Peggie's beliefs had 'no bearing' on union decision to refuse support – tribunal

The RCN union’s refusal to provide legal support to Sandie Peggie, a Fife nurse who alleges direct discrimination over her gender-critical beliefs, was based on the union’s rules rather than her beliefs themselves, a tribunal heard. Union's associate director of employment relations, Norman Provan, testified during the third day of Ms Peggie's employment tribunal that the RCN cannot offer legal assistance if members have taken external legal advice.

Peggie had previously received independent legal advice from her solicitors and counsel, which directed a specific course of action. Provan affirmed that his decision not to provide legal support was based on the RCN's rules and not on Peggie's gender-critical beliefs. He added, "I decided that we could not provide legal assistance in this case.

I was absolutely content with the decision I had made." Peggie contends the RCN failed to adequately support her in a disciplinary investigation with NHS Fife in January 2025. She seeks a ruling that the union discriminated against her due to her gender-critical and sex realist beliefs. The RCN denies these allegations. Peggie initially won a partial victory in a previous employment tribunal case against NHS Fife in December 2023, which upheld claims of harassment but dismissed allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination, and victimisation.

The high-profile case has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over gender rights, garnering support from gender-critical groups and author JK Rowling. Peggie is the first witness to testify at the new tribunal, with her case set to continue in the following week.