New Statesman article on Bridget Phillipson

[RoastOrMash]

Some interesting stuff in here re EHRC draft code of practice and Bridget Phillipson
<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20260218080940/www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/2026/02/is-bridget-phillipson-the-most-dangerous-woman-in-britain?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is Bridget Phillipson the most dangerous education secretary ever?
some boring stuff also re whether her nails are painted or not, who cares.

Apparently her consultation with devolved governments concluded in November and now she's going through it "thoroughly and properly"

Phillipson says accusations that the guidance is delayed are “flat-out wrong”. When I ask about the sticking points, she declines to share details. “There’s a process to follow. I’m moving as fast as I can, but there have been some challenges along the way, because of the approach taken by the previous leadership of the EHRC, and that’s made it harder than it should have been.

Blaming Falkner. Dishonest. The NS explanation of the issue is good except that they praise BP for deft politicking, which I can't agree with.

It looks like the interview happened in termtime so before the Administrative Court decision. Shame.

Yeah I got cross at her blaming Falkner who is brilliant in my opinion, grrh

I too am angry at that swipe at 'the previous leadership of the EHRC', but overall I found the article very interesting, and it felt like proper journalism: an in-depth report into the issues involved in a number of areas of her work, more than one interview with her, details of her childhood reported objectively, etc.

She doesn't badmouth JKR, which is 'brave, Miinister' -
She tells me she is “a big fan” of Rowling’s work: “I’ve spent a lot of time reading Harry Potter over the years with my kids. I think she’s clearly a phenomenal writer, she’s a phenomenal campaigner, and the reason she cares so deeply about this issue is because of her own personal experiences. That’s why lots of women feel strongly about it: because we know how important it is to have access to spaces that are just for women.”

Just when I'd decided which politician I despise most Bridget slips in and wins the title.
Falkner is worth 10 of her. She's shown courage,dignity, critical thinking and integrity throughout her tenure.

Thanks for the link. In case the current share link closes the article can also be read here https://archive.is/zKA98

Have to say I was irritated by the article title. Just because another paper called her that, she isn't dangerous in the sense the Telegraph meant and the article surely was about is she up to these different and all importance post that her friend Starmer has given her.

Anyhow, had to say I skimmed through the education bits (which I know are important) and like others am disgusted at her cheap jibe at Falkner. Not only does it make her sound like just another of the spiteful school girls on the WEC, but is a smear.

And having a view point about women's sex based rights isn't "hostility" but the right of women to express their frustation at having their rights blocked yet again, and this time by the Government even though a Court case has stated what the law is.

Also, Phillipson say the Judge saying one right shouldn't be at the right of another group isn't meant women shouldn't have their rights. It is about undoing the mess created by Stonewall etc., in saying that TW had a right to women's spaces. So businesses need to accept they were wrongly advised (and sue Stonewall) but it certainly isn't saying to the Government dont implement the law.

Also who says there has been a change of approach. I suspect the change of approach is Labour women like Phillipson not immediately going over the top because something was said by Falkner, and in the openly oily way building MAS to be something that in fact no one knows is true.

This is just another Labour myth. I suspect anyone behaves different between having someone sneer and be hostile towards you , and someone approaching you in a professional non judgemental way.

All in all, and I realise it was one of these the person behind the headlines, I suspect this just adds to the impression the EHRC guidelines etc., are just a storm in a teacup caused by personality problems.

Especially when compared to the number of paragraphs about schools.

So yet again women are second in terms of rights, only in this instance it is in relation to children rather than men.

[sulk]

Thanks for the link OP, I managed to miss that article 👍