Keir Starmer has responded to criticism from author JK Rowling, who accused the Labour Party of abandoning women who disagree with its transgender rights policy. Starmer stated that he is proud of Labour's history on women's rights and highlighted the progress made by past Labour governments in improving women's lives. Rowling had expressed concerns about supporting the party due to its stance on transgender rights. Starmer's comments come in the midst of ongoing debates within the party regarding its approach to gender issues.