Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, what plans they have to issue guidance to (1) royal medical colleges, (2) healthcare professional organisations, and (3) other stakeholders that interact with the department, about implementing the Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme Court ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers. We expect all providers to follow the clarity this ruling provides.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is currently reviewing sections of the draft Code of Practice which need updating. They will shortly undertake a public consultation to understand how the practical implications of this judgment may be best reflected in the updated guidance, which will be seeking views from affected stakeholders.