The UK government has decided to block a controversial Scottish bill designed to make it easier for people to change their legal gender.

UK ministers say the draft law would conflict with equality protections applying across Great Britain.

It is the first time a Scottish law has been blocked for affecting UK-wide law.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the move a “full-frontal attack” on the Scottish Parliament and vowed to oppose it.

She said the Scottish ministers would “defend” the bill, warning if the veto succeeded it would be the “first of many”.

The Scottish government is expected to challenge the ruling – potentially through a judicial review – but is waiting for more details from UK ministers.

Nicola Sturgeon’s government believe the current process is too difficult and invasive, and causes distress to an already marginalised and vulnerable minority group.