Katy Balls Katy Balls

Sunak and Sturgeon are heading for a clash over gender self-ID

Rishi Sunak in Muirtown, during a two day visit to Scotland (Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak is keen to distance himself from Liz Truss over Scotland. Shortly before she became prime minister, Truss suggested it was best to ‘ignore’ the ‘attention seeker’ Nicola Sturgeon. But Sunak is adopting a more conciliatory approach towards the SNP leader. The pair enjoyed a working dinner last night in Inverness on Sunak’s first trip to Scotland since becoming Prime Minister. They discussed the NHS, the economy and strikes. While there was a ‘robust’ exchange on independence, the post-match report does not point to a war of words between the pair. Yet cordial relations between them could prove short-lived.

Speaking earlier today on BBC Radio Scotland, Sunak voiced concerns about the impact of Scotland’s gender reforms, which will bring in ‘self-identification’ for those who want to change gender. He said the government was awaiting ‘final advice’ on the implications of the changes:

‘Obviously this is a very sensitive area and I know there were very robust debates and exchanges on it as the bill was passing in Scotland.

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