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Written Question
Tourism: LGBT+ People
Thursday 4th September 2025

Asked by: Alex Sobel (Labour (Co-op) - Leeds Central and Headingley)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the EHRC draft code of practice for services, public functions and associations on LGBTQIA+ tourism to the UK.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is committed to ensuring the UK remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world for all visitors, including for LGBTQIA+ tourists. Inclusivity is a key part of what we offer tourists and contributes to our global appeal.

The Department has not conducted a specific assessment of the potential impact of the draft code on tourism. However, DCMS, through VisitBritain and VisitEngland, continues to support tourism businesses in this area. A new e-learning course to help the industry welcome LGBTQIA+ customers was recently launched and is being promoted through Local Visitor Economy Partnerships to their networks.

To provide clarity for the sector, interim EHRC guidance relating to the recent Supreme Court ruling has also been added to the ‘Pink Book’, VisitEngland’s guide to accommodation and attraction legislation. Furthermore, VisitEngland will review its Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for businesses and LGBTQIA+ course once the EHRC’s updated guidance is finalised.

Written Question
Armed Forces: Standards
Thursday 4th September 2025

Asked by: Alex Sobel (Labour (Co-op) - Leeds Central and Headingley)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the draft guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission entitled Code of practice for services, public functions and associations, published on 20 May 2025, on (a) operational readiness and (b) combat effectiveness (i) of all service personnel and (ii) of service personnel who are trans.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

Defence welcomes the Supreme Court's ruling and the clarity that it brings. The independent Equality and Human Rights Commission is now developing its updated statutory Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations and we will liaise with them through our engagement with the Office for Equalities and Opportunity as they progress this work. The application of the Supreme Court ruling in some settings is complex and that is why it is important we await the Code of Practice before applying the Equality Act on a day-to-day basis.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 03 Sep 2025
Oral Answers to Questions

"Prime Minister, in September 2021, you met ex-Arsenal player Michael Thomas in Portcullis House alongside other former footballers of the V11, when I hosted them in Parliament. Last night, the BBC broadcast the V11 documentary, exposing the fraud perpetrated against them and the financial abuse that they have suffered within …..."
Alex Sobel - View Speech

View all Alex Sobel (LAB - Leeds Central and Headingley) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Division Vote (Commons)
3 Sep 2025 - Hospitality Sector - View Vote Context
Alex Sobel (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 325 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 158 Noes - 334
Division Vote (Commons)
3 Sep 2025 - Property Taxes - View Vote Context
Alex Sobel (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 322 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 98 Noes - 335
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Sep 2025 - English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - View Vote Context
Alex Sobel (LAB) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 352 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 365 Noes - 164
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Sep 2025 - English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - View Vote Context
Alex Sobel (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 352 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 167 Noes - 367
Scheduled Event - Monday 1st September - Add to calendar
View Source
Commons - Select Committee Statement - Main Chamber
Select Committee Statement on the Seventh Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Transnational Repression in the UK, HC 681
MP: Alex Sobel
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 01 Sep 2025
Joint Committee on Human Rights

"I was thinking that I might have had a quiet first day back after recess, but I have now been in the Chamber for six hours and 20 minutes, so I am clearly working hard for my constituents yet again. I am also working hard on behalf of the Joint …..."
Alex Sobel - View Speech

View all Alex Sobel (LAB - Leeds Central and Headingley) contributions to the debate on: Joint Committee on Human Rights
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 01 Sep 2025
Joint Committee on Human Rights

"I thank the hon. Member for his questions. I have worked with him, as he knows, on the APPG for international freedom of religion or belief. Religious belief is one of the reasons why we see transnational repression, and China is a particular example when it comes to subjecting citizens …..."
Alex Sobel - View Speech

View all Alex Sobel (LAB - Leeds Central and Headingley) contributions to the debate on: Joint Committee on Human Rights