A tense row kicked off on GB News as JK Rowling’s criticism of new women and equalities minister Anneliese Dodds was discussed.

The Labour MP said on the BBC in 2022 that there are “different definitions legally around what a woman actually is”, a comment branded “nonsensical” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, by the Harry Potter author.

The matter was a topic of discussion on GB News with barrister Dr Sam Fowles defending the new minister, saying even he “could be a woman”, a remark which left hosts Bev Turner and Andrew Pierce aghast.

“You guys all assume I am a man, but that is based on how I am presenting to you”, he said.

“You haven’t asked me to drop my trousers and prove it.”

Bev responded: “Even if you presented to me as more feminine and you wore a dress with makeup, you would still be a man.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Rwanda government reacts to Starmer's decision to axe deportation flights as smugglers boast of how easy it is to crossFive new Reform UK MPs arrive in Parliament as Farage vows: 'We will fight for you'GB News' Katherine Forster in tears after sons dramatically rescued in Bali: 'Couldn't take any more'

“I could be a woman right now”, he reiterated. “I could have woman’s parts”.

A despairing Andrew was left with head in hands at the comment as Bev hit back: “I want to live in a world of truth.”

The conversation soon moved onto the influence of JK Rowling, and she was heavily criticised by Fowles who believes the author fails to use her presence as a force for good.

“You’re denigrating her as a billionaire”, said Andrew. “She’s a billionaire because her books are good.”

Fowles responded: “She uses her influence to spend her time on Twitter attacking a tiny minority.”

“I don’t believe there is an anti-trans lobby”, Bev responded.

“Not in the way there is a pro-trans lobby. There are people who are pro-women, I would say.

“Those people do not wish any harm on any individual who wishes to live a life in an opposite gender to which they are born.”

Rowling has become known as a fierce advocate for the rights of biological women after criticising Scottish Government proposals to introduce self-identification for transgender people.

Dodds, in her time as shadow women and equalities secretary, affirmed Labour’s commitment to “trans people and women” and criticised the demonisation of vulnerable people.

Last year she said Labour is “committed to modernising the Gender Recognition Act”.

In an article for The Guardian, she added: “Changing gender is not a decision anyone makes lightly. The process is intrusive, outdated and humiliating.

“So we will modernise, simplify and reform the gender recognition law to a new process. We will remove invasive bureaucracy and simplify the process.”