Business of the House

Rupert Lowe Excerpts

Thursday 6th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I am sure my hon. Friend can appreciate that I, as a Mancunian, agree with all of Andy Burnham�s suggestions�nearly all of the time, anyway�and this sounds like a very good one. However, she makes the bigger point that the Scottish Government, along with the previous Conservative Government here in Westminster, have failed the Scottish people. That is why people voted overwhelmingly for a fresh start with Labour at the general election, and I am sure that will continue.

[Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth) (Reform)]

Women are being forced to face significant risk in order to be inclusive. Men must not be allowed access to women-only spaces, regardless of whether they believe themselves to be a woman�they are not. We must prioritise safety over inclusivity, dignity over wokery, reality over ideology. Will the Leader of the House commit to a debate in Government time on protecting women-only spaces and women-only services?

[Lucy Powell]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. The Equality Act 2010, which was brought in by a Labour Government, is absolutely clear on the provision of women-only spaces and that they are to be protected, especially where they are needed. We are proud to have brought in the Act and we stand by it. I am sure he would have wanted to say in his question that the Labour party has done more to support women� to close the gender gap, to reduce inequalities, and to tackle violence against women and girls�than perhaps his party or the Conservative party.