Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Penny Mordaunt and Sandy Martin

Thursday 15th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Penny Mordaunt]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important point. One of the outcomes of that day, alongside the issues that the women discussed, was the desire expressed by me and the other host of the event that those women should form a lasting network to support one another in fighting for gender equality around the world.

[Sandy Martin (Ipswich) (Lab)]

9. What assessment the Government have made of the effect of Budget 2018 on women.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Penny Mordaunt)]

As a result of meeting the commitments to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 and the higher rate threshold to £50,000 one year early, 13.6 million women will see their income tax bill reduced in 2019-20 and 1 million women will be taken out of income tax altogether.

--- Later in debate ---

[Sandy Martin]

Thank you very much for allowing me a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. What steps are the Government taking to address the pensions inequality faced by older women affected by the rise in the state pension age?

[Penny Mordaunt]

I will be making an announcement on this in my topical questions statement. It is important that the Government Equalities Office, which has rightly concentrated on executive women and women in the workplace, should broaden the scope of its work to look at wider issues, including the financial fragility of some women.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Penny Mordaunt and Sandy Martin

Thursday 17th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sandy Martin (Ipswich) (Lab)]

8. When the Government plans to launch the consultation on reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Penny Mordaunt)]

The Government Equalities Office will publish a consultation on the 2004 Act shortly. Our national LGBT survey received more than 100,000 responses and we are using the results to shape the questions in the consultation.

[Sandy Martin]

I thank the Minister for that answer. On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, what message will her Department give to the Great British media that discrimination against trans people is unacceptable?

[Penny Mordaunt]

I would be very happy to send that message from this Dispatch Box today. It is crucial that as we consult and discuss sensitive issues we do so in a climate of respect, empathy and understanding. Anything that runs counter to that must cease.