The SNP has called for 2017 to be a "year of progress" for transgender equality.

Angela Crawley MP, the party's equalities spokeswoman, will jointly lead a debate on transgender equality in the House of Commons later on Thursday.

The Lanark and Hamilton East MP wants the UK Government to amend the 2010 Equality Act to ensure transgender and non-binary people are "fully able to access their human right to legal gender recognition across the UK".

Crawley said: "While Scotland has made huge progress towards achieving LGBTI equality in recent years, and is now rated the best country in Europe for LGBTI rights, we still have further to go - particularly when it comes to tackling the prejudice and discrimination that trans and non-binary people continue to face.

"I hope that 2017 can be a year of progress for transgender equality in Scotland and across the UK.

"The Scottish Government is already committed to reforming gender recognition law in Scotland to meet international best practice and the UK government should match this commitment so all trans and non-binary people in the UK are fully able to access their human right to legal gender recognition.

"I also urge the UK government to listen to LGBTI equality organisations and reform the Equality Act 2010 so that all trans, non-binary and intersex people are fully protected by anti-discrimination provisions"

The all-party Smith Commission agreement on more powers for Holyrood recommended the Equalities Act should be reserved at Westminster.

It was therefore not included as part of the transfer of powers to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Scotland Act 2016.

The report recommended: "The Equality Act 2010 will remain reserved. The powers of the Scottish Parliament will include, but not be limited to, the introduction of gender quotas in respect of public bodies in Scotland.

"The Scottish Parliament can legislate in relation to socio-economic rights in devolved areas."

Crawley said the UK Government would have the full support of the 54 SNP MPs if it moved to amend the legislation.