Rishi Sunak is keen to distance himself from Liz Truss over Scotland. Shortly before she became prime minister, Truss suggested it was best to ‘ignore’ the ‘attention seeker’ Nicola Sturgeon. But Sunak is adopting a more conciliatory approach towards the SNP leader. The pair enjoyed a working dinner last night in Inverness on Sunak’s first trip to Scotland since becoming Prime Minister. They discussed the NHS, the economy and strikes. While there was a ‘robust’ exchange on independence, the post-match report does not point to a war of words between the pair. Yet cordial relations between them could prove short-lived.
Speaking earlier today on BBC Radio Scotland, Sunak voiced concerns about the impact of Scotland’s gender reforms, which will bring in ‘self-identification’ for those who want to change gender. He said the government was awaiting ‘final advice’ on the implications of the changes:
‘Obviously this is a very sensitive area and I know there were very robust debates and exchanges on it as the bill was passing in Scotland. What I’m concerned about is the impact of the bill across the United Kingdom. As is entirely standard, the UK government would take advice on that.’
One of the issues is that the legislation – which relaxes rules around gender self-ID – could compromise the 2010 Equality Act.
Cordial relations could prove short-lived
When the Scottish parliament passed the gender recognition bill last month – by 86 votes to 39 – the UK government was quick to lay out its options to challenge it.
In a statement, Scotland Secretary Alister Jack suggested that Westminster could invoke powers to block the bill from going for Royal Assent with a Section 35 order. This is seen as the nuclear option: a Section 35 order has never been invoked before. It would lead to a clash both on devolution and the trans debate – with women’s rights campaigners warning that the proposed legislation could put women and girls’ safety at risk. The deadline for the government to decide is fast approaching – a decision will be made next week.
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