A Tory MP Has Branded His Government's Decision On Trans Rights A "Crushing Disappointment"
Trade Secretary and Women and Equalities minister Liz Truss (Credit: PA)
3 min read
A Tory MP has branded the government's decision to row back on plans to reform transgender rights "a crushing disappointment".
Crispin Blunt tabled an urgent question in the Commons on Thursday after ministers dropped plans to allow trans people to self-identify under reforms to the Gender Recognition Act,.
He said women and equalities minister Liz Truss, who is also the trade secretary, had presented MPs with "an inherently unstable settlement that will have to be addressed hopefully sooner rather than later" and that delays in its release had contributed to upset in the trans community.
“Does she appreciate that trans people cannot discern any strong or coherent reason for this screeching change of direction?” he added.
“Does she understand the anger at the prospect of them receiving their fundamental rights being snatched away?
“The longer this uncertainty has been allowed to continue, the worse the fear and anger have become.”
The Conservative backbencher said the contrast in both Ms Truss's reputation across her twin briefs and her work on equalities compared to that of her predecessor Penny Mordaunt was "horribly stark".
"I welcome and enjoy the dynamism of my right honourable friend, that she brings to her unprecedented historic responsibilities in retaking control of British trade policy after nearly half a century," he said.
"The command of technical, economic and legal detail required is at once intimidating and inspiring. As a great trading nation, it commands all her attention and she has risen to the trade challenge.
"The prime minister has done her, and the nation, no favours by continuing to overburden her after the election at such an extraordinary time for trade."
He added: "Does she see that the underlying trend of the majority of people in this country is following the path set by a change of attitude in society a generation earlier towards those with different sexualities?
"And the vast majority, the vast, vast majority of LGBT people will stand in solidarity with trans people. Does she appreciate that this statement does not command a majority in this House?"
But fellow Tory MP Ben Bradley defended Ms Truss, accusing Mr Blunt of being "way out on a limb".
He wrote on Twitter: [In my opinion], most colleagues welcome the compromise where can make things administratively easier for trans people, whilst still taking a good look at the implications of education, healthcare and treatments."
He added that Ms Truss had found a "fair balance" in her response, and that any issues with the approach stems from the "previous administration massively overpromising" on potential changes to the process.
Under the government's plans, the need for a Gender Recognition Certificate for a person to legally change sex will remain the same, but the process will be "modernised" and the cost reduced.
Ms Truss said the government is "also taking action to ensure transgender people can access the appropriate healthcare they need".
Labour's shadow minister for women and equalities, Marsha de Cordova, said minsters had "let trans people down...after three years of toxic debate".
Ms Truss said she believed the "right conclusion" had been reached to ensure "proper checks and balances" in the system and that the government's proposals were "in line with other major nations".
"We believe in individual liberty and in the humanity and dignity of every person," she added.
“It is my view that the balance struck in the existing legislation is correct."
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