Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds came under attack from author JK Rowling after she appeared on Radio 4's Woman’s Hour on International Women's Day and was quizzed over "Labour’s definition of a woman". 

Ms Dodds, Labour’s shadow women and equalities secretary, said: "Well, I have to say that there are different definitions legally around what a woman actually is. I mean, you look at the definition within the Equality Act, and I think it just says someone who is adult and female, I think, but then doesn’t see how you define either of those things. I mean, obviously, that’s then you’ve got the biological definition, legal definition…

Host Emma Barnett pressed her on the definition.

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Ms Dodds replied: "Oh, I think with respect, Emma, I think it does depend what the context is surely. I mean surely that is important here. You know, there are people who have decided that they have to make that transition. You know, I’ve spoken with many of them. It’s been a very difficult process for many of those people. And you know, understandably because they live as a woman, you know, they want to be defined as a woman."

Ms Dodds later tweeted a message captioned: "Labour will lift women up, not hold them back. Because we are the party of equality #IWD2022."

The Harry Potter author, who has been involved in rows over trans rights, responded: "This morning you told the British public you literally can’t define what a woman is. What’s the plan, lift up random objects until you find one that rattles?"

She added: "Apparently, under a Labour government, today will become We Who Must Not Be Named Day."

Ms Dodds along with Labour leader Keir Starmer, deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves later hosted a reception in Parliament for women entrepreneurs.

She was joined by Sally Dear, founder of sustainable unisex childrenswear brand Ducky Zebra, and Rosie Jacobs of Independent Oxford, to celebrate the success of women-led businesses in Oxford East.

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Ms Dodds said: “Women like Sally and Rosie hold the key to supercharging our economy to get it back on track as we recover from a pandemic that hit women disproportionately hard.

“On International Women’s Day we recognise the amazing contribution that women make to our country and commit to tackle the challenges they still face.

“That’s why a Labour government would give women the security, prosperity and respect they deserve by backing women in business and industry and introducing stronger family-friendly rights.”