Oral Answers to Questions

Tracy Gilbert Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alex Norris]

The hon. Gentleman will not be surprised to hear that when any decision is taken across Government, it is done in the round and we have those conversations with our colleagues in other Departments. Giving local leaders the power to make that decision, if they want it, is important and, of course, if people do not follow it, there ought to be sanctions.

[Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab)]

T8. The number of C51 parental order applications has more than doubled in the past decade, and with more applications involving international surrogacy arrangements, the complexity of these cases has increased. Can the Minister confirm whether His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has raised concerns with the Department on these increased numbers, and will the Minister meet me and campaigners to discuss the growing concerns?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)]

These applications and surrogacy issues raise complex issues around ethics, law and medicine. We have not had those concerns raised by HMCTS, but I am happy to meet my hon. Friend and campaigners to discuss it in more detail.

HMP Downview: Female Prisoners

Tracy Gilbert Excerpts

Monday 24th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alex Davies-Jones]

I will ensure that the Minister responsible writes to the hon. Lady to inform her of that. In terms of managing the risk posed to biological women, these policies have been a success. There have been zero assaults and zero sexual assaults committed by transgender women in the women’s estate since 2019. To answer her point, there have been zero assaults.

[Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab)]

I congratulate the hon. Member for Reigate (Rebecca Paul) on securing this important debate. The Minister may be aware that Scottish Ministers are waiting to see the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance, following the Supreme Court ruling. Does she believe that it is tenable for Scottish Ministers to not implement the law as it is written, while waiting on the guidance, and can she give any advice on when it will be published?