Regan Urges Starmer to Rule Out Support for Gender Self ID Bill
Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan MSP has urged Sir Keir Starmer to clarify if an incoming UK Labour Government will support the Scottish Government’s Gender Self ID Bill.
Her call comes ahead of a campaign visit of the UK Labour leader to Scotland today.
The Scottish Government previously decided it would not continue with a legal battle against the UK Government in an attempt to have the controversial Gender Self ID proposals brought into law.
As a result of the Secretary of State for Scotland’s decision to use Section 35 of the Scotland Act to block the Bill receiving Royal Assent the Gender reforms have not become law. However, the Scottish Government’s position is that it is still fully supportive of the aims of its policy to allow anyone to self identify their sex and now hopes that a new incoming UK Labour would allow the Gender Reforms to become law.
The controversial proposals received wide spread criticism in Scotland and have been opposed by Women’s Rights campaigners.
Alba Party’s Holyrood leader Ash Regan MSP has now called on Sir Keir Starmer to clarify his position should be become the next UK Prime Minister.
The Alba Party MSP wants Starmer to rule out supporting its roll out which Regan says would present a safeguarding risk to the privacy, dignity and safety of women and girls.
Commenting Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan MSP said:
"I have asked the Scottish Government to end any plans to ever roll out their Gender Self ID reforms. However, they remain committed to their flawed legislation and instead hope that a Labour Government replaces the current UK Conservative Government, and that Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party cancel the current Secretary of State for Scotland’s use of Section 35 of the Scotland Act.
"Keir Starmer may be the next UK Prime Minister so his view on the future of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill matters.
"As he visits Scotland today, I am calling on him to clarify that if he is the next UK Prime Minister will his Government unblock the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from receiving Royal Assent - and in doing so allow it to become law?
"I resigned from Government over this unlawful piece of legislation that is a fundamental risk to women and girls.
"The women of Scotland, and all that value the privacy, dignity and safety of women and girls deserve a response from Keir Starmer today."