Story perspectives

Labour Conference Boycott Announced After Trans Exclusion Decision

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 9:57 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Union leaders and trans activists protested and announced boycotts after Labour barred trans women from its Women’s Conference.
Unison, Aslef, Usdaw, the Musicians’ Union and the CWU declared they will boycott the conference.
Labour spokesperson said the party will comply with the law and remain committed to advancing women in politics.
YouGov poll on 21 September 2026 showed Labour leading but without a majority, indicating a hung parliament.

History

Historical Context

On 11 July 2002 the European Court of Human Rights ruled in Goodwin v United Kingdom that the UK violated trans people’s rights, prompting the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and awarding Christine Goodwin €39,000. Today Labour’s move to bar trans women from its Women’s Conference has triggered boycotts by unions such as Unison and Aslef, reviving the legal-political clash.

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Story summary

Union leaders and trans activists protested and announced boycotts after Labour barred trans women from its Women’s Conference.
Unison, Aslef, Usdaw, the Musicians’ Union and the CWU declared they will boycott the conference.
Labour spokesperson said the party will comply with the law and remain committed to advancing women in politics.
YouGov poll on 21 September 2026 showed Labour leading but without a majority, indicating a hung parliament.

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