Single-Sex Spaces: EHRC Guidance

Lord Harper Excerpts

Monday 2nd February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Harper (Con)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

We have plenty of time; we will go to the Cross Benches next.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

As the noble Baroness knows, we have a duty to properly consult. By the way, under Section 14(9) the Equality Act 2006, that also involves consulting with devolved Governments at all relevant stages. Consultation with the Welsh and Scottish Ministers is required, as the code fully relates, but it also relates to all public authorities. Of course, the EHRC has conducted its own consultations on its code twice, but it is important that we fully understand the implications of the ruling.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

Given that the law is already in force and the Supreme Court has made it clear what that law means, can the Minister confirm that all public services that are delivered by Ministers and the Government are in full compliance with the law, as set down by the Supreme Court, today?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Absolutely.