Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to paragraphs 54 and 55 of the EU–UK Security and Defence Partnership, published on 19 May, and the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, what assessment they have made of whether the UK definition of a woman aligns with that of the European Commission and its agencies.

The Supreme Court decision concerned the definition of a woman in the context of the UK Equality Act 2010.

In line with the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the UK aims to ensure that the needs of women, girls, and marginalised people, including those who are LGBT+, are properly considered in conflict response. The EU-UK Security and Defence Partnership provides a framework for dialogue and cooperation with the EU, including on this issue.