Trans-rights Labour MP apologises for suggesting a colleague should ‘quit’ the party over his opposition to woke policies
Labour MP Alex Sobel has apologised after being caught on video suggesting that fellow Labour MP Jonathan Hinder should consider leaving the party over his opposition to "woke" policies, following Hinder's speech in support of women's rights. Sobel, a vocal trans-rights campaigner, made the remarks to the group Act! For Trans Liberation, describing Hinder's stance as "hard-Right" and questioning whether those who believe in biological sex "come from other worlds" with imported cultural views. The row highlights the ongoing tension within Labour between MPs advocating for trans rights and those defending single-sex spaces and women's rights.
The comments, recorded on video and seen by the Daily Mail, prompted criticism from Rosie Duffield, the former Labour MP who quit the party over its stance on gender issues. Duffield accused Sobel and like-minded colleagues of endangering women's rights through their focus on "men's rights" and praised Hinder for standing firm. Confronted by the Mail on Sunday night, Sobel apologised, saying he should not have spoken about a colleague in that way and pledged to contact Hinder directly, stressing the need for "collegiate and constructive" debate.
- Labour MP Alex Sobel suggested colleague Jonathan Hinder should quit over women's rights views.
- Rosie Duffield criticised Sobel, defending Hinder's stance on biological sex.
- Sobel later apologised and said he'd contact Hinder directly.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Sobel’s position may argue that Labour should protect trans people from discrimination and ensure they can participate in public life with dignity and safety. They may see policies on inclusion and access as necessary safeguards, and regard describing such policies as “woke” as dismissive of the concerns they address. At the same time, disagreement within the party is best handled through respectful debate rather than personal attacks.
The case against
Critics may argue that policies on gender should give due weight to biological sex, particularly where single-sex spaces and women’s rights are concerned. They may see Hinder’s position as a legitimate contribution to that debate and believe party members should be able to voice such concerns without being told to leave. From this perspective, Sobel’s remarks risk shutting down internal discussion, even though he has apologised for how he spoke.