Many of my constituents have contacted me about recording data on sex and gender.
Last year, the previous Government commissioned Professor Alice Sullivan to conduct an independent review of the accuracy of public data on biological sex and gender. Professor Sullivan was tasked with identifying obstacles to accurate data collection and research on sex and on gender identity and setting out good practice guidance.
I am grateful to Professor Sullivan for her work, the first part of which was published by the Government earlier this year. It makes for damning reading – cancer screenings have been missed and criminal convictions overlooked because public bodies have conflated the concepts of biological sex and gender.
Public bodies should be collecting data based on biological sex. In the NHS, there is a real risk to patients when doctors are not aware whether someone is male or female, especially when it comes to clinical care, sex-specific cancer screening, and safeguarding.
As Professor Sullivan has made clear, this is not an either-or between sex and gender. Where it is appropriate, separate data can be collected on transgender and gender-diverse identities.
The Opposition tabled amendments to the Data Bill which would have forced the Government to accept Professor Sullivan’s recommendations, requiring police forces and doctors to record the sex of offenders and patients and tightening up best practice in light of safeguarding concerns. Recording biological sex is common sense so it is disappointing Government MPs voted against our proposal to accept these independent recommendations.
