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Refuges: Women

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKHome OfficeTabled Answered 16 September 2025UIN 71004

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure women’s shelters are in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025.

Answered by Jess Phillips

Duty bearers must follow the law and should take appropriate specialist legal advice where necessary.

The EHRC has submitted the draft updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations to the Minister for Women and Equalities. This will provide guidance to service providers, including those who run women's shelters.

The Government will consider the draft updated Code and, if the Minister approves it, lay it before Parliament.

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