IN A sign of ever-growing public concern about proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act which could permit people to self-identify their sex, 750 women's rights activists and supporters gathered last week to hear from high-profile sportswomen and scientists about the impact of permitting male transgender athletes to compete against women in sports.

Organised by grassroots campaign groups Woman’s Place UK and Fair Play for Women, the packed meeting at the QEII Centre in Westminster, central London, was given endorsements via video link by 16-time Paralympic medal winner and cross-bench peer, Lady Tanni Grey-Thompson, and middle distance Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, who both sent their best wishes for the event.

“It’s really important that everyone has the chance to discuss the future of female sport and it’s only fair that women’s voices are part of that as well. A factual and respectful discussion must be allowed,” said Grey-Thompson, while Holmes added: “Congratulations on getting together and talking about fairness in sport, for women in particular. At the end of the day women need fairness in sport to continue to inspire a younger generation in all that they do.”