Puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria will be banned indefinitely in the UK, outside clinical trials, the Department of Health and Social Care said. Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said there is a need to “act with caution” and “follow the expert advice” in caring for this “vulnerable group of young people”.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting insisted he is “determined” to improve healthcare for trans people as he announced an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for children. The decision was announced after the Government took advice from independent experts who warned prescribing such medication to under-18s for gender dysphoria “presents an unacceptable safety risk for children and young people”.