The Presiding Officer will be well aware that I will not comment on any live litigation cases.

I will give some examples of the work that we have already done: we have updated the guidance on the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 and we have amended the recruitment process for appointments to public bodies subject to the 2018 act. Through joint working with Police Scotland, we will publicly consult on the stop-and-search code of practice before the end of the year. The guidance on supporting transgender young people in schools is being reviewed, recognising that the EHRC is also reviewing the technical guidance for schools.

As I said, our approach is focused on ensuring accuracy and clarity, and avoiding unnecessary complexity or confusion at a time of heightened public debate.

We have, in fact, done that. I reminded myself of the fact that, in May, we published a note that was sent to all public bodies, and which made it very clear that public bodies should satisfy themselves that they are compliant with the law and that they are reviewing all the necessary guidance and policies. Other people also raised that point and implied that we had not offered that instruction, but we had.

I take the opportunity to remind the Parliament that equality for women and girls is a priority for this Government. I have heard very powerful testimonies this afternoon about why that is so important. I also remind Parliament that it is at the heart of our vision for a fair and prosperous Scotland for everybody.

As a Government, we are determined to deliver for women and girls and to address those inequalities where they arise.

Jackie Baillie rose—

Rachael Hamilton rose—

I will bring my remarks to a close. I hope that I have given reassurance that the Government absolutely accepts the Supreme Court judgment. I have given clear examples of the actions that we are taking. I point out that the EHRC has only recently—on 5 September—submitted to the UK Government its revised code of practice, which we have not yet seen. That is another sign that it is vital to take time to fully consider the impact of the judgment and its consequences—which is what we are doing.

Can I just make a little bit of progress? I realise that I am running out of time—I have taken interventions.

That was an outline of some of the work that we are doing. I also want to re-emphasise that the on-going work on the implications of the Supreme Court judgment is not about pitting the rights of two groups of people against each other, but rather is about ensuring equality, dignity and the rights of all. I want to make it clear that trans men and women are valued in society. They exist—they always have done—and they must enjoy the same human rights as all in society, as well as protections under the Equality Act 2010.

I sincerely believe that the vast majority of people in Scotland want to live in a country that is respectful, compassionate and caring and that protects the rights of all. It is not a competition. Our work to support trans people in Scotland is absolutely not at the expense of our vital support for women and girls. Strategic work is taking place on that, informed by the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls and the voices and views of a diverse range of women and girls, including those on the empowering women panel.

Violence against women and girls was mentioned. I highlight the equally safe strategy, which is world leading. Through it, we have strengthened the laws that enable us to respond robustly to perpetrators and protect women and girls—for instance, through the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. We make sure that we take trauma-informed approaches, especially for women who have experienced sexual violence, and we have changed the law so that victims of rape and sexual assault can get healthcare without first having to report the assault to the police—[Interruption.] Forgive me, but I will make progress. I am grateful for the leeway, Presiding Officer—I know that I have gone over my time.

We have taken forward a great deal of work to ensure that those who work in the public sector are equipped with the resources and knowledge to confidently and sensitively work with those who are affected by violence against women and girls.

I will briefly mention health. We published the first women’s health plan in the UK, and we are currently working on the second phase of that process. The achievements that that has led to include the appointment of Scotland’s first women’s health champion, Professor Anna Glasier.

I was delighted to attend the launch of the disability equality plan over the summer and to see the energy and commitment behind it. It is encouraging to witness progress and to know that real change is being prioritised. Timely and targeted funding is essential to the plan’s success and to disabled people’s organisations across Scotland, which play a vital role in advancing equality and inclusion. To support the plan, we are investing £2.5 million in key services and initiatives, including a new £1 million improving access fund to enhance advice, digital inclusion, mental health support and access to health and social care.

We believe that Scotland should be a place where disabled people can live the lives that they choose with the support that they need to do so. Everybody should be able to participate in society, access their rights, take advantage of opportunities and thrive in their communities, including in Rona Mackay’s constituency.

In addition to the £1 million improving access fund to enhance digital inclusion, mental health support and access to health and social care, the disability equality plan directly links to and aligns with the work of the mental health and wellbeing strategy and delivery plan. We are focused on improving access to care and support, including through grass-roots projects that are supported by our communities mental health and wellbeing fund for adults.

We have successfully reopened the independent living fund for new applicants for the first time since 2010, enabling up to 1,400 disabled people in Scotland who face the greatest barriers to independent living to access the support that they need. We continue to work on ensuring that disabled people can travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity as other citizens.

It is unfortunate that UK Government leaders are backing cuts in that area, which is not helpful. Due to my extensive engagement with disabled people’s organisations, I am well aware of the variance in availability and access across rural and urban areas. One measure to address that is the launch of the pilot scheme in which funding is provided to enable companions of people who are blind or partially sighted to travel on trains. That helps people to access not only work but leisure activities and to be connected to communities. That has never been so important across areas where it takes longer to travel.

The delivery of targeted financial support, including the pension age disability payment, provides between £290 and £434 per month to eligible disabled people over state pension age. Measures such as the child winter heating payment also help in that regard.

Will the member take an intervention?

Will the member give way?

I welcome the measured tone that you started the debate with—language does matter.