Thank you for contacting me about the Equality Act and its protected characteristics.

As you highlight, there have been reports that the Prime Minister is considering reviewing the Equality Act 2010 and the definition of sex within it. I know this has caused concern in the LGBT+ community, who already have to contend with verbal abuse and even violence on a daily basis.

I am proud of the Equality Act, which has strengthened people’s protections from disadvantage and discrimination. I would like to reassure you that I stand by the Act and will oppose any attempts by the Government to weaken the protections it contains for people with protected characteristics.

I am concerned about the persistent and growing discrimination that trans people face, with the number of hate crimes recorded against them increasing year on year. I worry the Government’s current approach is endangering people of all communities, but LGBT+ people are facing the brunt of this.

We need to make the UK safer for trans people. I want to see the law on gender recognition modernised, all types of conversion therapy banned and stronger laws on hate crimes targeted against trans people.

Greater progress and equality comes from bringing people together and treating each other with respect. We must commit to fighting discrimination, bigotry and hatred against the trans community. Nobody should suffer discrimination, abuse or violence because of who they are.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.