UK government formally blocks Scotland’s gender recognition legislation

SNP describes move as ‘unprecedented attack’ on devolution

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The government has formally blocked a law passed by Scotland’s parliament creating a self-identification system for people who want to change gender, a move the SNP called “an unprecedented attack” on devolution.

Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, told the Commons he was making the so-called section 35 order under the 1998 Scotland Act, which created the devolved parliament, which meant the gender recognition reform Scotland bill will not receive royal assent.