Labour Women's Conference Faces Boycott Over Trans Delegate Ban

Protesters are threatening to derail the Labour women's conference in Liverpool this Saturday, with politicians, unionists, and activists planning to boycott the event. The backlash stems from the party's decision to ban trans women from being delegates, a move made in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex.

Several unions that provide funding to the Labour party, including Unison, Aslef, Usdaw, and the Musicians’ Union, have already announced their intention to boycott the conference. The Communication Workers Union and other affiliated unions are also reportedly joining the boycott, stating that the ban conflicts with their positions on trans inclusion. The absence of these unions is a significant concern for Labour, as their donations are crucial for the party.

In addition to the union boycotts, party members from across the country are expected to gather in Liverpool for a demonstration outside the conference venue. The Liverpool Trade Union Council (LTUC) is supporting these protests, with its secretary, Margaret McAdam, stating, "As allies, we fully oppose Labour’s decision to exclude trans women from Labour’s Women’s Conference and support the protests against this shocking decision." Reports indicate that the LTUC is actively encouraging supporters to attend the demonstration, along with other protests planned for the weekend.

There are also reports that groups of Labour members plan to arrive early for the main party conference to protest during the women's event. Councillor James Griggs, from Harlow, Essex, expressed his dismay, calling the ban "appalling and dismaying" and the division it creates "extraordinary, unaccountable and just dreadful." Some reports suggest that other councillors may attend the protest, and potentially at least one Member of Parliament.

Labour had previously cancelled its women's conference last year following legal advice received after the Supreme Court ruling that defined 'woman' as someone born female. Before this ruling, Labour permitted individuals who identified as women, including trans women, to attend.

In December of the previous year, the party's National Executive Committee voted to prevent trans women from participating in formal proceedings at the women's conference, including main hall speeches and policy debates. This ruling also stipulates that Labour's all-women shortlists can exclusively include individuals who were born female. Trans women will still be permitted to attend fringe events, which are open to all members regardless of sex or gender.

A spokesperson for the Labour party stated, "Labour is committed to advancing women in politics and to providing opportunities for members to network, debate and contribute. Labour’s Women’s Conference reflects our wider commitment to addressing the under-representation of women in the party – and our compliance with the law."