“While protected spaces for women and girls must be maintained and enforced, I am growing increasingly concerned that genuine trans people are becoming demonised in some quarters. I raised this in Parliament today” (26^th April) says Michael Fabricant.

“I am aware that a small number of genuine trans people live in Lichfield which is a comparatively safe haven, but making the decision to transition is hard and traumatic enough already without having to suffer abuse too.  Genuine trans people need and deserve our respect and protection too.”

In the House of Commons, Michael asked the Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch: “While I fully understand the need for protected places for women – and I totally support this – and there are also issues when it comes to sports too, I am growing increasingly concerned that trans people are becoming demonised in some quarters. What is the Secretary of State doing to protect the interests, and very nature of genuine trans people?”

Kemi Badenoch replied: “I want to emphasise that the Government believes in the principle of individual liberty, and in the humanity and dignity of every person. In everything we do, we want to make sure that we take the toxicity out of the debate. A lot of the demonisation is happening out there on social media; we have a responsibility to make sure that all trans people have that dignity and are looked after.

“In terms of what other things we’re doing; NHS England is working to expand clinical capacity in adult gender identity services by establishing new pilot clinics rooted in primary care and sexual health services, and four of those new clinics have opened since 2020 with a fifth opening this year. They will be able to provide a lot of the healthcare that trans people need.”