his award at the British LGBT Awards alongside several other notable figures:
– Marc Almond received the Lifetime Achievement prize.
– Bruno Tonioli was recognized in the category of Broadcaster, Journalist, or Host.
– Rylan Clark was awarded as LGBT+ Celebrity.
– Charlie Craggs was honored as Online Influencer for her work as a trans campaigner.
– Lianne Sanderson received recognition as Sports Personality.
These individuals were celebrated for their contributions and influence within their respective fields and the LGBTQ+ community.
The Gender Recognition Act governs the process of obtaining gender recognition certificates, allowing individuals who have transitioned to obtain a new birth certificate reflecting their acquired gender.
Rosie Duffield, a Labour MP since 2015, recently withdrew citing ongoing harassment and misrepresentation, exacerbated during the election period. Duffield has expressed “feminist and gender-critical beliefs,” including views on the inclusion of male-bodied individuals in lists of murdered women.
Rishi Sunak
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper criticized Conservative proposals related to gender issues as a distraction from other governmental shortcomings, characterizing it as a manufactured cultural conflict.
Labour’s shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has called for depoliticizing discussions on transgender guidance in schools, urging parties to focus on substantive issues rather than using them as political tools.
