Lancashire

14 constituencies; 2/65 candidates in Lancashire replied to our emails.

Lancaster & Wyre – 0/5 candidates replied.

Ribble Valley – 0/4 candidates replied.

Fylde – 0/5 candidates replied.

Preston – 0/5 candidates replied.

Burnley – 0/4 candidates replied.

Pendle & Clitheroe – 0/5 candidates replied.

Blackpool South – 0/5 candidates replied.

Blackpool North & Fleetwood – 0/5 candidates replied.

Blackburn – 0/5 candidates replied.

Hyndburn – 1/5 candidates replied.

Beth Waller-Slack, Liberal Democrat, 1/4 Yes responses – Beth wrote, “Dear constituent, please see my response below. 

Overview/Equality Act

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of every individual, and we reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

We are committed to tackling violence by men against women and girls, which is far too prevalent in our society. We have been campaigning hard for misogyny to be made a hate crimes; to improve age-appropriate sex and relationship education in schools; and to ensure better training and more resources for police, prosecutors and judges – so survivors are listened to and supported, criminals are punished, and victims get justice.

We are committed to fighting for both gender equality and equality for all LGBT+ people. For most people, their gender matches their physical sex at birth, but there is a relatively small number of people – up to 1% of the population – for whom that is not the case, and I believe we must respect their identities too.

Liberal Democrats believe we must ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all people. We are committed to upholding women’s rights and trans rights, and do not believe that the two are in conflict.

That is demonstrated by the Equality Act, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of any of a list of protected characteristics, including both sex and gender reassignment.

The Act sets out certain exceptions where differentiated treatment is permitted, including in relation to single-sex services, sports, and the selection of candidates by political parties. However, there is considerable debate and uncertainty for people over the use of these exceptions.

Liberal Democrats believe that individuals and service providers should be given more clarity over how to make decisions that are often very difficult and sensitive. The Government should publish clear and comprehensive guidance on the use of single-sex and separate-sex exceptions under the Act, using worked examples and case studies from organisations providing these services.

The aim of that guidance should be to ensure that everyone who needs single-sex services – such as survivors of sexual violence or domestic abuse – can access them safely, to prevent unjustified discrimination against trans people, and to provide clarity and certainty to service providers and the public.

Cass Review

When it comes to children and young people, our focus should always be on ensuring their wellbeing and preventing harm. But the Cass Review has shown that for years, young people have been let down.

 Liberal Democrats fully agree with the central points that Dr Cass has made – that young people are being let down by low standards of care, waiting lists are far too long, and this whole debate has become too toxic.

 Clearly, change is needed to ensure that every young person gets the high-quality healthcare they deserve.

 We fully support the NHS’ decision to move towards a regional model for gender healthcare services. As Cass says, it’s right that young people who are questioning their gender receive compassionate, holistic and individualised support as quickly as possible. As a party, we share this priority.”

Rossendale & Darwen – 0/5 candidates replied.

South Ribble – 0/5 candidates replied.

West Lancashire – 0/5 candidates replied.

Chorley – 0/2 candidates replied.