Open Letter to the Liberal Democrats: Demand for Public Apology and Retraction

Dear Liberal Democrats,

We are writing to express deep concern regarding comments made by Baroness Ludford, in which she suggested that girls are disengaging from sport in part due to the inclusion of trans girls and women. These remarks, made without citing any credible evidence, are both misleading and harmful.

Baroness Ludford’s assertion echoes the position of the charity Women in Sport, whose policy on transgender inclusion assumes that trans women’s bodies are categorically equivalent to those of cisgender men. This assumption is unsubstantiated and ignores a growing body of scientific literature that challenges such a claim. Notably, Women in Sport has not conducted any new empirical research to support its position and appears to disregard more recent peer-reviewed evidence contradicting their conclusions.

By repeating these assumptions without reference to evidence, the Baroness has effectively entered into public record a false and damaging narrative:

a) that trans girls and women are a barrier to the participation of cisgender girls in sport; and

b) that there exists compelling evidence of harm caused by trans inclusion in women’s sport.

Neither of these claims is supported by robust data and presenting them as fact is irresponsible. Statements like these not only perpetuate stigma against trans athletes, but also rest on flawed assumptions about what deters girls from sport—overshadowing structural barriers such as lack of funding, poor facilities, or cultural discouragement.

We therefore call on the Liberal Democrats to:

1. *Issue a public apology* for the unsubstantiated and harmful remarks; and

2. *Withdraw and correct the statement*, ensuring that future positions reflect an evidence-based and inclusive approach to sport policy.

Trans people deserve better from a party that claims to stand for equality and inclusion. So do all girls.

Yours sincerely,

Rainbow Hospitality

This letter was written in reponse to Baroness Ludford’s question in the UK House of Lords on the 19th May 2025.