Please or to access all these features

Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Telegraph: Rishi Sunak set to block Nicola Sturgeon's trans law tonight

143 replies

ResisterRex · 16/01/2023 17:30

This is the reporting from their live blog:

www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/01/16/rishi-sunak-strikes-nurses-news-latest-keir-starmer-brexit/

"Rishi Sunak is to block Nicola Sturgeon's controversial gender reforms after receiving clear legal advice that they would undermine women's rights, the UK Government is set to announce tonight.

The Telegraph understands that Alister Jack, the Scottish Secretary, is set to tell the First Minister on Monday evening that he will issue a Section 35 veto to prevent the law, which was passed at Holyrood in December, from coming into force.
The move is certain to spark yet another bitter constitutional row between Ms Sturgeon's SNP administration in Edinburgh and the UK Government.
Ahead of the announcement, the First Minister said a block would amount to using trans people as a "political weapon". The Scottish Government is almost certain to seek to overturn the veto in the Scottish Courts.
However, UK Government lawyers have advised that the Bill, which would allow people as young as 16 to self-identify their legal gender, "cuts across" UK-wide legislation on equalities.
Mr Jack is expected to write to Ms Sturgeon, the Commons speaker and Holyrood's Presiding Officer informing them of his decision to invoke Section 35 of the Scotland Act.
The measure, seen as a "nuclear option", has never been used before in the history of devolution.
He is then due to formally lay the Order in the Commons tomorrow, and expand on his reasons for doing so. It is expected that Mr Jack will address the Commons in a statement on Tuesday."

OP posts:
Villagetoraiseachild · 16/01/2023 17:45

Praise be, some sanity enters the arena.....

FastAndHappy · 16/01/2023 17:45

CaveMum · 16/01/2023 17:41

I do wonder if this was all done deliberately - put up a Bill they know will get struck down just so they can point and shout about “Evil Tories” in an effort to get more people behind another referendum.

I thought this as well. They may not even have wanted it to go through that strongly anyway.

ComfortablyDazed · 16/01/2023 17:43

I, too, am suspicious about motivation. But regardless, this is a very good thing.

Kucinghitam · 16/01/2023 17:42

ResisterRex · 16/01/2023 17:40

UK government to block Scottish gender bill
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64288757

Well goodness.

CaveMum · 16/01/2023 17:41

I do wonder if this was all done deliberately - put up a Bill they know will get struck down just so they can point and shout about “Evil Tories” in an effort to get more people behind another referendum.

MarshaBradyo · 16/01/2023 17:41

Well done

Takes political willpower as will bite them back a bit

Worth it though

ResisterRex · 16/01/2023 17:40

UK government to block Scottish gender bill
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64288757

OP posts:
sashagabadon · 16/01/2023 17:40

That’s great news

RicherThanYews · 16/01/2023 17:40

Please Lord, I don't ask for much so let this be 🙏

Hotcuppatea · 16/01/2023 17:39

Fantastic!

KCandtheSunlightBand · 16/01/2023 17:38

Just had confirmation from BBC that they are blocking the bill!

Helleofabore · 16/01/2023 17:37

Step by step though.

First this and then force the debate about conversion therapy to define it better so it cannot be abused where therapy that is exploratory can get targeted.

ResisterRex · 16/01/2023 17:35

If true, it's good news. The conversion therapy Paul Brand "exclusive" still needs careful watching, I agree.

OP posts:
Chillyallday · 16/01/2023 17:35

I really hope this happens! I’m in Scotland and have never cited Tory but they are the only party who care about women.

RoseslnTheHospital · 16/01/2023 17:34

I don't believe he's doing it because he cares about women and girls. I think it's because it's a clear way to put one over on Sturgeon and the Scottish devolved Parliament. Nevertheless I will be pleased to see this if it happens. I still can't believe the madness that saw this whole thing pushed through like it was some kind of urgent national security measure.

Helleofabore · 16/01/2023 17:34

That is big news Rex. I do hope it doesn’t come with a kicker of conversion therapy being accepted as being left open to interpretation though.

BearingFalseWitness · 16/01/2023 17:33

I’m not a fan of Rishi but at least he knows what a woman is! Labour are still fudging as per usual on protecting women and children.

Whatsfordinnerglutenfree · 16/01/2023 17:31

Fantastic news, the Tories seem to value women.thank you Rishi

Swipe left for the next trending thread