Rishi Sunak is about to deliver a knockout blow Nicholas Steur, as the Prime Minister appears to be considering whether or not to block the SNP’s gender recognition bill. Asked whether the UK government will block the bill, Mr Sunak said the government is “taking advice on the impact of that law” and thinking “how to move forward”. He said the UK government “will set out next steps in due course”.
Mr Sunak said this is “entirely standard practice”.
The aim of the legislation is to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender and obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), which is seen as an integral part of trans inclusion.
But critics say the law undermines sexual equality and poses a risk to women’s safety.
The Prime Minister’s threats against Ms Sturgeon’s act would be particularly troublesome for the Prime Minister, who has suffered a number of setbacks in recent weeks.
The Scottish Government is under increasing pressure as it handles the crisis in the NHS, which is reportedly on the brink of collapse.
She has also faced a number of protests in recent weeks, some of them over the Gender Recognition Bill.
The Scottish Parliament was suspended yesterday after anti-Sturgeon protesters disrupted the session during the prime minister’s questions.
Screams could be heard from the public gallery as protesters expressed their concerns to the Prime Minister.
And last year the SNP suffered a serious blow after the High Court ruled that the Scottish government lacks the relevant legal powers to hold a second independence referendum without Westminster’s approval, putting the brakes on the party’s campaign for independence .
When asked by Good Morning Scotland whether the government would block Ms Sturgeon’s gender recognition bill, the Prime Minister said: “Obviously it’s a sensitive area.
“Let me be very clear – as is perfectly standard practice, when the Scottish Parliament passes a law it is perfectly normal for the UK Government to seek advice on the impact of that law in the UK and then consider how to proceed.
“That’s the process that’s going on right now. That’s perfectly reasonable and standard.”
When pressed on the matter, Mr Sunak added: “The process here is one that is completely standard.
“I think it’s fair that when the Scottish Parliament passes a law, I think it’s fair for the UK government to seek advice on the impact of that law in the UK and then decide on the best course of action.
“The government is waiting for final advice and then we will take the next steps in due course.”