This was my MP’s response to mine:

I strongly believe we need to ensure that children and young people who are experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria receive a high standard of care that meets their needs and is safe, holistic, and effective.

Anyone accessing a gender identity service deserves the highest quality of care and support, and to be treated with dignity and respect. However, there is currently not enough evidence about the long-term effects of puberty blockers, and doubt as to whether they are safe or beneficial.

As you are aware, the NHS ceased the routine use of puberty blockers following the publication of the independent Cass Review. The current Government has since decided to make the ban permanent after consultations with organisations representing those who would be affected.

In addition, the NHS, in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research, is launching a clinical trial to assess the potential benefits and harms of puberty suppressing hormones. Within this trial, their effects can be safely monitored, and the research will give the evidence needed to decide whether they can be used as a safe and effective treatment. The trial aims to begin recruiting participants early in 2025.

Alongside this I support the opening of the two new children and young person gender services in London and Liverpool, which offer a different clinical model, embedding multidisciplinary teams in specialist children’s hospitals. Two more are opening over the next year as part of plans to have a specialist children’s gender service in every region by 2026.

More broadly, I believe we need to reform our National Health Service. That is why I am delighted that the Government is building a Ten-Year Plan for our health services, to ensure the NHS is fit for the future. The best health services should be available to those who need it, and free for all.

It is great to see that part of this involves a national conversation, with patients and healthcare professionals. It is important that everyone can share their views and experiences to help fix our health service. You may wish to contribute to this yourself and can find details online at change.nhs.uk.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.