Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Equality Act 2010: Public Bodies

Wednesday 12 July 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have published advice and guidance to help public bodies comply with the Equality Act 2010.
  • The Minister offered to meet Neale Hanvey to discuss his concerns about the Metropolitan Police's approach to certain cases.
  • The Government will ensure that the report from Lord Etherton's inquiry into the treatment of LGBT service members is reviewed by ministerial colleagues in the Ministry of Defence.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neale Hanvey
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about public bodies' compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and seeks measures to ensure implementation.

Question

What steps are being taken to help ensure that public bodies implement the requirements of the Equality Act 2010?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government have published a range of advice and guidance to help public bodies comply with the Equality Act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission also publishes technical guidance on complying with the public sector equality duty. I will shortly be reissuing my December 2021 update to Ministers on how to comply with the public sector equality duty, especially when it comes to completing equalities impact assessments, and I hope that that is distributed widely.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specifics of enforcement or measures taken to ensure compliance beyond guidance publication.

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Q2 Neale Hanvey
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities Religion & Faith
Context

The MP raises concerns about reluctance of law enforcement to investigate threats against MPs, controversial defences by public institutions, and closures of bank accounts due to lawful protected characteristics. The issue is framed around tackling misinformation and promoting equality.

Question

With the Met police force reluctant to investigate murderous threats towards three sitting MPs for their lawfully protected beliefs and characteristics; a convicted criminal calling for violence against women at Trans Pride incoherently defended as freedom of expression by that same force; and broadcasters, journalists, faith leaders and even the Equalities and Human Rights Commissioner for Scotland all having had their bank accounts closed for what appear to be their lawfully protected characteristics, will the Minister meet me and other affected Members to consider how we tackle this dangerous misinformation, rampant homophobia and misogyny being promoted in our institutions by organisations such as Stonewall?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I take the points that the hon. Gentleman has made very seriously, and I would be very happy to meet him. We are a free and fair society, and we must protect free speech and allow open discussion, as long as it does not break the law. On bank account closures, banks and other payment services providers occupy a privileged place in our society, and it would be a serious concern if financial services are being denied to anyone exercising their right to lawful free speech. I need to express this: a notice period of fair and open communication with a customer must apply in those situations that relate to termination on grounds other than suspected or actual criminal offences or when otherwise allowed by law. The Government are currently reviewing evidence on whether the existing payment services and account termination framework is operating effectively, or if further clarification is needed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific meeting with affected Members but expressed willingness to discuss issues related to free speech and bank closures.

How: Under Review

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Q3 James Gray Con
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is inquiring about the Government's response to an independent inquiry report on the treatment of LGBT service members before 2001, and seeks a date for the government's answer and an oral statement.

Question

We were all delighted that the Government appointed an independent inquiry chaired by Lord Etherton to look into the disgraceful treatment of LGBT soldiers, sailors and air people before 2001 and the fact that those wrongs have not yet been put right. That report was given to the Government some three weeks ago now, and I understand that the Government have said they will produce it before the summer. Will they also answer the report at that time, will they give us a date for it and will there be an oral statement in this House, so we can quiz the Government on the report?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I will speak to my ministerial colleagues in the Ministry of Defence who have received the report, and ensure that my hon. Friend receives a response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific date for responding to the report or confirm an oral statement in the House.

How: Will Speak To Colleagues

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