Question

To ask the Ministers for Women and Equalities, what discussions she has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Justice and (b) other interlocutors about the Law Society's inclusion of Sharia succession rules in its guidance and its compatibility with existing equalities legislation; and if she will make a statement.

My Rt Hon Friend and I have not had any such discussions.

This Government is committed to the protection and promotion of women’s rights. Sharia law has no jurisdiction in England and Wales and the Government has no intention of changing this position. Everyone, male or female, is equal before the law in this country.

The practice note issued by The Law Society on 13 March gives guidance to solicitors preparing wills under the law of England and Wales. It is a fundamental principle of this law that testators are, by making a valid will, able to leave their property to whomsoever they wish, subject only to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The practice note does not and cannot change the law. The courts will continue to apply the law of England and Wales relating to the making of wills in exactly the same way as they did before the practice note was issued