Call on MPs to Sign EDM 240 and Reject the Harmful EHRC Code

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: 12 June 2026 

Medway Liberal Democrats Call on Local MP to Sign EDM 240 and Reject Harmful EHRC Code

Medway Liberal Democrats have written to all three MPs representing Medway residents, urging them to sign Early Day Motion 240 and help block the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) controversial new draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations.

Samuel Baker, Diversity Officer of Medway Liberal Democrats, said:

"We have written to our MPs as a matter of urgency. This Code, as drafted, is unworkable and deeply harmful. The government's own impact assessment admits that trans people could effectively be left with no service at all — barred from both the space matching their gender identity and the one matching their birth sex. That is an unacceptable outcome, and we cannot stay silent while it risks becoming law."

The Medway Liberal Democrats' letter raises three core concerns:

Impact on Trans and Non-Binary People: The government's own impact assessment acknowledges that the guidance could leave trans people barred from both single-sex spaces, effectively excluding them from public services entirely. The party warns this will force unnecessary disclosure of personal information, dramatically increasing the risk of harassment and abuse.

Impact on Women's Rights: Rather than protecting women, the code risks creating a culture of "gender policing," in which women who do not conform to appearance-based expectations could be challenged and forced to prove their sex simply to access services that are their right.

Legal Chaos for Local Organisations: Businesses, charities, and community groups in Medway would face significant legal uncertainty and conflicting duties, with the potential for costly legal action against those simply trying to serve their communities.

The Medway Liberal Democrats are also calling for the alternative proposal to be supported in EDM 240: the establishment of a joint committee of cross-party MPs and peers to conduct a proper post-legislative review of both the Gender Recognition Act and the Equality Act 2010, so that all communities can have their voices heard and their rights protected.

Samuel Baker added:

"Upholding women's rights and trans rights are not in conflict — both must be protected. That requires evidence-led legislation, proper parliamentary scrutiny, and genuine consultation with affected communities. Imposing this sweeping guidance by bypassing Parliament is simply undemocratic."

The party notes that its concerns echo formal correspondence recently sent to the Minister for Women and Equalities by Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey MP and MP Marie Goldman.

Contact: Samuel Baker, Diversity Officer, Medway Liberal Democrats
Email: sambaker.libdems@gmail.com | Web: www.medwaylibdems.org.uk

Notes to Editors

• Early Day Motion 240 was tabled in the 2026–27 parliamentary session and has been signed by over 100 MPs. It calls for the disapproval of the EHRC's draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations.
• The EHRC updated its Code of Practice following the Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling that "sex" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex.
• The 40-day parliamentary scrutiny window closes on 30 June 2026.
• The full text of the Medway Liberal Democrats' letter to Lauren Edwards MP is available on request.