The move is designed to “reverse the rise of gender-neutral toilets as part of wider efforts to protect single sex spaces.”

Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: “It is important that everybody has privacy and dignity when using public facilities. Yet the move towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets has removed this fundamental right for women and girls.

“These proposals will ensure every new building in England is required to provide separate male and female or unisex facilities, and publish guidance to explain the difference, protecting the dignity, privacy and safety of all.”

The changes will be made through building regulations and guidance. The aim of the new requirements will ensure that:

• Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women; and/or
• Self-contained, private toilets are provided where space allows to ensure privacy and safety;
• Mixed sex shared facilities are not an option, except when lack of space allows only a single toilet