The Gearwitch

LGBT+ Lib Dems back calls from Lib Dem MPs to propose amendments to the Equality Act that protect trans rights, and ensure that trans people have a voice in that process. Lib Dem MP Marie Goldman is right when she says trans rights and women's rights are not in competition. This has to be agreed cross-party, so please contact your MP and back the Lib Dems in asking for amendments to protect trans rights now.

Dear Minister for Women and Equalities, Re: Ongoing practical implications of last year's Supreme Court ruling Following the recent High Court decision concerning the challenge brought by the Good Law Project to EHRC interim guidance, I am writing to express my disappointment at the continued uncertainty surrounding the practical implications of last year’s Supreme Court ruling. While the Court has ruled on the question of standing in this case, it is clear that the wider issues remain far from settled. Trans, non-binary and intersex people continue to face profound anxiety about what these developments mean for their daily lives. Meanwhile, employers, service providers and public bodies tell us they still lack clear, workable direction about their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. This persistent uncertainty benefits no one. It risks leaving trans or gender non-conforming people worried about being excluded from facilities they have used for years, and organisations exposed to confusion, legal risk and unnecessary cost. You have repeatedly stated that trans people remain protected from discrimination. Without clear guidance, however, that statement offers little reassurance to those directly affected.

I urge you to bring forward new, workable, and inclusive guidance as a matter of urgency, and to lay any new EHRC code of practice before Parliament so it can be properly scrutinised and debated. There must be a rigorous democratic process, including a free vote, to assess whether the proposals genuinely ensure dignity, safety and inclusion for trans people while upholding the rights of women. I also urge you to appoint a joint committee of cross-party MPs and peers to conduct post-legislative scrutiny of both the Gender Recognition Act and the Equality Act 2010, takinh evidence from communities who have been impacted including trans people, which will propose any amendments or new legislation it sees as necessary to ensure existing rights are protected. The Liberal Democrats are clear that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and free to be who they are. Protecting the rights of women and ensuring dignity and inclusion for trans people are not competing objectives; both are essential to a fair society. Your Department must now provide leadership and certainty to achieve that balance. I would welcome an update on your timetable for publishing revised guidance and laying it before Parliament, and would be grateful for the opportunity to meet to discuss these matters further. Yours sincerely, Marie Goldman MP, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Women and Equalities.

Trans rights and women's rights are not and never have been in competition. Thank you to Marie Goldman for this excellent letter and your work on this.

Kristi Noem - Agent of SHIELD

Captain America is unimpressed.

We are. But until the House of Lords becomes an elected chamber, they remain in the 20th. Having just made the great leap forward from the 19th....

Hereditary peers to lose their seats in the House of Lords Upper chamber accepts final draft of bill, which offers life peerages to some of those who would otherwise be removed

Welcome to the 20thC. This was massively overdue...

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Nobody will ever view Farage with the same regard with which he views himself. A braying, pompous relic of the upper classes, masquerading as a man of the people

Opposition to the United States' military action against Iran has risen by 10pts among Britons over the last week

Support: 25% (-3 from 2 March)
Oppose: 59% (+10)

yougov.com/en-gb/daily-...

A reminder that Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch and the entire Conservative-supporting press have spent the past week lambasting Keir Starmer for not joining the Iran war.

Here's what has happened since then to public opinion

I remember it well....

I think I probably have... :)

That dinner menu in full as President Trump entertains Mr Farage at Mar-a-Lago:

Porn Cocktail.

Jizz Pancakes with salted Clacton Cream.

Small sausages & wrinkled chestnuts in a dry rub.

Burnt Chicken Kyiv.

Spotted Dick with a 30p Lee Syrup.

Coffee, Liqueurs & Nappies.
🤮

Pretty stunning! I do believe this is the best so far....

Kemi is wrong about everything. Which is almost an achievement in itself | John Crace The Tory leader’s appearance on the Today programme was sheer madness – and comedy gold

One of the secrets of good comedy (apart from timing, of course) is the ability to tell a tale that may appear ridiculous, and yet is sufficiently close to the truth for people to think 'Ouch!)'

On that basis, this is Comedy Gold.

Crace is always good, but...

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Cruelty to immigrants is not what my party stands for. It’s time for True Labour, not Blue Labour | Stella Creasy We must get back to the party’s roots before it is too late. That means embracing difference, rejecting division – and fighting for opportunities for all, says MP for Walthamstow, Stella Creasy

Make it happen before its too late.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Badenoch gives a borderline disgraceful performance at PMQs on Iran | John Crace At times like this you have to thank your lucky stars that the opposition leader is not in Downing Street

“So the clashes between Keir and Kemi at PMQs felt almost existential. A battle between sanity and the distorted reality of an angry teenager. Thankfully sanity won out.”

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Global economy must stop pandering to ‘frivolous desires of ultra-rich’, says UN expert Olivier De Schutter says new economic agenda needed to tackle crises of rising inequality and ecological collapse

"Politicians must stop prioritising 'socially and ecologically destructive growth' that only increases the profits – and serves the consumption demands – of the world’s richest individuals and corporations."

I expect Starmer would call him an extremist.

BREAKING: Angela Rayner response to Gorton and Denton by-election result

The reasons?

1/ High rental costs for family homes. They both have family.
2/ Uncertain job market - skilled tradesmen being laid off at short notice due to low work demand
3/ Even increasing cost of living where wages have been static for 10 yrs

Lady help anyone younger than they are.

UK parents fear young will be worse off for first time in a century, ex-minister warns Alan Milburn says people feel ‘social contract is being broken’ as number of Neets climbs to 957,000

A bit late, Allan - they already are.

I'm in my '70s. I was able to buy a house when I was 29, albeit a wreck.

My sons are late 40s/early 50s. One's a skilled tradesman, the other a 22yr Army veteran. Neither will be able to buy a house until I'm dead.

More...

www.theguardian.com/business/202...

Trump administration meets with UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson Agitator whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon was hosted by senior adviser at US state department

Beyond disgusting.

Mortgage fraud
Contempt of Court
Assault

'Free speech warrior' my arse. This is a man who wants the right to tell outright lies with impunity and the Trump adminstration are treating this violent thug as a hero.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

Kathleen Stock's Phd concerned some fluffy shit about philosophy and the media. She has absolutely zero training, experience or expertise, concerning the phenomenon of autism. Its like being lectured about Cartesian Dualism by a plumber.

You can spend your life perfecting your game and athletic prowess. Prove your worth to the entire world.
And the president will still make fun of you.
And other American men will laugh with him.

Some of you are not nearly lonely enough.

#Olympics #WomensSports #WomensHockey

I see Toys-R-Us are marketing their new Shadow Home Secretary Dressing Up Kit (ages 5-8).
It comes with podium, name plate, dummy microphone, smart suit and an idiot.😊

Nice Ed Roth pastiche... :)

Also... Being a plumber and recently-accredited plasterer, there's a more than good chance that Ms. Spencer rolled her sleeves up and did it all herself...

That Farage cabinet in full…
Bob Jenrick: Minister for Unerpants & Socks
Suella Braverman: Minister for Anger & Rage
Lee Anderson: Shadow Secretary for Shadows
Ann Widdecombe: Minister for Margarine & Sheds
Richard Tice: Minister for Blondes
Zia Yusuf: Minister for Conkers & Teats.

"Me, I miss the old Dubai. The one before the loud braying voices of successful plumbers and British property developers, the stench of alcohol everywhere, posh-voiced 'journalists' moaning about not being able to buy pork chops for their hubby's tea....It's like being in a foreign country."

(below an image of Pedro Pascal) “I can't think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.” - Pedro Pascal