SCOTTISH ministers have called for an urgent meeting with the British government on the implications of the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

The call comes as public bodies around the country — including Police Scotland — announced reviews of their equalities polices to comply with the ruling, and ahead of a planned statement to Holyrood on the issue from SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville next week.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Scottish ministers have now written to the UK government to seek an urgent meeting to discuss the implications of the judgment.

“The Scottish Government acted in good faith in our interpretation of both the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the Equality Act 2010; and our approach was guided by the published guidance of the [Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)].

“The Supreme Court judgment explicitly references that this stance was consistent with EHRC advice and we note that that the EHRC is now reviewing its guidance to reflect the ruling.

“We will continue to engage with the EHRC and other stakeholders and are fully committed to protecting everyone’s rights and ensuring that Scotland remains an inclusive country.”