The Labour Party’s decision to exclude trans women from the main business of its 2026 Women’s Conference has ignited a fierce debate, laying bare the deep divisions within the party and reflecting broader societal tensions over gender identity and women’s rights in the United Kingdom. The move, announced after months of legal reviews and internal deliberations, comes in the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that clarified the meaning of “sex” in the Equality Act as referring to biological sex, not gender identity.
According to Nation.Cymru, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has formally approved new guidelines specifying that only delegates who are biologically female will be permitted to participate in the main sessions of the 2026 Women’s Conference. These sessions include voting, policy debates, and keynote speeches in the main hall. Fringe events, exhibition spaces, and an evening reception, however, will remain open to all attendees, regardless of sex or gender identity.
The party’s spokesperson explained, “National women’s conference will be held in 2026 after a comprehensive legal review. This reflects our commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the party and compliance with the law.” This statement underscores Labour’s attempt to balance its historic commitment to women’s representation with the legal imperative imposed by the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Equality Act.
The roots of this policy shift stretch back to April 2025, when the Supreme Court ruled that the term “women” in the Equality Act 2010 refers strictly to biological women. This ruling sent shockwaves through political and advocacy circles, leading to heightened scrutiny of single-sex spaces and the participation of trans women in such environments. In response, Labour cancelled its 2025 Women’s Conference, citing fears of legal action and the need for a comprehensive review of its policies.
As reported by The Times, the cancellation was seen by many as an attack on democracy, depriving hundreds of women of the opportunity to meet and discuss policy in a single-sex space. The party’s leadership, wary of further controversy and legal challenges, spent the following months considering various options, including the possibility of scrapping the 2026 conference altogether. Ultimately, Labour opted for what it describes as the “least restrictive approach” that still complies with the law.
The decision has provoked strong reactions from across the political spectrum and within the Labour Party itself. Advocacy groups such as Labour for Trans Rights have condemned the move as “exclusionary.” In a statement, the group said, “It’s terrible that trans women will be excluded from the main business of women’s conference, even if they’re able to access the fringe. Trans members are being cut out of the democratic processes of the Labour Party when many have given years of service, knocking doors and standing as candidates.”
On the other hand, groups like the Labour Women’s Declaration have welcomed the decision, arguing that it restores the integrity of women-only spaces. A spokesperson for the group remarked, “As Labour Government ministers have repeatedly stated, organisations should not wait for the EHRC (Equalities and Human Rights Commission) guidance and should take legal advice and implement the Supreme Court ruling immediately. All organisations and Government departments should now follow suit.” However, they also expressed a preference for a two-day conference over the planned one-day event, suggesting that the party’s efforts, while appreciated, could go further in supporting women’s representation.
The controversy is further complicated by delays in government action. Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has yet to publish new statutory guidance on single-sex spaces, leaving what former EHRC chair Baroness Falkner described as a “grey zone” around the practical implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision. Baroness Falkner has been particularly critical of Labour’s approach, accusing the party of “abandoning” women’s rights and being “terrified” of MPs who support self-identification for trans people, as reported by The Times.
This legal and policy uncertainty has not been limited to Labour. Other prominent organisations, including the Women’s Institute and Girlguiding UK, have recently announced similar restrictions on trans membership, indicating a broader trend of institutions reassessing their policies in light of the court’s interpretation of the law.
Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, Labour had operated on a self-identification basis, allowing trans women to participate fully in women’s events and even stand on all-women shortlists. The shift to a policy based on biological sex marks a significant departure from the party’s previous stance and highlights the evolving legal and social landscape surrounding gender identity in the UK.
According to LabourList, the party undertook a thorough review of its conference participation criteria, considering the perspectives of various stakeholders and legal experts. The NEC’s final decision aims to provide a “dedicated space for women born female,” with the intention of ensuring that discussions on women’s rights and policy are conducted within a framework defined by biological sex. Party officials emphasized that the policy is rooted in their interpretation of recent legal and social discussions about the definition of “woman” in the context of single-sex spaces.
This policy shift has brought internal tensions within Labour to the surface. The party’s left wing and LGBTQ+ rights advocates have voiced disappointment, arguing that the exclusion of trans women is a step backward for equality and inclusivity. Conversely, supporters of the change assert that it is necessary to safeguard the rights and representation of women, particularly in the context of single-sex spaces.
Preparations for the 2026 Women’s Conference are now underway, with the event scheduled to take place in Liverpool the day before Labour’s main annual conference. The year-long postponement has allowed the party to consolidate its position and craft a policy it believes balances the needs and concerns of all members while adhering to legal requirements. Fringe events and parallel sessions are expected to provide opportunities for broader participation, though the details are still being finalized.
As Labour moves forward, the party faces the challenge of maintaining unity and appeal across its diverse membership. The debate over the Women’s Conference participation rules encapsulates the complexities of legislating and campaigning for women’s rights in a society grappling with differing definitions of womanhood. The outcome of the 2026 conference will be closely watched as a test of Labour’s ability to navigate these contentious issues and demonstrate its commitment to both representation and inclusivity.
The Labour Party’s new policy sets a precedent that may influence other political and civic organizations as they confront similar questions about inclusion and single-sex spaces. The ongoing debate highlights the importance of continued dialogue and nuanced understanding, as the party—and the country—seek to reconcile competing rights and values in an increasingly polarized landscape.
With the 2026 Women’s Conference on the horizon, all eyes are on Labour to see how it will implement its revised stance and address the concerns of its diverse membership, as the conversation about gender, law, and representation continues to evolve.