MICHELLE Donelan issued a major crackdown on “scientifically illiterate” boffins over sex and gender.
The Cabinet Secretary warned the “guiding light” of science is under attack from the “slow creep of wokeism”.
A review will take place into the use of sex and gender questions in scientific research and statistics.
She said vital work into population studies, medicine and sport are being affected and took aim at Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the issue.
Ms Donelan told delegates: “Any credible scientist will tell you that gender and sex are two different things…
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“To suggest otherwise is not only scientifically illiterate, it actually damages scientific research and statistics in everything from population studies to medicine to sport.
“And unlike Comrade Keir, we will not sit idly by and watch an intolerant few stifle the light of science that leads us in the right direction.”
Health Secretary Steve Barclay also said that trans women could be prevented from using female-only hospital wards.
He is looking at plans to change the NHS constitution over concerns about trans women using wards for biologically female patients.
The change will offer the same for male-only wards and trans men.
Mr Barclay added: “We need a common-sense approach to sex and equality issues in the NHS - that is why I am announcing proposals for clearer rights for patients.