British Train Drivers' Union Boycotts Labour Women's Conference Over Ban on Trans Women

In late September 2026 in Liverpool, British train drivers’ trade union ASLEF reaffirmed its boycott and refused to send a delegation to the UK Labour Party’s National Annual Women’s Conference. The decision was prompted by party arrangements barring transgender women from formal conference proceedings, including plenary policy debates and delegate voting.

According to a report by political outlet Labour Home , the boycott was confirmed by ASLEF’s Annual Assembly of Delegates, which cited its long-standing record of championing the rights of trans women and non-binary individuals. ASLEF is among several major Labour-affiliated trade unions taking that stance, joining Unison, Usdaw, the Musicians’ Union (MU), and the Communication Workers Union (CWU). On the morning of the conference, representatives of all 11 Labour-affiliated trade unions gathered in Liverpool for a joint event in solidarity with trans and non-binary members, declaring that trans rights are an integral part of workers’ rights.

The dispute stems from an April 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling that interpreted the term “woman” in the Equality Act 2010 as referring to biological sex. Following the cancellation of the 2025 conference to review party procedures, Labour’s National Executive Committee determined that formal participation—specifically taking the floor in main debates and casting ballots on party policy—must be restricted to biological women to ensure legal compliance, while keeping fringe and social sessions open to all participants.

Supporters of the party’s rules, including the campaign group Labour Women’s Declaration, welcomed the approach, arguing that dedicated party mechanisms and democratic quotas must legally protect single-sex representation. In contrast, boycotting trade unions and LGBT advocates contend that excluding trans women denies long-standing members an active voice within Labour’s women’s structures. Labour Party officials maintained that the arrangements represent a balanced approach that respects statutory equality obligations while addressing women’s historic under-representation.

Established in 1880, ASLEF (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) represents the vast majority of Britain’s train drivers and serves as a key affiliated union and financial supporter of the Labour Party.

Debates surrounding sex-based rights and gender identity continue to shape the political landscape across the United Kingdom. Previously, Urania reported on inclusive terminology guidance issued by the UK Green Party , covered LGB Alliance’s involvement at the Conservative Party conference , and examined legislative proposals to ban conversion practices in Britain .