Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conduct of (1) the UK Statistics Authority, and (2) the National Statistician, in relation to the determination of how questions on sex in the 2021 census and the related guidance were framed.

In the proceedings brought by Fair Play for Women in relation to the sex question guidance in Census 2021 in England and Wales, the claimant’s solicitors named the Minister for the Cabinet Office as an interested party. The Cabinet Office considered this appropriate as the department responsible for the census legislation.

The legal costs have not yet been fully determined for the above proceedings.

The Order made by the court, in the case referenced above specifically related to the census legislation. The court made a distinction between a person’s sex as recognised by law and the gender with which a person self-identifies. HM Government will note this more broadly, and reflect on whether further guidance for government departments and public bodies is required.

HM Government also recognises the importance of accurate data collection.

HM Government has monitored progress of Census 2021 through regular engagement with the Cabinet Office, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and HM Treasury. The Government is confident that Census 2021 will be successful and provide a wealth of data reflecting the society we live in today.