Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression

Debate between Caroline Nokes and Jonathan Hinder

Monday 22nd June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Hinder (Pendle and Clitheroe) (Lab)]

The Secretary of State has repeatedly told us that he feels uncomfortable and uneasy. If I am totally honest, I do not think that he believes that this is right at all. I think that in his heart, he knows that this is wrong. Of course it is wrong: stopping an 11-year-old—a primary school child—from going through the natural process that we must all go through to become adults by injecting them with drugs is wrong. We must think about the title of the statement: puberty suppression. People do not need a medical or a science degree to know that the suppression of puberty is wrong. This is a moral question and I am afraid that as it stands the Secretary of State is on the wrong side of it. He says “let them be”—if only they had let Keira Bell be. When she had the treatment, Keira Bell was much older than these children will be when they are given it. She regrets it all and now campaigns to stop this. There is huge public opposition to this—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Order. I assume the hon. Gentleman is getting to a question.

[Jonathan Hinder]

There is huge opposition to this among people who vote Labour, including many of my constituents, so I implore—

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. The hon. Gentleman’s question is far too long. I call the Secretary of State.