Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trans and Non-binary Children

Wednesday 7 June 2023 · 9 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 9 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is developing guidance for schools on handling trans and non-binary children, which will involve a public consultation.
  • Guidance will be produced to help schools manage sensitive issues effectively, such as those concerning 'drag story time'.
  • The government emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in decisions about transitioning and other sensitive matters involving children.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Bradshaw Lab
Education
Context

Concern over schools' responsibilities regarding transgender and non-binary pupils.

Question

Whether it is her policy that schools should tell parents if their children are trans or non-binary. Does the government have a clear stance on this?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Parental involvement is crucial in decisions about children, particularly those concerning transitioning. We are developing guidance for schools on this sensitive matter which will involve a public consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding outrageous policy implications or acknowledge existing statistics and safeguarding concerns.

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Q2 John Nicolson SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

Concern over the perception of prioritizing contentious issues at the expense of more pressing matters.

Question

What signal does the Minister think sending by focusing on 'drag story time' sends to vulnerable LGBT children?

Answer from Nick Gibb

This is a complex matter requiring support for schools in handling sensitive issues. We are producing guidance to help them manage these concerns effectively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding signal and prioritization of concerns faced by LGBTQ+ youth, instead focusing on providing general support.

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Q3 Ben Bradshaw Lab
Education
Context

Concern over a reported policy to instruct schools to disclose students' gender identities against their will.

Question

Given the risks involved, does the Minister agree it would be outrageous for schools to 'out' pupils to families without consent?

Answer from Nick Gibb

There is a difference between advice given in confidence and decisions requiring parental involvement. We will publish guidance shortly for public consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding the potential outrageousness of such policy, instead explaining the distinction between types of discussions.

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Q4 Peter Bottomley Con
Children & Families
Context

Emphasis on the importance of parental trust and involvement in sensitive decisions.

Question

We need to trust parents. Should schools inform children and parents when a child is in distress?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Parental involvement is crucial for sensitive decisions like those involving transitioning. Schools should ensure parents are involved in such matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding informing parents about children's distress, instead focusing on the importance of parental involvement in decisions.

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Q5 Miriam Cates
Education Women & Equalities
Context

Concern over schools operating self-identification policies and the psychological implications of social transition.

Question

Does the Minister agree that guidance must clarify teachers are not qualified to make such decisions and that protecting children according to their biological sex is safe?

Answer from Nick Gibb

We are producing guidance which will consider pieces of work such as Dr Hilary Cass's independent review to provide the clearest possible advice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding clarification about teachers' qualifications or safe approaches, instead noting consideration of expert reviews.

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Q6 Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey
Education Children & Families
Context

Concern over politicization and delays in providing necessary guidance for schools.

Question

Does the Minister agree that this situation has been highly politicised to the detriment of those trying to do their best? When will he support teachers?

Answer from Nick Gibb

We are drafting guidance which considers expert advice including that from the NSPCC. Drafting is ongoing, and it will be published shortly with public consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding politicisation or commitment to prompt publication, instead discussing current status of guidance drafting.

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Q7 Anna Firth
Children & Families
Context

Concern over schools' reliability in informing parents when their children express a wish to change gender.

Question

Can the Minister confirm that parents must be kept informed of such an important change in behaviour concerning their child?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Parental involvement is paramount. We are thinking about and discussing with experts as we draft guidance to ensure proper consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific request regarding mandatory parental involvement, instead noting ongoing discussions and expert consultations.

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Q8 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Education
Context

The question arises from conflicting rumours and delays in the government's plan, affecting parents, pupils, and schools seeking clarity.

Question

Schools, parents, and pupils are frustrated with conflicting newspaper rumours about the Government's plans. The questioner asks if the delay is due to disagreements between Ministers regarding these plans.

Answer from Nick Gibb

The Minister denies disagreements and states they are closely consulting experts on drafting comprehensive guidance. He asserts the guidance is being drafted for public consultation shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about internal disagreements was not confirmed or denied directly.

How: Working Closely, Consulting Experts

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Q9 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Women & Equalities
Context

The question is prompted by over a year of delays in delivering guidance to schools, amidst internal government battles and the collapse of the LGBT action plan.

Question

The questioner criticises the prolonged delay in providing guidance and accuses the Government of failing LGBT+ people due to internal conflicts. She asks for an apology from the Minister.

Answer from Nick Gibb

The Minister asserts that despite varied views, the Government is determined to publish high-quality guidance for schools soon. He promises a full public consultation to consider all expressed opinions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for an apology was not directly addressed.

How: Range Of Views, Public Consultation

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