This is written in a personal and emotive style, because that tends to resonate with MPs.

Date: Wed, 7 May 2025 23:19:37 +0100 From: Eleanor Clifford To: Dr Beccy Cooper MP Subject: My human rights under the ECHR have been violated. As my MP, will you stand up for me? Dear Dr Beccy Cooper, I write to you as your constituent, but also as a woman who is shocked and afraid, a woman who has been forced to watch as her fundamental human rights are steadily dismantled. Our continuing trajectory as a country has now become so bleak that I have had to begin preparing contingency plans to flee elsewhere in Europe. As you will be aware, the Supreme Court recently adjudicated that despite the Gender Recognition Act 2004 (GRA2004) clearly stating that a trans women's "sex becomes that of a woman" "for all purposes" when a Gender Recognition Certificate is issued, the Equality Act 2010 somehow simply ignores this, along with the EU law it was required to comply with when it was written, and implicitly imposes it's own incompatible definition, nullifying major parts of the GRA2004. Following this, the so-called Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued further trans-exclusionary guidance beyond even that required by the ruling, such as a full and seemingly mandatory bathroom ban. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police guidance now suggests that when I travel to London to peacefully protest, I run the risk of being subjected to sexual assault by a man with impunity, under the guise of a strip search. As you will also be aware, the GRA2004 was enacted as a result of the UK being found in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in 2002. As the GRA2004 is undone, the UK is in violation once again. If I need to use the bathroom in public, new guidance suggests I be forced to "out" myself as trans by using a bathroom that does not match my appearance. Not only does this violate Article 8 of the ECHR, the "right to respect for private and family life", but it puts me at an even higher risk of violence than I already (increasingly) am. It's not just trans women like me, either -- cis women are now at risk of being harassed and "transvestigated" in the bathroom if they are gender non-conforming, and trans men risk being accused of predatory behaviour if they comply with the law, or worse, excluded from all bathrooms entirely. It's not just Article 8, either. The Supreme Court refused to listen to any trans people in their proceedings despite the profound implications their ruling would have on our lives, squarely violating Article 6 of the ECHR, the "right to a fair trial". Article 11, the "right to freedom of association", is also put in question by the seemingly mandatory nature of the bathroom ban. Amongst all of this, rhetoric and policy has increasingly used the phrase 'biological sex' to mean sex assigned at birth, a phraseology that, in the words of the British Medical Association's resident doctors conference, is 'reductive, trans and intersex-exclusionary, and biologically nonsensical'. It is of material importance in this matter that we call things what they are, and it cannot be overstated that the entire purpose of gender-affirming care is to modify attributes of biological sex! I can personally attest to the fact that it certainly does its job! I am a living, breathing, biological woman, regardless of what the judiciary or government think, and that will only become more true as time goes on. To deny that, as the resident doctors put it, 'has no basis in science or medicine'. The Supreme Court may have the power to interpret legislation, but it is members of Parliament like you who have the power to create and amend it. Likewise, the EHRC may propose guidance, but it is members of Parliament who have the power to make it statutory. Will you use this power to stand up for the human rights of your constituents? If you will, here are some concrete actions I hope you will take: 1. Urgently contact Bridget Phillipson MP, the Minister for Women and Equalities, asking her to rescind her comments suggesting trans people should use facilities corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, pointing out that the Supreme Court did not require this, and explaining that it would violate Article 8 of the ECHR and create a legal and societal disaster for the Government. 2. When the interim EHRC guidance is brought before parliament, put down a 'Prayer Motion' to stop the clock until the EHRC actually engages with the trans community and produces guidance that is workable and complies with the ECHR, as the Supreme Court did not do, and as a mere 2 weeks of consultation will not be nearly enough time to do. 3. Speak out for trans people, in parliament and in public, disavowing the 'biological sex' framing and challenging media figures and MPs, including prominent members of the Labour party, who openly engage in harassment against trans people in their rhetoric. I hope you will take the right path, because my life and my future may well depend on it. Yours sincerely, Eleanor Clifford

Date: Fri, 09 May 2025 14:05:13 +0000 (UTC) From: Dr Beccy Cooper MP To: Eleanor Clifford Subject: Concern around the Supreme Court Ruling implications on Transgender rights

Dear Eleanor,

Thank you much for getting in touch with me about the recent Supreme Court ruling on transgender rights. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

This judgement has understandably caused a great deal of concern. I want to say very clearly to our trans, non-binary and intersex community that I hear your anxiety and distress. I know this ruling has thrown many parts of daily life into uncertainty, particularly around access to safe and inclusive services and spaces.

Although the judgement clarified the legal interpretation of certain wording in the Equality Act, it has also highlighted the need for greater clarity and protection for trans people. The Equality Act is there to safeguard people from discrimination and harassment, and that principle must be upheld. However, I am deeply concerned that the update issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission could make it harder for trans people to access the services and support they need to live safely and with dignity.

I completely oppose any policy that excludes people from public spaces based on their gender identity. These approaches do not make anyone safer. Instead, they create fear and division, and can do serious harm to trans people as well as to others who do not conform to traditional gender expectations.

On Wednesday, I voted against an amendment to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill which would have required all public bodies to record individuals’ sex based solely on “biological sex” or “sex assigned at birth.”

For me, this is about dignity, respect and basic safety. Everyone should be able to go about their daily lives without fear of being excluded or singled out. I will always speak up for inclusive policies, and support any steps that strengthen rights and protections for trans people. I would be keen to see new legislation brought forward which enshrines these rights in a clearer way.

If you or someone you know has faced discrimination or exclusion as a result of gender identity, please do get in touch with my office. My team and I will do everything we can to support you. I would also encourage local trans people to connect with organisations such as Sussex Transcendence and The Clare Project, who do excellent work in this area.

As your MP, I will continue listening closely to the experiences of trans people and I will keep pushing for a fairer, more compassionate approach. I’ll also push for conversations at government level that reflect values of compassion, equality and respect.

Thank you again for writing to me about this incredibly important issue.
Best wishes,
Dr Beccy Cooper MP