The Green Party has spent more than £1m on legal costs in the past year, amid accusations that pro-transgender “ideologues” within the party are pursuing unwinnable claims.
In 2024, the party was found to have discriminated against its former deputy leader over his gender-critical beliefs.
A court ruled that the party had improperly dismissed Shahrar Ali – who believes that “biology is real and immutable” – as party spokesman because it had failed to identify any misconduct. The Mayor’s and City County Court awarded £9,100 in damages to Mr Ali.
Mr Ali is taking the Greens to court again for further unlawful discrimination and victimisation, over his expulsion from the party. The case is due to be heard in Central London County Court later this year.
The party is being sued by another former member who was suspended for mocking “fairy” pronouns.
Emma Bateman, who was co-chairman of Green Party Women, was found to have breached diversity rules by making “clearly antagonistic” comments about “fae/faer” pronouns used by people who believe they are mythical beings.
She was also condemned for using the terms “pronoun police” and “cognitive cis-connance” during a speech in Hyde Park, leading to a three-month suspension and disqualification from the women’s committee for nine months.
Ms Bateman, 58, is suing the party for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 after being repeatedly suspended and eventually expelled for her gender-critical views.
Source: Greens rack up £1m legal bill in year of ‘unwinnable’ trans battles