The protest, by activist group Oxford 4 Trans Rights, is happening on Saturday to protest the updated code of practice written by the UK equalities watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

In a statement, the group said: “Now is the time to stand up for ourselves, and for our friends, family and community to send a message that we will relentlessly resist trans exclusion and discrimination.

“Please join us this Saturday as we protest for our rights, reject the EHRC guidance.”

The group are meeting this Saturday in Oxford’s Bonn Square at 3pm.

The guidance update covers all nine protected characteristics, such as disability, race and sexual orientation, but there is especial focus on this update because it also includes practical guidance on how to apply last year’s Supreme Court ruling about single-sex spaces.

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The landmark judgement said that, for the purposes of the Equality Act, the legal definition of a woman was based on biological sex.

This has had ramifications for who can now access women-only services and spaces, such as refuges or toilets.

The new code reinforces last April’s ruling, and gives a wide variety of practical examples showing how service providers might apply it.

The code is clear that if a service provider admits a trans person to a service that aligns to their lived gender, that service can no longer be described as single sex and the provider is “very likely” to be at risk of legal challenge.

The updated guidance has been condemned by many activist groups as a step back in equality and inclusion.

Oxfordshire County Council is working with contractors to create the new interchange for drivers at the junction north of Abingdon and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

There have been a series of alterations as a result of the work and drivers are now being alerted to a major hold-up.

From June 3, the northbound on-slip to the A34 will be closed for about four weeks.

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The junction at Lodge Hill at present only has north-facing slip roads, but the upgrade will add new south-facing slip roads, as well as making cycling and walking easier and safer in the area.

Traffic on the A34 near the Lodge Hill junction (Image: Ed Nix)

Adding the south-facing slip roads will reduce traffic in the town centre as some drivers will no longer have to travel through it to access the A34 southbound at the Marcham Interchange.

Highways bosses say stage one and stage two of the work has now been completed, with stage three about to get under way. The entire project is expected to be completed later this year.

Stage three involves:

• A34 northbound on slip realignment takes place and construction of north and south roundabout central sections.

• Continue construction of new A34 northbound off slip and new A34 southbound on slip.

• North roundabout verge works.

A county council spokesman said: “From June 3, the northbound on-slip to the A34 will be closed, for a period of approximately four weeks.

“The closure will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week during this period.

“The closure will facilitate the construction and tie-in of the existing slip road to the new north roundabout.

“A diversion route will be in place via the A4183 Oxford Road. Vehicles wishing to travel northbound on the A34 will need to use the Hinksey Hill interchange.

“A similar closure for the southbound off-slip will follow in early July. Further details of this will be communicated closer to the time.”

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran (Image: Contributed)

The interchange scheme near Abingdon is primarily funded by a £17m-plus grant from Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) fund, with additional funding from developer contributions and the Housing Growth Deal.

In July last year it emerged that the budget for the work had risen to £36.09m to address rising costs.

For years, local councillors and Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, pressed the Government for the funding to allow the junction scheme to go ahead.

The Northern Bypass Road heading westbound away from Headington in Oxford was closed shortly before 3am on Wednesday, May 27 due to an ongoing police incident.

A significant emergency responders presence was seen on the road and traffic was prohibited from using the carriageway and slip roads at Marsh Lane for the rest of the morning.

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Thames Valley Police has now confirmed a man in his 20s died following reports of a fear for welfare incident, which occurred shortly after 2.45am.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called at around 2.45am this morning (May 27) following reports of a fear for welfare on the A40, near to Headington. 

“Emergency services attended but sadly a man aged in his 20s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“His death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“His family have been informed and are being supported.”

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The road remains closed westbound between Barton Lane and Marsh Lane, including the Marsh Lane flyover, as of 11.30am on Wednesday.

Drivers have been reporting long delays and congestion backed up to the Headington Roundabout and further along the A40 London Road.

Oxfordshire County Council has been approached on whether the Marston Ferry Road congestion charge point may be suspended while the A40 westbound and Marsh Lane access remains closed.