Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the government has powers to block a new Scottish law which makes it easier for trans people to legally change their gender.
Westminster officials have said they are considering the “nuclear option” of blocking the bill from going to royal assent.
On Thursday Scotland had become the first part of the UK to introduce a self-identification system for people who want to change their legal gender.
The UK’s Scottish secretary, Alister Jack, said he could invoke section 35 of the Scotland Act, which gives him an effective veto on laws he believes have an impact on constitutionally reserved matters.
