Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 17 March (HL14714), what is the policy of the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government on whether written representations to their consultations or calls for evidence from an individual or organisation subject to a policy of non-engagement are not read or substantively considered in that consultation process.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

As announced in the Protecting What Matters publication on the 9^th March, we are currently updating and embedding the 2024 engagement principles which will assist public bodies to not confer legitimacy, funding or influence on extremist groups.

Each department must consider their own due diligence when choosing to engage with any organisation or individual and, if asked, we will advise and share information to help inform their decisions.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to page 27 of the policy paper Protecting What Matters, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 9 March, for what reason the paper refers to "genders" rather than sex, given the Supreme Court judgement in the For Women Scotland case.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK Government is firmly committed to upholding the legal protections established by the Equality Act 2010, including those which protect people against unlawful discrimination and harassment based on the characteristics of sex and gender reassignment.

We have always been clear that the For Women Scotland Supreme Court ruling brought clarity to the definition of ‘sex’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.

Protecting What Matters makes clear that the UK is a diverse, pluralistic, and equal society. Its reference to “people of all races, religions, sexualities, and genders” refers to the fact that UK society respects and values people of all backgrounds.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 14 April (HL Deb col 201), whether the Muslim Council of Britain has received grants under the Windrush grant scheme.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Muslim Council of Britain has not received funding under the Windrush Day Grant Scheme. Funding is awarded through an open and competitive process.

Found: Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, Government Whip No relevant interests Baroness Bloomfield of Hilton Waldrist

Found: Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, Government Whip 5.

Found: Bay, Government Whip See entry under the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Baroness Scott of Bybrook

Found: Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Government Whip No relevant interests Baroness Scott of Bybrook