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Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Brent Council's twinning with Neblus 'may risk compounding antisemitism' according to its own report
When Peter Davies ran for the office of Mayor of Doncaster in 2009, he made two notable pledges to his electorate. To slash his own salary by over 50 per cent to £30,000, along with getting rid of the mayoral chauffeur-driven car, and to put an end to the practice of twinning foreign cities to Doncaster (there were five). The first pledge was easy to fulfil. But the second required Council approval and the process – according to Mr Davies in an interview to the Guardian – 'was like wading through treacle', taking six whole months. Rumour has it that when the mayor of one of the twinned cities wrote to Mr Davies following his election, the letter ended up in the bin, unread. The new Mayor of Doncaster had done away with all the translation services offered by the Council and so nobody in his office could read the foreign note. The point Mr Davies was trying to make sixteen years ago is more pertinent than ever today: the function of local politicians and council officials is to respond to local community needs. Anything else is a distraction, taking time and precious resources away from mundane but crucial functions of rubbish collection and road maintenance to instead serve the ego of politicians struggling to come to terms with the fact that they've ended up at town halls rather than the UN General Assembly. Take Brent City Council for example. Last Wednesday, the Labour-led Council in North London voted to be twinned with Nablus, a Palestinian city. Council Leader Muhammad Butt declared, [t]his is all about making sure the diversity of Brent and its community is being recognised.' Concerns were registered by Conservative councillors who voted against the partnership, claiming that the decision to twin with Nablus could be seen as 'appeasing a terrorist organisation' as the city in West Bank is reportedly governed by a council 'the majority of which, including the Mayor, are members of Hamas', a proscribed terrorist group. Labour councillors refused to engage with what they dismissed as 'lies, misinformation and fear-mongering' as they extolled the virtues of the partnership of the two cities based on their 'shared values'. 'We will build real partnerships here and in Nablus, working to face shared challenges', said Labour Councillor Ihtesham Afzal, who originally tabled the motion last year. Council Leader Muhammad Butt declared, '[the twinning] is all about making sure the diversity of Brent and its community is being recognised.' Except the Council's own equalities impact assessment – a mandatory exercise under the Equalities Act – found that given the polarising impact the Israel-Hamas war has had on communities, 'there may be some anxiety from some groups that the Twinning may demonstrate greater support for one group over another'. The assessment goes so far as to say that '[t]he Twinning may, at the very least, cause emotional harm to some groups in Brent' – presumably referring to its 3,700-strong Jewish community – and that it 'may risk compounding antisemitism'. But then, rather astonishingly, the assessment concludes that 'equally, rejecting the Twinning may be viewed as Islamophobic'. And just like that, the Council appears to have devised a definition of Islamophobia which includes a local authority's rejection of a motion to twin with a foreign city with a majority Muslim population, conferring not just upon itself but on every local authority across the country a duty to accept any such motion or risk being accused of discriminating against Muslims. This perfectly highlights the concerns of those who are troubled by councils indulging in foreign policy debates at taxpayers' expense. Harry Phibbs, the Local Government Editor of Conservative Home and a former councillor, warns against the 'skewing' of councils' time and resources to suit a political agenda. 'Councillors and council executives – who are required to sit through these meetings – are paid significant amounts', he tells me. Indeed, the average pay of senior managerial staff at Brent Council was £105,197 over 2023-24, with at least twenty employees being paid £105,189 to £180,792, and the Chief Executive earning £229,061. Councillor Butt received £55,624.60 in allowances over the 2024-25 period. During this same period, the Council has raised taxes while also cutting services, as if to illustrate Mr Phibbs' final point, 'if you start to indulge in these foreign policy debates, it distracts from providing the services in the most efficient way'. Nearly two decades since Peter Davies hit the headlines for his stance against a wasteful council indulging in foreign policy at taxpayers' expense, little appears to have changed. If anything, councils have become more brazen about engaging in highly contentious policy matters, completely outside their competence, which could nevertheless leave communities in their care feeling anxious and vulnerable. Please share share examples of public spending in your personal and professional lives which you consider to be a waste of taxpayers' money. You can email us your stories – either in writing or as voice notes – at wastewatch@ Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Equalities watchdog threatened with legal action after saying trans women must use men's toilets
The equalities watchdog has been threatened with legal action after saying trans women must use men's toilets, The Independent can reveal. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s was published in the wake of last month's Supreme Court ruling on gender, which ruled trans women are not legally women under the Equalities Act. The guidance states that trans women 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services such as shops and hospitals. But lawyers acting on behalf of leading UK trans rights group TransLucent have now sent a letter to the watchdog warning that the guidance 'incorrectly states the legal position' of the court ruling. The letter, seen by The Independent, criticises the body, saying it failed to consult with trans people before publishing its interim guidance, ahead of an ongoing consultation on the issue. It demands the EHRC issue a clarification statement and criticised the commission's chair Baroness Falkner's description of the ruling as a "a victory for common sense' and another which stated: "If a male is allowed to use a women-only service, it isn't any longer a single-sex space." The campaigners argue the remarks have caused 'immense distress to the trans community and confusion to both service providers and employers'. Meanwhile, lawyers Leigh Day warned: 'The worry for our client is that there has not yet been any consultation with trans communities and other affected groups, and the statements from the chair and commissioner that followed the publication of the update, particularly in relation to provision of single sex spaces, suggest that their minds are closed to any other outcome.' The letter adds: 'If those are their personal views, then, while still unsatisfactory, they should have made that very clear. In any event, it is incumbent on the EHRC to provide urgent clarity so as not to undermine the fairness of the forthcoming consultation.' It urges the EHRC to respond by May 19 and confirm whether it plans to issue clarification. Steph Richards, CEO of TransLucent, warned that the watchdog 'appears to have ignored the fact that trans people are still protected under the Equality Act and, as such, can only be legally discriminated against in circumstances when it is a 'proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim'.' It comes amid mounting concern over the impact of the EHRC's guidance, with Labour MP Nadia Whittome telling The Independent it was a 'devastating blow for trans people and their rights'. 'This guidance is not statutory but it indicates what the draft statutory guidance is likely to contain. It is essential that the government rejects it', the MP for Nottingham East said. 'The Equality and Human Rights Commission should be safeguarding trans people's rights at a time when they are being threatened. Sadly, this vital institution has fallen victim to successful attempts by the previous Conservative government to co-opt it in line with its agenda, undermining its independence and neutrality.' Meanwhile, Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, said the interim guidance was 'rushed and ill-thought-through, and was clearly drawn up without consulting trans people on their experiences and needs'. 'I'm worried that the guidance could act as a bigot's charter, emboldening people to harass and victimise trans people in public places, and the Green Party has called for it to be withdrawn until something more considered can be produced.' jane fae, director of fellow trans rights group TransActual, told The Independent the organisation is also 'watching very carefully and are ready to take legal action should it be necessary'. 'We welcome this analysis from TransLucent. It is very clear that in her intemperate rush to self publicity, the head of the EHRC Baroness Falkner did not take the time to consult with groups affected and as a result she has caused alarm, distress and further encouraged vigilantism against trans people. 'We echo TransLucent's conclusion that her stance is very concerning and would question whether she is a fit person to be in charge of the equalities commission', she said. The letter was sent to the EHRC on Monday, The Independent understands. A UK government spokesperson said: 'The EHRC is an independent regulator, and we will review their Code of Practice and work with them to ensure it provides the certainty and clarity service providers and businesses need, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.'
STV News
01-05-2025
- General
- STV News
New signs installed at East Lothian schools after court gender rulings
Children in two primary schools in East Lothian will be directed to use separate toilets in the future after recent court rulings on gender facilities. Education bosses said the two schools, both built in the last six years, are the only ones in the county with fully gender neutral toilets – all others offer a range of access to pupils. The changes come after the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that a woman is defined by biological sex under the Equalities Act, leading to the Equality and Human Rights Commission to issue interim guidance that trans women should not be permitted to use women's facilities. It follows a Court of Session ruling against Scottish Borders Council which was ordered to provide single-sex toilets at a school where it had switched to gender neutral facilities only after a challenge by parents. Wallyford Primary School, which opened in 2019, and Letham Mains Primary School, in Haddington, which opened in 2021, in East Lothian will now have signs put in place identifying the toilets as boys and girls, with disabled loos offering a third option. The council confirmed the move, as elected members met to agree to fund the upgrade of toilets at East Linton Primary School. The school already has gender-specific facilities, so they will not need to be changed. The funding is required to allow the village school to meet demand for a growing pupil roll after the local authority lost out on Scottish Government financial support to build a new school. Other schools already under construction in East Lothian which has one of the fastest growing populations in the country, will not need any review as they are all already compliant in offering gendered provision, the council said. A council spokesperson said the changes needed at Wallyford and Letham Mains primary schools were straightforward as the design of the facilities allowed for them to be easily re-designated. They said work was ongoing to review the impact of the court rulings on schools and policies moving forward. A spokesperson said: 'Our education team will be engaging with school leaders in light of the Court of Session declarator and the Supreme Court ruling to determine if any changes will be required to our policies.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Eight Midlothian schools face review after gender court rulings
Eight schools in Midlothian face having to change their toilets in the wake of recent court rulings over gender rights. Midlothian Council said it is awaiting national guidance following a ruling at the Court of Session in Scotland which ordered another local authority to install single sex toilets for pupils while the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that a woman is defined by biological sex under the Equalities Act, leading to the European Court of Human Rights to issue interim guidance that trans women should not be permitted to use women's facilities. East Lothian Council has already said two of its primary schools which were unisex only are having new signs put up to designated boy and girl facilities with disabled toilets also available for use. In Midlothian a spokesperson said eight schools were fully unisex alongside disabled toilets and it said they, and future projects, would now be reviewed in light of the rulings.. A spokesperson said: 'Eight schools have fully unisex toilets. We currently have no projects 'under construction'. 'All projects that are being planned will now be reviewed, and any necessary amendments as a result of the Supreme Court ruling will be considered and action taken where necessary. 'We are taking cognisance of the legal ruling and are awaiting national guidance on next steps to address the ruling.' They added all public buildings and council facilities would also be reviewed to 'ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. The Supreme Court ruling came after a challenge by campaign group For Women Scotland over Scottish Government claims that a trans woman who has a gender recognition certificate (GRC) should be treated as a woman by the Equality Act. However For Women Scotland argued protections provided by the act should only apply to people that are born female. Following the Supreme Court ruling the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued guidance that pupils should use toilet facilities corresponding with their biological sex. Last month council leader Kelly Parry moved to address concerns raised over a new £120million high school replacing Beeslack in the county, amid claims it would have unisex toilets. She told a meeting of elected members: 'I want to clear up one issue that is the email campaign claiming there is only unisex toilets in the new Beeslack school. 'I want to assure people that the new building will include open plan, full height, closed individual cubicles, separate toilets and accessible toilets and are therefore not unisex only. Additionally if people prefer a more private toilet facility these will be available and positioned around the school.' By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Eight Midlothian schools face review after gender court rulings
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Eight schools in Midlothian face having to change their toilets in the wake of recent court rulings over gender rights. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Midlothian Council said it is awaiting national guidance following a ruling at the Court of Session in Scotland which ordered another local authority to install single sex toilets for pupils while the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that a woman is defined by biological sex under the Equalities Act, leading to the European Court of Human Rights to issue interim guidance that trans women should not be permitted to use women's facilities. East Lothian Council has already said two of its primary schools which were unisex only are having new signs put up to designated boy and girl facilities with disabled toilets also available for use. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An artist's impression of the new Beeslack High School | Midlothian planning portal In Midlothian a spokesperson said eight schools were fully unisex alongside disabled toilets and it said they, and future projects, would now be reviewed in light of the rulings.. A spokesperson said: 'Eight schools have fully unisex toilets. We currently have no projects 'under construction'. 'All projects that are being planned will now be reviewed, and any necessary amendments as a result of the Supreme Court ruling will be considered and action taken where necessary. 'We are taking cognisance of the legal ruling and are awaiting national guidance on next steps to address the ruling.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They added all public buildings and council facilities would also be reviewed to 'ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. The Supreme Court ruling came after a challenge by campaign group For Women Scotland over Scottish Government claims that a trans woman who has a gender recognition certificate (GRC) should be treated as a woman by the Equality Act. However For Women Scotland argued protections provided by the act should only apply to people that are born female. Following the Supreme Court ruling the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued guidance that pupils should use toilet facilities corresponding with their biological sex. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last month council leader Kelly Parry moved to address concerns raised over a new £120million high school replacing Beeslack in the county, amid claims it would have unisex toilets. She told a meeting of elected members: 'I want to clear up one issue that is the email campaign claiming there is only unisex toilets in the new Beeslack school. 'I want to assure people that the new building will include open plan, full height, closed individual cubicles, separate toilets and accessible toilets and are therefore not unisex only. Additionally if people prefer a more private toilet facility these will be available and positioned around the school.'
