BORDERS MP John Lamont has thrown his weight behind the UK Government’s move to block Holyrood’s controversial reforms of the gender bill saying that there was a real concern that the legislation would risk women’s rights and safety across the United Kingdom.

And he added that the decision was taken after careful consideration of all legal advice and expert opinion.

His comments come after Scottish Secretary Alister Jack confirmed he would make an order under Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998, the first time the UK Government has sought such an order, which will now prevent the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from going forward for royal assent.

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The MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said: “This necessary decision was taken after a great deal of thought. The UK Government has carefully considered all the legal advice and expert opinions on the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

“There is real concern that this legislation would risk women’s rights and safety across our United Kingdom.

“The UK Government believes that trans people seeking to change gender deserve our respect, support and understanding.

“If the Scottish Government brings back an amended bill, we have offered to work together to find a constructive way forward that protects women’s rights, respects devolution and maintains UK Parliament legislation.”

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move is “a full-frontal attack” on the Scottish Parliament and “its ability to make its own decisions on devolved matters”.

In a tweet posted in response to Alister Jack’s Section 35 announcement, the First Minister said: “This is a full-frontal attack on our democratically-elected Scottish Parliament and its ability to make its own decisions on devolved matters.

 

 

“The Scottish Government will defend the legislation and stand up for Scotland’s Parliament.

“If this Westminster veto succeeds, it will be first of many.”

Scottish Trans, a trans equality group, also condemned the UK Government’s announcement.

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Manager Vic Valentine said: “The Bill as passed would introduce a simpler and fairer way for trans men and women to be legally recognised as who they truly are, allowing them to live with the dignity we all deserve.

“It was passed by the Scottish Parliament by 86 votes to 39, with the overwhelming support of the SNP, Labour, the Greens and the Lib Dems.

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“That followed years of consultation and lengthy Parliamentary consideration and debate. The Bill covers matters that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament and its consequences were considered by MSPs in great detail.

“For the UK Government to seek to block the Scottish democratic process in this way, simply because they disagree with the welcome decision the Scottish Parliament has made to improve trans people’s lives, is unacceptable. We fully expect the Scottish Government to challenge this in the courts.”