SEE UK IN COURT

FIRST MINISTER SPARKS WAR OF WORDS OVER TRANS BILL Yousaf launches legal challenge to Westminster veto on controversial gender reform law

- PAUL HUTCHEON

HUMZA Yousaf's Government has launched a legal challenge to the Tory veto on controversial gender reform legislation.

The high-stakes move was confirmed after the new First Minister promised to go to court during his SNP leadership campaign.

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, approved by MSPs in December, simplifies the process for trans people to change their gender.

But critics believe the "self-ID" law poses a threat to women and girls and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack used Section 35 of the original devolution legislation to block it.

With a legal deadline looming, Social Justice Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said using Section 35 was an "unprecedented challenge" to Holyrood's ability to legislate.

She said: "We have offered to discuss specific changes to the Bill with the Secretary of State but given this offer has not been taken up, it is impossible to know what changes would satisfy the reasons the UK Government has given, particularly as he has highlighted that the existence of two different schemes within the UK is in itself problematic.

"To uphold the democratic decision of the Parliament, and ensure proper protection of devolution, Scottish Ministers will now lodge a petition for judicial review of the Secretary of State's decision.

"The Scottish Government does not consider the reasons set out by him provide sufficient justification for his decision to make an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act.