Wes Streeting is doing a good job of calmly holding his own in Parliament on this issue of puberty blockers being banned pending a trial.
Some MPs have been standing up and speaking about ‘trans kids’ and suicide and so on, and how young people currently taking puberty blockers will source drugs from other sources as they will be left so desperate. Certain MPs have shown no inkling of the wider issues concerning gender dysphoria among troubled young people.
WS read out report saying that suicide figures of trans people were skewed, and reporting of it dangerous.
Others have seemed to be more aware. Sir John Hayes has brought up those who were vilified for whistleblowing such as Kathleen Stock, the lives ruined by the Tavistock and how it could have happened? WS has just paid tribute to Hannah Barnes. Women’s concerns.
“I am very disappointed in behalf of our trans children….” Vikki Slade. She says there is no information on suicides for those on a gender waiting list. WS says all child deaths are monitored and reviewed.
Jim Allister asking about parental consent and age for the puberty blocker trial. WS ethical concerns are being taken very seriously.
“A breach of young people’s human rights” Carla Denyer (Green).
Robin Swann County Antrim asking about closing access to puberty blockers through loopholes.
Anyway, it is worth hearing WS. It seems to be the first time someone from Labour, who is allowed to speak, has seemed to have a depth of understanding about gender issues. He also speaks lucidly and with nuance.
I don’t know if he is just very clever, but in the end slippery, or actually someone who will make a difference for the better but was impressed.