Biology important in sport, says Johnson

Biological males should not be allowed to compete in female sporting events, Boris Johnson has said.

In an interview yesterday, the Prime Minister was asked on several issues, including the government's conversion therapy proposals, which are expected to exclude criticism of gender identity.

Asked about "trans women" in sport, he added: "I don't think biological males should be competing in female sporting events. Maybe that's a controversial thing to say, but it just seems to me to be sensible.

"I also happen to think that women should have spaces - whether it's in hospitals, prison or changing rooms - which are dedicated to women. That's as far as my thinking has developed on this issue.

"If that puts me in conflict with some others, then we have got to work it all out. It doesn't mean I'm not immensely sympathetic to people who want to change gender, to transition and it's vital we give people the maximum love and support in making those decisions."

The Prime Minister's comments came after a letter signed by elite women cyclists expressed concern over new rules allowing male cyclists who identify as female to compete in female events.

The group says current transgender rules should be "rescinded" unless the UCI can provide "robust scientific evidence that the rules guarantee fairness for female athletes".

It notes that lower testosterone levels "cannot sufficiently mitigate all male sport advantage" and calls current rules "asymmetric" and "discriminatory".