Speeches by Phillipson.

“I am grateful for the Committee’s work in this area. This is an area across the House where there is considerable support for further action. We obviously have the Online Safety Act 2023; through the Act, there are now greater powers available to Ofcom to enforce and uphold the law. We will continue to review whether m…”

“I will take your views on this area away and discuss it with colleagues across Government to get the full update that you want. Of course, we should be taking action to make sure that people are protected. I will seek to understand the position of the DSIT Secretary as to what more is needed in this area, and will prov…”

“South Wales police has paused its plans. It is right that it has done so. There are no blasphemy laws in this country, but it is right that we take action against hatred, prejudice and racism wherever we find it. We have seen shocking examples of Muslims in our country being targeted on the basis of their faith and bec…”

“When Dr Hilary Cass published her review, we endorsed all those recommendations, as did the Conservatives. An important part of what Dr Cass set out was that it is essential that healthcare is available to children and young people who are experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence, but that it must be safe, evidenc…”

“The hon. Gentleman raises two incredibly powerful and distressing cases. I share with him my sympathy for those affected, given all that they have been through and the harm that they have suffered. I am more than happy to discuss the matter further with him, or to make sure that a Minister meets him to hear his constit…”

“The Equality Act 2010 is a monumental achievement, passed by the last Labour Government, that protects everyone from discrimination and harassment. The public sector equality duty makes our services fairer for everyone, and we are bolstering that by commencing the socioeconomic duty. The Equality Act is our quiet guard…”

“Under the Equality Act 2006, I have laid the code as set out in the law. It is probably useful to say what the purpose of the draft code is and what its relationship is with the Equality Act. I understand the concerns that have been raised by many, and I am aware of feelings across the House, including those connected …”

“I was satisfied in laying the code and I believe it was right to lay the code before Parliament, because this gives service providers the clarity that they need, in terms of how they can comply with the law. To be absolutely clear with the Committee, trans people are still protected by the Equality Act. The draft code …”

“Both the Government and the EHRC completed equality impact assessments, as we are required to do, and I am sure that the EHRC would be happy to discuss further with the Committee how it intends to continue to monitor, as the code comes into force, when we have gone through the 40-day period. That is the right way forwa…”

“It is the independent equalities regulator. It brings forward the code that I lay in Parliament, but should it wish to update the code at a later date, it is of course able to do so. We are discussing a draft code that is a new code that has been revised. The previous code had been in place for many, many years and—set…”

“I understand the point that the EHRC makes in this regard, but were we to do so without the new code coming into force, a vacuum would be left. While I appreciate the need to update the code and I understand the argument the EHRC makes, it would leave quite a big gap, because it would not cover other areas of equality …”

“The EHRC has set out the approach that it has taken, and I just want to emphasise that it is for the EHRC as the independent regulator to draft the code to bring it forward. I then follow the process that is set out in the law around responding to that. The EHRC board considered further changes in a number of different…”

“Everything in this space is legally tested on a pretty regular basis. Of course, I am not sure that that is going to change any time soon. That is the beauty of living in a democratic society with the rule of law, where people are able to challenge decisions and hold Government to account to make sure that rights are u…”

“You will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual organisations and their decision-making process. They will have different ways in which they are constituted—rules of association and so forth. It is really for those associations to seek further legal advice if they are uncertain. The draft code indicates that me…”

“I understand that for smaller organisations these can be difficult areas where they are seeking to do the right thing, both in terms of the draft code and of the previous code. They may not have access to big budgets and legal teams. That is why it is essential that the draft code provides organisations, including smal…”

“I will answer briefly and then pass to Marcus, if I may. We all exist in a world of budgetary pressures—that is the sad reality—but we have been working closely with the EHRC in this regard. Marcus, you might be able to share a bit more about that.”

“This code, and the Equality Act alongside it, make it clear that trans people are protected from discrimination and harassment. Those with a gender recognition certificate are still recognised in their acquired gender and in other circumstances. Of course, a GRC still allows people to legally change their sex for a ran…”

“We have sought to prioritise other areas, given the limitations that can exist. You will have seen in the King’s Speech that we committed to bringing forward a draft Conversion Practices Bill. There will be further news on that very soon, I hope, because I appreciate that the progress on that point has been slow and I …”

“We would not for one moment want anyone to feel that way and lack the services, support and provision that is required. The draft code sets out practical ways in which that can be delivered. Often, this discussion will come down to questions of services and provision within businesses and public buildings. The draft co…”

“Part of this is action and work around some of the harmful algorithms and the impact they have, so that is absolutely right. Of course it is not for Government to seek to control platforms if material is being shared that is lawful and in line with people’s freedom to express their views. It does not surprise me that w…”