UK government to seek £150,000 from Holyrood over gender reform challenge
It's after the Scottish Secretary blocked a bill that would have made it easier for people to change their legally-recognised sex.
The UK Government's starting the process of seeking £150,000 in expenses from the Scottish Government over its gender reform legal challenge.
Last month, the Court of Session ruled the Scottish Secretary was right to block a bill that would make it easier for people to change their legally-recognised sex.
Scottish ministers opted not to pursue the challenge to save the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
Alister Jack said: "The Scottish Government chose to pursue this litigation in spite of the cost to the taxpayer.
"My legal advisers have today intimated to the Scottish Government that we have started the process of seeking an award of expenses in defending the case."
It is understood a motion will be lodged by the UK Government on Friday, with ministers given until Monday to oppose it.
Appearing before the Westminster committee in December, the Scottish Secretary said costs had hit £150,000, although it will be for the court to decide on a figure if it rules the UK Government should be reimbursed.
The Bill would have made it easier for a transgender person to obtain a gender recognition certificate by removing the need for a medical diagnosis, as well as reducing the minimum age and the time required for someone to live in their acquired gender.
But opponents of the legislation said it could impact on protections for women and girls.
arguments that the order had been issued as a result of a "policy disagreement".
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.