Schools: Transgender Guidance

Debate between Baroness Meyer and Baroness Barran

Wednesday 25th January 2023 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

We absolutely want our policies to be sensitive, and we need them to be practical, clear and trusted. The noble Baroness quoted one element of Dr Cass’s report, but I did not hear her also say—forgive me if I missed it—that any decisions about social transition are not neutral either.

[Baroness Meyer (Con)]

My Lords, is not imposing the use of preferred pronouns on teachers and pupils an attack on freedom of speech?

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

As I say, I do not think it is helpful to generalise and talk about imposition of pronouns. We will address these issues in our guidance, and will draw on the widest range of views to inform it.

Online Harms Legislation

Debate between Baroness Meyer and Baroness Barran

Thursday 13th February 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran]

The noble Baroness puts her finger on an important point. The task of defining vulnerability will be a key element in our work between now and the spring. Forgive me if my answer is brief but it is a complex and important area.

[Baroness Meyer (Con)]

My Lords, have Her Majesty’s Government taken into account what other countries are doing to tackle online harms?

[Baroness Barran]

We are liaising on developments in the EU and globally but, as I said to the noble Lord, Lord Griffiths, we will not let that slow us down.