B

Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 1 June 2026

Debate

For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers

Contribution

I hope when my noble friend has a chance to look at the code in detail she will recognise that the code now makes it clear that determining somebody’s sex on the basis of their physical appearance would not necessarily be straightforward or appropriate. I think that is an important statement. On the point about challenging and enforcement, most of us in this country for many years have lived in a way that enables people to access public services, including toilets, without any policing. That is not the British way we do things—nor do I think it should be in future. There are common-sense ways in which the code identifies how we can ensure both that the ruling is complied with and that all people—particularly trans people who may be worried about it—can get access to the facilities they need and deserve.

More from Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

Partner sites