Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transgender People: Safe Spaces

Wednesday 10 December 2025 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jayne Kirkham expressed concern about constituents fearing rising transphobia and discrimination due to draft EHRC guidance.
  • Christine Jardine inquired about the timeline for guidance being considered regarding the inclusion of trans community in organizations like Girlguiding UK and the Women's Institute.
  • The Minister assured that the government is carefully considering the EHRC's draft code of practice to ensure everyone can live free from harassment and discrimination.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Women & Equalities
Context

Concerns raised by constituents about the draft code of practice issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, specifically regarding rising transphobia and discrimination.

Question

I have very vulnerable constituents who have raised concerns about the draft EHRC guidance on transgender people. Many are scared and fear rising transphobia and discrimination. What steps is she taking to ensure that we protect the rights and dignity of everyone in society, and support the groups that work with those vulnerable trans people?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I am deeply sorry to hear about my hon. Friend’s constituents. On the wider issue she raises, it is of course vital that everyone, including trans people, can live free from harassment and discrimination, and can access appropriate services. That is why we are carefully considering the EHRC’s draft updated code and making sure the proper processes are followed. Of course, the Equality Act upholds safeguards for trans people, and we are committed to it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or timeline for addressing concerns about rising transphobia and discrimination.

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Women & Equalities
Context

Organisations such as Girlguiding UK and the Women’s Institute have expressed concerns about being forced to exclude transgender individuals against their will.

Question

With organisations such as Girlguiding UK and the Women’s Institute saying that they have been forced to exclude the trans community against their will, how soon can we expect the guidance that the Secretary of State says is being considered?

Answer from The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)

I have said many times in this House, I welcome the clarity of the Supreme Court ruling, and providers should follow it. The EHRC has given me a draft code of practice. We are working through it—it is a lengthy document—and we will take this further as soon as we can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline for when the guidance will be issued, only stated that they are working on it.

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