Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Puberty Suppressants

Tuesday 13 January 2026 · 6 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have occurred with King's College London regarding the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial's compliance with the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004.
  • The Government is moving towards a holistic approach to care for young people with gender dysphoria, based on the recommendations of Dr Hilary Cass's report.
  • The Government is investing in services for young people presenting with gender dysphoria, though specific details on funding increases or capacity improvements were not provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rosie Duffield Ind Canterbury
NHS
Context

The PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial has undergone a thorough independent review and received all regulatory approvals. However, Rosie Duffield raises concerns based on the US Department of Health and Human Services’ report that highlights significant long-term harm from pediatric medical transition.

Question

What discussions has he had with King’s College London on the compliance of the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial with the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

The PATHWAYS trial has undergone a thorough independent review and has received all the regulatory and ethical approvals. The sponsors of the study, King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust, are working to ensure that it is conducted in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the rationale or evidence supporting the medicalization approach beyond referencing Dr Hilary Cass's report.

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Q2 Rosie Duffield Ind Canterbury
Education Mental Health
Context

The US Department of Health and Human Services’ report found significant long-term harms from pediatric medical transition, as testified by Keira Bell. The Government is moving away from a medical intervention model towards a holistic approach based on Dr Hilary Cass's recommendations.

Question

What is the Government’s rationale behind medicalising yet more vulnerable children, given that we have no evidence of any benefit to this approach and, in fact, plenty of evidence of harm?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

The Government are acting on the recommendations of Dr Hilary Cass’s report, which is world-leading evidence. The model is moving away from medical intervention towards a holistic approach to care based on the available evidence. A meeting with clinicians and others who disagree with the trial is being arranged.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the rationale or provide concrete benefits of the approach beyond referencing Dr Cass's report and cross-party support.

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Q3 Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East
Women & Equalities
Context

Puberty blockers are prescribed to non-trans youth as well, but there are concerns about long waiting times causing harm. Dr Cass recommended against a blanket ban on puberty blockers.

Question

Can the Minister outline what steps the Department is taking to increase funding and capacity for children and young people’s gender services to address unacceptably long waiting times?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

We are moving towards a more holistic approach based on Dr Cass’s evidence. The Government is investing significantly in all services supporting young people presenting with gender dysphoria and distress, although specifics of funding increases or capacity improvements were not detailed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps for increasing funding or capacity for gender services beyond acknowledging the holistic approach and increased investment.

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Q4 Gregory Stafford Con Farnham and Bordon
Children & Families
Context

Part of the PATHWAYS trial involves asking children under 13 to complete a questionnaire on romantic relationships, which raises concerns about sexual questioning.

Question

Is he as concerned as I am that children under the age of 13 will be asked sexually explicit questions?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

All Members are concerned about young people's distress when seeking services, and it is important that all parts of the trial follow ethical and clinical guidelines. The PATHWAYS study follows such guidelines.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny concern over sexual questioning but assured adherence to ethical and clinical guidelines.

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Q5 Jonathan Hinder Lab Pendle and Clitheroe
NHS
Context

Over the last 15 years, around 2,000 children were given puberty blockers based on their questioning gender identity. There is a concern about following up long-term outcomes before administering to more children.

Question

Could the Minister explain why we are not following up on the long-term outcomes of the past 2,000 cases before administering these powerful drugs to 200 more?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

We are looking at how best to use the available data from previous studies, acknowledging that this data was collected for different purposes and may not be of sufficient quality for the current review. The Government will continue using all available evidence both domestically and internationally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct explanation but acknowledged reviewing existing data while emphasizing use of all available evidence.

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Q6 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
NHS
Context

The Secretary of State previously stated acceptance of all recommendations in Dr Cass’s review, including mandating release of data from a previous study.

Question

What specific steps have been taken to mandate the release of data for the data linkage study?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

We are working with NHS England to ensure that the release of data is mandated as per Dr Cass’s recommendations. Specific steps include ensuring that this directive is enforced by relevant authorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide detailed specifics on mandate enforcement beyond acknowledging ongoing work with NHS England.

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