Former Conservative leader William Hague faced a backlash today after he told women to ‘get over’ their concerns about transgender people joining the WI.
Lord Hague said that transgender people are part of modern Britain and that organisations such as the Women’s Institute must welcome them.
He attacked rebel members of the group who are fighting plans to admit members who were born male for the first time.
Speaking to Times Radio he admitted he would ‘probably get a lot of angry letters’ from WI members’ but said the organisation should welcome new blood.
Speaking this morning the peer said that it was right there were clear rules on trans women competing in sport but added: ‘I’m not sure that applies to the Women’s Institute, though, you know there are transgender people, they have changed their gender. This is part of our society now.
‘And I think large national organisations like the WI have to get over that and get used to that, and welcome new people.’
However campaign group Conservatives for Women said: ‘Telling women to ”pipe down” is never a good look, especially as this translates to ”you are not allowed to have boundaries”.’
