Wes Streeting has dismissed as “laughable” the notion that rising racism and homophobia are expressions of free speech, in a strongly worded intervention suggesting Labour must do more to defend minorities. The health secretary told the NHS England LGBT+ health conference on Monday that far-right protests seen over the weekend were “not the kind of country any of us want to live in”.
Streeting said he understood why some were questioning whether the government was genuinely on their side. He described an “increasingly visible tide of racism” that cloaks itself in the national flag and “laughably claims to be a champion of ‘free speech’”. He added that such “free speech” did not include the right to worship, to protest Gaza atrocities, or to walk down Oxford Street without racial abuse.
The cabinet minister also said the government could not ignore that trans people feel less safe than a decade ago, and pledged to find a way forward that both gender activists and others could accept. His comments, described by an ally as off-the-cuff, are among the strongest from a minister since far-right demonstrations in London on Saturday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer later issued a statement rejecting any “surrender” of the flag to racism and condemning the intimidation of minorities. Streeting said the “rising hatred” did not represent the true face of Britain, adding: “In the end, hate never wins. Only love does.”
Addressing the trans community, Streeting acknowledged concerns about his early decision to pause puberty blockers, insisting his motivation was ensuring safe, evidence-based medicine for children. He said he wanted to resolve tensions between trans rights and women’s sex-based rights to guarantee equality and safety for all.
