Puberty Blockers Trial: Consent

Lord Cashman Excerpts

Thursday 25th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Baroness brings her expertise to the subject and I am grateful to her. This is not a political matter. As I have said, it must be driven by clinical evidence and focus on the safety of our young people. The example she gave is deeply disturbing and is a result of not taking action that is evidenced.

[Lord Cashman (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, the only thing that matters in this instance is the right of the child to the best and most appropriate treatment. Therefore, does the Minister agree that puberty blockers are used for a range of conditions and that any approach must therefore be based solely on the recommendations of the multidisciplinary team, the clinicians involved and the needs of the patient?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

Yes, it is certainly the case that this is a medical matter. We need to remind ourselves, and my noble friend gives me that opportunity, that puberty blockers, as we are calling them, are used for other conditions, but the reason why we are having the trial is because we have accepted the advice and acted on the principles that my noble friend has outlined.