The High Court has handed down judgment in a challenge brought in relation to a document issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) and first published on its website on 25 April 2025. The document was titled “An interim update on the practical implications of the UK Supreme Court judgment” (“the Interim Update”). The Interim Update was published by the EHRC on its website following the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.
The challenge was brought by the Good Law Project, alongside three individual claimants. The Minister for Women and Equalities was represented at the hearing as an interested party, as was Sex Matters, which was granted permission to intervene.
The claim was dismissed in judgment from Mr Justice Swift, which is available here.
The Claimants are intending to make an application for permission to appeal.
Daniel Stilitz KC and Hannah Slarks acted for the Claimants, instructed by Leigh Day.
Tom Cross KC and Zoe Gannon, and Joanne Clement KC and Christian Davies, represented the EHRC at different stages in the proceedings instructed by Burges Salmon LLP.
Rupert Paines acted for Sex Matters, instructed by Conrathe Gardener LLP.
