I wrote to my newly elected Labour MP after the SC ruling asking him how his government were going to support WOMEN’S rights to access SSS, and I finally received this reply yesterday. As you will see, there’s not one mention of the word woman or women. At least he’s clarified that Labour don’t support women.
’Thank you for contacting me about this Supreme Court ruling and transgender rights in our country.
This ruling comes at a time when the discourse – and media commentary – around transgender rights can often be overly simplistic, toxic and politically charged, leading to debates in Parliament and the media that may not accurately reflect the lived experiences of trans people. As responsible politicians, we must understand that this concerns real people's lives, dignity, and fundamental rights. Indeed, Human Rights Watch has expressed concern that this ruling threatens the rights of trans people, and we must not ignore these very real implications.
Recent statistics continue to show concerning levels of hate crime against trans people, with 4,700 hate crimes committed against trans people in the year leading to March 2023, representing an 11% increase on the previous year. While some argue that rising numbers result from better recording of hate crime, I do not believe this accounts for the full scale of the increase. We must make the UK safer for trans people and ensure every victim of hate crime is treated equally.
Following this Supreme Court ruling, it is more important than ever that we focus on supporting trans people through these challenging times. While the decision may provide some legal clarity around single-sex services, campaigners rightly point out that it could lead to discrimination, especially over employment issues. We must ensure that this legal development does not become a license for discrimination or prejudice.
We must also continue supporting the implementation of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that while legal definitions may be clarified, the fundamental principle of treating all people with respect and dignity remains paramount.
I will continue to advocate for policies that protect trans people from discrimination and ensure that they can access the healthcare, support services, and basic respect that every person deserves.
Alongside colleagues in Parliament, I am engaging with the EHRC to ensure that trans voices are not overlooked or side-lined following this Supreme Court ruling.’