Topical Questions 2024-05-15
2024-05-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Equality and Human Rights Commission faced a challenge to its accreditation status by Stonewall. This issue has implications for the commission's independent participation in UN human rights forums.
Why does the government support the EHRC retaining its A-status accreditation despite Stonewall's attempt to strip it of this recognition?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has retained its accreditation as an A-status national human rights institution, denoting full compliance with the Paris principles. Stonewall does not dictate the law in this country or at the UN, and the commission retains its independent participation rights.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that women are more economically inactive than men. Flexible working is seen as a solution to this issue.
The data shows 25.3% of women compared with 18.4% of men being economically inactive. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure all workers have access to flexible working?
The Department has put out multiple bits of legislation that entrench workplace equality, including around flexible working rights. Further work is being done on the trade side to ensure provisions advance gender equality in free trade agreements.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline for ensuring all workers have access to flexible working was not provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
An issue has been raised about privacy and dignity in public toilets for women.
What actions are being taken to ensure privacy and dignity in toilet facilities?
Building regulations are being updated so that toilets in non-domestic buildings offer safety, privacy and dignity for all people. The distinction is drawn between gender-neutral toilets and unisex toilets.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Female candidates were subjected to AI-generated deepfakes and offensive content during the Northern Ireland Assembly campaign, potentially affecting voter choice.
What action is being taken to regulate dissemination of AI-generated deepfake imagery that could affect elections?
The Online Safety Act 2023 criminalises sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. Deepfakes should be reported directly to social media platforms and the Electoral Commission.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
17-year-old Leoni Miller launched a business after enduring an induced coma and chemotherapy. Support is needed for other young women to pursue entrepreneurship.
What support and advice is available for female entrepreneurs like 17-year-old Leoni Miller?
The invest in women taskforce aims to make the UK a top place for female founders. Since launch, its members have been working with the private sector to raise funds for female founders like Leoni.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Baroness Cumberlege's report and the patient safety commissioner's recommendations call for a redress scheme for women harmed by surgical mesh.
What conversations is the Minister having with Government colleagues to make a redress scheme for surgical mesh victims a reality?
The patient safety commissioner's report on redress has been commissioned by this Government. The recommendations will be taken in detail and a response is aimed for coming weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Timeline or specific steps towards establishing the redress scheme were not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Some sporting bodies interpret the Equality Act in a way that allows males to compete as females in women's sports, raising concerns about safety and fairness.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is lawful to exclude males from female sports for safety and fairness?
There is misinformation about the interpretation of the Equality Act. Sports bodies need to tackle this area more strongly.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy