'Completely reasonable' to consider blocking Scottish gender reforms, says Rishi Sunak

Legislation passed by the Scottish Government last night at Holyrood makes it easier for transgender people to legally change their gender and removes the requirement for a medical diagnosis from gender dysphoria< /p> PM is on a collision course with the Scottish Government (

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Rishi Sunak said it was 'completely reasonable' for the UK government to consider blocking historic gender equality reforms in Scotland.

The Prime Minister's remarks came after Holyrood last night passed the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which makes it easier for transgender people to legally change their sex.

These comments put his administration on a collision course with the Scottish government, which has pledged to “vigorously” challenge any attempt to thwart reforms.

Asked whether the UK government would block the new law, Mr Sunak said on Friday: "A lot of people are worried about this new bill in Scotland, the impact it will have on the safety of women and children.

"So I think it's entirely reasonable for the UK government to look at it, understand what the implications are for the safety of women and children in the rest of the UK, and then decide the line of proper conduct.".

But a Scottish government spokesman warned: 'Any attempt by the UK government to undermine the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament will be vigorously contested'.

The government of Nicola Sturgeon has said it will “vigorously” contest any attempt to prevent the reforms (

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The legislation removes the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to obtain a gender recognition certificate.

It also lowers the minimum age for applicants to 16 and cuts the time it takes for an applicant to live in their acquired sex from two years to three months - six for 16 and 17 year olds - but with a period of three-month reflection.

But within hours of its passage - by a margin of 86 to 39 - Scottish UK Government Secretary Alister Jack raised the possibility of it being blocked.

He said the government would examine the "ramifications of the Equality Act 2010 and other UK-wide legislation, in the coming weeks - up to and including an order under Section 25 preventing the Bill from gaining Royal Assent if required".< /p>

The Minister for Equality