Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice

Baroness Chakrabarti Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Everyone must comply with the law. The Supreme Court decision is very clear, but it takes time to amend guidance and policies because, as I have said to the noble Lord before, they are not just about this single issue. Some policies particularly cover employment and, of course, the guidance now issued is about service providers. As I said in my response to the noble Baroness, Lady Stedman-Scott, the Cabinet Office has updated Civil Service model policy and departments will work to implement the changes as soon as possible. The policy documents are being updated—that is a current situation —but compliance with the law is what they are required to do. If there is any doubt, they seek legal advice.

[Baroness Chakrabarti (Lab)]

My Lords, the Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter of the interpretation of law as it is, including where there are conflicting statutes. Everyone else must grapple with the consequences. The Government’s equality impact statement suggests that a consequence is that some trans people may be left with no adequate provision whatever. I know that there are young trans people in particular who, as suggested by the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Manchester the other day, are feeling depressed to the point of being suicidal about this ongoing row. What will the Government do to ensure adequate provision as well as adequate respect, and what will Parliament do to decide what the law ought to be as opposed to what it currently may be?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I hear what my noble friend is saying, and I think she had a response from my noble friend Lady Smith, the Minister, on Monday about that. I repeat that I and the Government are proud of the Equality Act. We do not want to see it challenged. We will continue to take that position. I reassure my noble friend that, on a range of services for trans people, we are committed to ensure that they are improved and maintained. We have Michael Brady’s review on NHS services. It is important that we have gone from the period of the debate being toxic: that somehow trans people are a threat. We know why single-sex spaces are important, and that is the Supreme Court’s decision. We also know that the consequence of this toxic debate is to make trans people feel threatened. That is what we need to address as a society to ensure that they do not feel threatened and that they feel welcome.