Reply from female Tory MP re self id

[MsMcWoodle]

Opinions?

"Many thanks for your email. I am sorry for the delay in replying but it can take up to three weeks to reply to emails as we receive hundreds each day and have to deal with the most urgent first.

In relating to self identification, there are no firm plans yet to move towards this policy. Amber Rudd, who is the minister responsible is consulting on all options as she is aware this is a very sensitive area.

I sat on the select committee when this was discussed and we heard evidence surrounding the issues that the trans community face but we also heard from women who are concerned that a move to self identification could put women in a very vulnerable position.

This is why the Home Secretary is looking at the evidence in detail before any decisions are made. Your experience is very helpful in highlighting that this debate needs to be heard from all sides.

With all good wishes"

I've reached the point now where I just think they dont actually believe anything they write, and just say what they think sounds best.

She hasn't told you how she feels about self ID. She's palmed you off with some reassuring waffle.

I would like to know which parties are being consulted with

I would translate this as "it is mean of you to ask me such a difficult question when I haven't go a clue what I'm supposed to say".

It's not the worst reply from an MP by a very long way.

Agreed.

It's neutral. I have seen worse.

Hmm - not sure ?? I get a hint that the debate's hotting up (after sterling work by many, not least MN feminists) and that people are getting (a bit) more aware ??

I read this as positive.

Any MP replying must know that their letter could be posted online with their name and won't want attacks from either side. It doesn't seem to be a stock answer.

I read this as positive. Even 'on the fence' is seen as 'anti trans' now.

I didn't realise this was Amber Rud's remit, as I behind?

I think that’s a lot more positive than other MPs replies - mine didn’t even acknowledge that there was another side to the debate that needed to be heard/consulted on

Definitely positive. Recognises that different groups have different concerns, which means it needs careful detailed consideration.

There is not even a hint of calling the letter writer a bigot for raising her concerns. Quite the opposite.

I think it is a good response.

I am encouraged and may write to my MP too.

I see it as a positive too, especially, "In relating to self identification, there are no firm plans yet to move towards this policy", which is a definite rowing back from the earlier position, which was that they were going to put forward a Gender Recognition Bill. The reply I had from my Tory MP just a few months ago was all about the Tory Party's commitment to rights for transgender people.

I think they're running scared.

Yeah, that's definitely more encouraging than 'transwomen are women' which is what I got- still thinkin of replying and asking her what, in that case, a woman is.
I do think the fear of having a letter to a constituent published must be very real and inhibiting.

This is how bad things are right now - not insulting your constituent or calling them a bigot when they express concern about their own rights is seen as a positive move.

I would translate this as "it is mean of you to ask me such a difficult question when I haven't go a clue what I'm supposed to say"

But better than 'your letter proves you to be a horrible bigot' which seems to be the stock Labour response atm

It's a classic fudge reply - doesn't commit them to anything, points out that the policy is still being developed, leaves plenty of wriggle room for them to make a decision on how they will vote without any hostages on an inconvenient bit of paper.

My letter was ignored by my lefty dudebro mp. I would have been delighted to get this reply. I find it encouraging or perhaps I am just desperate to grab at straws.

Still waiting to hear back from mine.

Had a surgery meeting with mine. Tory, went well.

Funnily enough, I included a link to the story of Laurel Hubbard, the NZ weightlifter, not realising they're just about to take part in the Commonwealth Games next week. I asked him to consider if the GBP (ie voters)were likely to consider this fair, as I feel highlighting the sport conundrum is one of the best ways of taking this mainstream.

Y they need focus and examples. I highlighted the homophobia with examples.

I also think this is a positive reply. It sounds to me like the Tories know they dropped a clanger in deliberately ignoring forgetting to consider women while trying to improve the position for trans people and are now actually thinking the whole thing through. That can only be a good thing. And I'm all for anything that improves the lives of trans people - right up until the point women's rights or the safeguarding of children are negatively affected. As I think most of us are.

Conservative MPs are a pretty pragmatic bunch and less likely to be influenced by the trans activists than other parties; they know full well that the average Tory voter isn't going to buy into this crap.

So if you have a Tory MP, can I suggest you hold your nose if necessary and contact them politely but succinctly to point out your concerns? The more input they get from GC women, the more they are likely to be influenced to put a stop on these proposals. And until the next election, it's the Tory government that will formulating legislation, so they are the ones to concentrate on right now.

Btw, my MP will only reply to his own constituents, which seems fair enough

Agree it is encouraging

'I do think the fear of having a letter to a constituent published must be very real and inhibiting.'

Every MP knows that a letter they send could be put on social media. It's not a fear, it's just a fact.

Amber Rudd is minister responsible for women & equalities which covers this. If you want a response from her, ask your MP to forward your email/letter to her for response to you.
This is standard procedure.

Most MPs simply haven't thought about self ID yet, as it's not upcoming legislation.
That doesn't look like a standard response to me. I work for an MP.

And MPs should only respond to their constituents under parliamentary convention.