Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she had discussions with (a) teachers' trade unions and (b) LGBTQ+ organisations on her Department's draft guidance on Gender questioning children: draft schools and colleges guidance, published on 19 December 2023.

The department is keen to consider the full range of views from all stakeholders and the public consultation on the draft guidance which is open until 12 March 2024 to allow all organisations and individuals to comment.

During this 12-week consultation period, the department plans to engage with a range of interested organisations, including organisations that represent LGBT groups.

In forming the guidance the department and Ministers engaged with experts, including Dr Hilary Cass, school leaders and Parliamentarians, including those who represent LGBT groups.

Departmental officials spoke to a range of groups and organisations to help inform the guidance.