Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 15 May 2024 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government supports the EHRC retaining its A-status accreditation.
  • Department has enacted legislation to entrench workplace equality, including flexible working rights.
  • Building regulations are being updated to ensure privacy and dignity in toilet facilities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Women & Equalities
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.

Question

Why does the government support the EHRC retaining its A-status accreditation despite Stonewall's attempt to strip it of this recognition?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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.

Answered
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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline for ensuring all workers have access to flexible working was not provided

How: Working With Partners

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Q3 Andrew Jones Con
Environment
Context

An issue has been raised about privacy and dignity in public toilets for women.

Question

What actions are being taken to ensure privacy and dignity in toilet facilities?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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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Q4 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Democracy & Elections Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Female candidates were subjected to AI-generated deepfakes and offensive content during the Northern Ireland Assembly campaign, potentially affecting voter choice.

Question

What action is being taken to regulate dissemination of AI-generated deepfake imagery that could affect elections?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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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Q5 Caroline Ansell Con
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
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.

Question

What support and advice is available for female entrepreneurs like 17-year-old Leoni Miller?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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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Q6 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
NHS
Context

Baroness Cumberlege's report and the patient safety commissioner's recommendations call for a redress scheme for women harmed by surgical mesh.

Question

What conversations is the Minister having with Government colleagues to make a redress scheme for surgical mesh victims a reality?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Timeline or specific steps towards establishing the redress scheme were not provided

How: Under Review

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Q7 Miriam Cates
Women & Equalities
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.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is lawful to exclude males from female sports for safety and fairness?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

There is misinformation about the interpretation of the Equality Act. Sports bodies need to tackle this area more strongly.

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