India Willoughby has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting for their stance on trans healthcare. Speaking at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant criticised the party’s policies, particularly the ban on hormone blockers.
Willoughby, who became the UK’s first trans newsreader in 2016, expressed her fears about the impact of Labour’s policies on the trans community. She said, “I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Labour government will be responsible for the deaths of hundreds, possibly thousands, of trans people.”
Dressed in a red gown, with the words “Labour is killing trans people” written on her arms, Willoughby didn’t hold back in her comments. “Keir Starmer is not good news for the LGBTQ+ community. We are going through a very slow and quiet genocide,” she said.
She explained that while people often associate genocide with death camps, this isn’t always the case. Willoughby argued that by blocking access to transitioning, Labour’s policies could lead to a rise in suicides, citing studies showing that restricting gender-affirming care increases suicide risk.
Willoughby also took aim at Wes Streeting, stating, “Wes Streeting just does not care. I think it’s an absolute disgrace.” Earlier this year, she wrote an op-ed for Attitude magazine, criticising the Labour government and the controversial Cass Review, which assessed gender identity services for young people.
When asked if she had anything more to add, Willoughby called for drastic action within the Labour Party. “My message to the Labour government is: if there’s anyone left of centre, please stage a coup. Keir Starmer is not good news for the LGBTQ+ community.”
She went on to compare the current climate for trans people to “our Cabaret years,” a reference to the rise of fascism in Nazi Germany. Willoughby warned that both the Conservative and Reform parties are waiting to cause further harm to the trans community.
The 59-year-old’s comments come amid growing concerns about the UK’s trans healthcare system and the political landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
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