“For Women Scotland” Supreme Court Ruling Debate

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Department: Department for International Development

“For Women Scotland” Supreme Court Ruling

Tristan Osborne Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd April 2025

(1 week, 4 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Bridget Phillipson Portrait Bridget Phillipson
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As I have said on a number of occasions in the House, we will issue that guidance this year.

Tristan Osborne Portrait Tristan Osborne (Chatham and Aylesford) (Lab)
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I welcome the clarification and statement from my right hon. Friend. The way in which she has dealt reasonably with questions in the House is testament to her fortitude and ability. A number of groups in my constituency have made representations, including Hilary Cooke from Medway Pride and women’s advocacy groups. There is a worry around some of the elements to do with harassment and discrimination—a concern that some might take an opportunity to target the trans community. Will she guarantee that Labour’s Equality Act will stand, and will prevent abuse, harassment and discrimination?

Bridget Phillipson Portrait Bridget Phillipson
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The Equality Act does stand, and it provides clear protections in law for women and trans people. It is important that women have access to single-sex spaces such as women’s refuges and rape crisis centres, but it is also important, of course, that trans people have access to high-quality healthcare and appropriate support services—and, in addition, can see the police taking action against hate crime.