KEIR Starmer has been criticised for wearing a progress Pride badge despite backtracking on self-identification for transgender people.

During an LGBT+ History Month reception for Labour MPs and Lords in Westminster, Starmer was photographed sporting the badge.

Unlike the typical rainbow Pride flag, the progress Pride flag contains an additional chevron which features colours representative of transgender people, people of colour, and those living or lost to HIV/AIDS.

However, many have questioned Starmer’s commitment to transgender rights after the Labour Party abandoned its previous commitment to self-identification for transgender people.

Self-identification was included in the Scottish Government’s blocked Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

It would have allowed transgender people in Scotland to legally change their gender on official documentation without a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

In 2022 Starmer declared his support for including self-identification in the reform of the UK’s Gender Recognition Act.

But by July 2023 shadow secretary for women and equalities, Anneliese Dodds, criticised the Scottish Government’s gender reform legislation, claiming it was “more about picking a fight with Westminster than bringing meaningful change”.

She added: “We will not make the same mistakes.

“The requirement to obtain a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria remains an important part of accessing a gender recognition certificate.”

READ MORE:  Angela Rayner panned for response to Gaza 'genocide' question

Many on social media expressed their distaste for Starmer wearing the badge despite U-turning on self-identification.

Green Party councillor Alex Catt said: “Are you joking @Keir_Starmer???

“You’ve abandoned trans peoples right to self-ID, backed a review into the Equality Act to exclude trans people and backed education guidance telling teachers to out kids to their parents.”

Another user added: “Given the Labour Party’s position on trans people, this is pretty disgraceful. You should be embarrassed.”

The LGBT+ History Month account has since closed comments on the post after receiving criticism for the post. 

A spokesperson for LGBT+ History Month said: "Last night we were invited to attend an annual LGBT+ History event held by the Labour Party, this was not an event held or organised by ourselves.

"Our CEO attended Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders and used the opportunity to talk to attendees about the LGBT+ History Month theme Medicine #UnderTheScope and the importance
of inclusive education." 

It comes after shadow health secretary Wes Streeting told Sky News that Labour would ban all trans patients from single-sex hospital wards. 

Instead, he suggested that they should be placed in separate wards solely for trans people.