Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

WEC to question the EHRC Chair and Chief Executive 11 June 2025 2:20pm

236 replies

IwantToRetire · 09/06/2025 18:13

The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will question the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Baroness Falkner of Margravine in Parliament on Wednesday, 11 June during its annual scrutiny session of the EHRC.

Venue: The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
Watch live: Visit parliamentlive.tv Women and Equalities Committee

The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will question the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Baroness Falkner of Margravine in Parliament on Wednesday, 11 June during its annual scrutiny session of the EHRC.

MPs on the cross-party committee, chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen, will discuss the EHRC’s work and resources and wider equalities policy, including the implications of the For Women Scotland Supreme Court judgment and the EHRC’s subsequent consultation on the Code of Practice.

The Committee will hear from the EHRC’s Chief Executive, John Kirkpatrick, alongside Baroness Falkner.

Witnesses
Starting at 2.20pm
Baroness Kishwer Falkner of Margravine, Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission
John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive, Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/328/women-and-equalities-committee/news/207403/wec-to-question-the-ehrc-chair-and-chief-executive/

(I came across this by chance whilst looking for a date for the WEC interview with Mary-Ann Stephenson but could find nothing - anybody know when it will be.)

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 10/06/2025 19:08

SionnachRuadh · 10/06/2025 19:05

Pre-appointment scrutiny hearings are in public. I've been to a couple in person, and they're streamed on Parliament TV. If you get a chance to watch one they're really interesting.

The principle is that ministers decide who they want in the job, and the select committee's job is to ask the candidate questions to determine whether they're suitable for the job. They publish a report after the hearing, and can note any reservations, but those reservations aren't binding on the Secretary of State.

As long as the candidate can demonstrate that she's credible, there shouldn't be a problem. But it might reveal something about the views of committee members.

Show quote history

Thanks! I was just going to post that I had found the info about them being public etc..

But also checked and at the moment neither the WEC nor the JCHR have any pre appointment meetigns scheduled.

OP posts:
SionnachRuadh · 10/06/2025 19:05

IwantToRetire · 10/06/2025 18:58

I wonder if it happens in private?

But hope it will be shown as could indicate the thoughts of both the committee and the applicant.

Show quote history

Pre-appointment scrutiny hearings are in public. I've been to a couple in person, and they're streamed on Parliament TV. If you get a chance to watch one they're really interesting.

The principle is that ministers decide who they want in the job, and the select committee's job is to ask the candidate questions to determine whether they're suitable for the job. They publish a report after the hearing, and can note any reservations, but those reservations aren't binding on the Secretary of State.

As long as the candidate can demonstrate that she's credible, there shouldn't be a problem. But it might reveal something about the views of committee members.

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 10/06/2025 19:03

usedtobeaylis · 10/06/2025 18:59

Is the WEC going to question them about women or about trans people?

Not forgetting that the EHRC is about many different rights and equality across the UK, but this will show how much the WEC want to blur the lines.

I think Falkner has shown that she knows there are women's rights and there are the rights of those with a GRC.

OP posts:
usedtobeaylis · 10/06/2025 18:59

Is the WEC going to question them about women or about trans people?

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 10/06/2025 18:58

SionnachRuadh · 10/06/2025 11:12

Can't see a date for the hearing with Mary-Ann Stephenson. Baroness Falkner's term doesn't end until November, but I imagine they'll want to schedule it for before summer recess.

I wonder if it happens in private?

But hope it will be shown as could indicate the thoughts of both the committee and the applicant.

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 10/06/2025 18:57

I keep feeling I want to send Baroness Falkner an email or something saying, they are not worthy to question you!

Keep showing your clear thinking on women's sex based rights.

Thanks.

Flowers
OP posts:
SionnachRuadh · 10/06/2025 11:12

Can't see a date for the hearing with Mary-Ann Stephenson. Baroness Falkner's term doesn't end until November, but I imagine they'll want to schedule it for before summer recess.

ArabellaScott · 10/06/2025 10:55

I hope Sarah Owen is less antagonistic and rude than Caroline Nokes.

TangenitalContrivence · 10/06/2025 09:58

If you want to, you can also write to the committee to ask them to raise particular concerns or questions with the EHRC.
Email: [email protected]

Ereshkigalangcleg · 10/06/2025 09:17

I imagine so, remember when they questioned Kemi.

TheOtherRaven · 09/06/2025 19:18

Are we going to be treated by any chance to the edifying sight of the Women and Equalities Committee demanding to know why women should be permitted their protections in law when this does not suit men?

I really, really hope not.