Sir Keir Starmer has criticised a Labour MP's remarks about trans women and called for laws to go further to protect trans rights.

The Labour leader said Rosie Duffield, who is not attending the party conference in Brighton after receiving threats and being branded transphobic, was wrong to say "only women have a cervix".

He called for a "mature and respectful debate" around trans rights, as he warned that trans individuals are among the "most marginalised and abused communities".

Ms Duffield has faced criticism for opposing people who were born male but self-identify as trans having access to spaces such as domestic violence refuges, school toilets and prisons.

The Canterbury MP also queried being called a "transphobe" for "knowing that only women have a cervix".

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