Legal update: anonymity and urgency granted on our Hampstead ponds case
We’ve had an important step in our legal challenge over the Hampstead Heath swimming ponds.
The High Court issued an order granting anonymity to one of our witnesses who will be referred to as TBS. This means that her name and personal details will be protected throughout the proceedings. The court agreed there were compelling reasons for this in her specific case.
The next stage must be decided promptly
While the court decided not to fast-track the case, it recognised that it raises important questions following the For Women Scotland judgment. The judge ordered that the next stage — deciding whether the case can go to a full hearing — must happen promptly, and more quickly than usual, with the answer expected by 21st October 2025, or as soon as possible after that.
This ensures that the case keeps moving and doesn’t get bogged down in delays.
What we’re fighting for
The case challenges the City of London Corporation’s policy for admission to the Hampstead Heath ponds, which currently allows males who identify as women to use the women’s pond. The City of London is now consulting on different options for operating the ponds. We say the only lawful way to operate them as single-sex services is by recognising the definition of sex (man and woman) as having its ordinary meaning as confirmed by the Supreme Court.
We believe that the policy the City of London is currently operating breaches the Equality Act and is irrational and therefore unlawful.
This is not just about the ponds on Hampstead Heath, though many women and men who swim there do want them to be single-sex — it’s about making the law work as Parliament intended, and ensuring that everyone gets the message about clarity and fairness in how the Equality Act is applied.
What happens next
The court will next decide whether to grant permission for the case to go to a full judicial review hearing. We hope to hear on 21st October 2025.
We’ll keep supporters updated as soon as there’s news.
If you believe that women and girls deserve privacy, dignity and fairness — please share this update to support our campaign as we continue this important fight.