Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice

Debate between Sarah Owen and Caroline Nokes

Monday 1st June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I call the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee.

[Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab)]

I really wish that there was a better beginning to Pride Month than what we are discussing. Although the code is marginally different from its draft, it is still a trans-exclusionary one at its core, and unfortunately not inclusive. Moves like this from the EHRC and the Government have seen the UK slip from third in 2019 to 22nd in the European rankings for LGBT+ people to live and feel safe. Does the Minister share my concern that the new code of practice will only further the UK’s now hostile environment for trans people and not calm it? How will she act to stop the erosion of LGBT+ rights in this country?

Leagrave Station: Step-free Access

Debate between Sarah Owen and Caroline Nokes

Monday 9th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Owen]

A rare occasion! I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention and yes, he is right, that is far too long. Not only will I be grey, but I will be dead, so progress is far too slow—[Interruption.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Apologies, I was merely commenting that the hon. Lady might not be—longevity is increasing.

[Sarah Owen]

Madam Deputy Speaker, I have good genes, but I would have to have extraordinarily good genes to see that to fruition. The hon. Gentleman makes a really good point. Progress is far too slow. For many people, train journeys are just completely out their reach, and that should not be the limit of our aspirations, quite frankly.

“For Women Scotland” Supreme Court Ruling

Debate between Sarah Owen and Caroline Nokes

Tuesday 22nd April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

I call the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee.

[Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab)]

Far from this ruling providing clarity, trans, intersex and non-binary people are instead anxious and unsure about where this ruling leaves them, legally and practically, as they go about their lives. Does the Minister recognise that this ruling was made without a single contribution from trans people? Will she ensure that trans, intersex and non-binary people are involved in any upcoming new guidance, and if so, how?