Some people, including some feminist groups such as Fair Play For Women, are worried that introducing a system of gender self-identification could allow abusive men to access spaces where women are vulnerable, simply by declaring themselves to be women.

However, many others – including Labour MP Jess Phillips – have noted that there are robust and “very, very practical” ways to address these concerns without insisting that the Gender Recognition Act remains as it is.

For example, the issue of whether dangerous men could be transferred to women’s prisons by claiming to identify as female could be addressed by more thorough risk assessment procedures – rather than simply refusing to allow any transgender women into women’s prisons at all.

It’s also worth noting that the proposed reforms to the Gender Recognition Act are unlikely to have much real-world impact on whether trans women are able to access spaces such as bathrooms or changing rooms. That’s because – subject to some exemptions, which we’ll come to – all trans women are legally able to access women-only spaces under Section 7 of the Equality Act 2010, regardless of whether they have medically transitioned or received a GRC.

Why it’s important we all have our say on the Gender Recognition Act