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Transgender women's rights protesters gather in Cardiff

Transgender women's rights protesters gather in Cardiff

Huge crowds of LGBTQ+ protesters and allies gathered today in Cardiff to take a stand against new legislation surrounding transgender rights.
Thousands of protesters in disagreement with the supreme court's definition of 'a woman' took the streets.
Thousands of protesters in disagreement with the supreme court's definition of 'a woman' took the streets (Image: Supplied) According to the court the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act only 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex.'
The new controversial motion passed on April 16 now means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate'.
Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said the ruling means transgender women should use male toilets, but suggested businesses should ensure 'they have appropriate provision in place' for all customers.
That could mean the wider use of unisex facilities in cafes, pubs and restaurants in order to ensure 'dignity' for all people.
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the court's ruling was clear that 'services should be accessed on the basis of biological sex', meaning transwomen should usually use male toilets if there is no alternative provision.
Thousands of protesters in disagreement with the supreme court's definition of 'a woman' took the streets (Image: Supplied) In his first public comments since the justices' decision on April 16, the Prime Minister said he is 'really pleased' with the clarity that the court's ruling offers.
Sir Keir, who has previously said 'transwomen are women', was asked to repeat that statement but instead said: 'I think the Supreme Court has answered that question.'
A member of Wales LBGTQ+ community said: 'In the last few days a following a massive step back in transgender rights following a recent supreme court ruling, thousands of people across the UK have been protesting in support of Transgender rights.
'In Cardiff today thousands of people marched in support of Transgender Women's rights to exist and women.
'Recent events across the world have rocked LGBTQIA+ rights, today's protest demonstrated the volume of support to Trans people.'

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What comes next in the Trump-Musk feud: From the Politics Desk
What comes next in the Trump-Musk feud: From the Politics Desk

NBC News

time40 minutes ago

  • NBC News

What comes next in the Trump-Musk feud: From the Politics Desk

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team's latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In today's edition, Kristen Welker dives into what comes next in the breakup between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Plus, our Capitol Hill team examines the senators who could make or break Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' And Shannon Pettypiece answers this week's reader question on the U.S.-China trade war. Before we dive into all that, two bits of breaking news this Friday afternoon: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man whose erroneous deportation to El Salvador gave way to a protracted battle over due process, has been returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee. 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Whitehall attendance slumps in spite of Labour's pledge to crack down on civil servants working from home
Whitehall attendance slumps in spite of Labour's pledge to crack down on civil servants working from home

Daily Mail​

time43 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Whitehall attendance slumps in spite of Labour's pledge to crack down on civil servants working from home

Working from home in the Whitehall Blob is making a comeback under Labour, despite its promises of a crackdown. As a number of civil servants continue to shun returning to the office, attendances fell or remained static in more than half of government departments over the first three-month quarter of this year. The Treasury and Home Office were among 11 of 20 departments where attendance failed to improve despite the faltering economy and record numbers of migrants arriving this year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves 's office had the worst attendance rate among major departments (63 per cent), despite having to compile next week's spending review – when brutal cuts to some departments will be announced. Attendance also dropped at Bridget Phillipson's education Department (71 per cent to 67 per cent), which helped oversee a hike in VAT on private school fees, as well as at Home Secretary Yvette Cooper 's department (78 per cent to 76 per cent). The departments where attendance rates lowered were the Northern Ireland Office, which fell from 65 per cent to 57 per cent, and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, which plummeted from 81 per cent to 60 per cent. While attendance improved in some, the average rate across all departments fell from above to below 75 per cent from January to March. Meanwhile, between January 2024 and May 2024 – the months before the snap general election called by former Tory PM Rishi Sunak – attendance across Whitehall had an average of 77 per cent. The appalling figures come despite Sir Keir Starmer hitting out at civil servants in December. He said: 'Too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline.' He also pledged to increase public sector productivity after it dropped to 8.5 per cent lower than just before Covid-19. But critics said the latest analysis of official figures, carried out by the Mail, showed Labour was going soft on productivity. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said: 'This Labour Government is not serious about delivering the reform the civil service so desperately needs. 'The last Conservative government had a plan to not only get civil servants back to the office, and increase productivity, but also to cut the bloated size overall – but Labour has totally failed to grip this issue or follow through. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said: 'This Labour Government is not serious about delivering the reform the civil service so desperately needs. 'It is not surprising attendance rates are down when Labour supports lazy initiatives such as part-time work for full-time pay' 'It is not surprising attendance rates are down when Labour supports lazy initiatives such as part-time work for full-time pay. 'Taxpayers are being taken for a ride. Only Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives are serious about clamping down on this sort of nonsense.' William Yarwood, of the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group, said: 'The last government had some success in its war of attrition to get bureaucrats back behind their desks. 'But instead of building on those efforts, Labour has taken its foot off the gas. 'Labour ministers need to realise that if they want civil servants delivering on their priorities they need them in their office.' A Government spokesman said: 'Like at any organisation, small fluctuations in office occupancy can occur from month to month due to holiday, sickness or other events.'

US Supreme Court keeps DOGE records blocked in watchdog group's challenge
US Supreme Court keeps DOGE records blocked in watchdog group's challenge

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timean hour ago

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US Supreme Court keeps DOGE records blocked in watchdog group's challenge

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