Andy Wightman, the Green MSP for Lothian, has apologised for attending a meeting addressing the effect new policies may have wone’s rights

An SNP spokeswoman has said “something very sinister is going on” after a Green MSP felt it necessary to apologise for attending a public meeting that heard concerns about the impact new policies on gender could have on women’s rights.

In a statement, Andy Wightman, the Green MSP for Lothian, apologised for distress he had caused to friends and party members, after attending an Edinburgh University meeting on the issue last week.

Holyrood is divided over Scottish government plans to legislate to simplify the process around gender recognition for transgender people under Nicola Sturgeon’s equality drive. Some campaigners and SNP parliamentarians are concerned that it could affect women’s rights, but many of those criticising the plans have been accused of being transphobic and say they