Ed Davey backs scrapping ban on trans women in female toilets as Lib Dems vote on 'trans women are women' motion

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026.

Ed Davey has backed lifting the ban on trans women entering women-only toilets and changing rooms, plunging the Liberal Democrats' Brighton conference into a bitter row over single-sex spaces. The Lib Dem leader's stance comes as members prepare to vote on an emergency motion declaring 'trans women are women', which activists warn will pass despite fierce internal opposition. Zoe Hollowood, chairman of the party's sex-based rights group Liberal Voice for Women, warned the move would saddle Lib Dem MPs with 'a really unpopular policy'.

The motion directly attacks Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance introduced earlier this year restricting trans women from female-only spaces.

Hollowood said the vote 'takes a sledgehammer to women's rights' and will drag the party 'back into the toxic debate'.

Liberal Voice for Women warned the room will be 'packed with activists' and the motion will 'probably pass', leaving members feeling 'quite deflated'.