Health Secretary Wes Streeting defends ban on puberty blockers after backlash from Labour MPs

A DECISION to ban puberty blockers has been defended by Wes Streeting after a backlash from Labour MPs.

The Health Secretary said “children must come first” as he takes a tougher stance on trans issues.

The ban on private prescriptions had been due to expire at the end of September but the Cabinet Minister will now extend the restriction with a view to making it permanent.

He said yesterday: “We don’t yet know the risks of stopping pubertal hormones at this critical life stage. That is the basis upon which I am making decisions.

“I am treading cautiously in this area because the safety of children must come first.”

Dr Hilary Cass in her landmark review said there was “remarkably weak” evidence on such treatments.

It found children questioning their gender should be steered away from medical treatment and the rationale behind prescribing them was "unclear".

It led to the NHS stopping under 18s being seen by adult clinics and given cross-sex hormones.

Her review called for children to be given time to think about their decisions with many changing their mind up until aged 25.

But Labour MP Zarah Sultana said her party’s manifesto promised to “remove indignities” for trans people saying that includes puberty blockers.

She added that young people must have access to the healthcare they need.

She added: “I'll always stand with the trans community.”