Scotgov ministerial statement on gender care - live on BBC

[Terref]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-68881127

'Public Health and Women's Health Minister Jenny Minto delivers an urgent ministerial statement on puberty blockers.'

Expected at 14.20

https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/meeting-of-the-parliament-accessible-april-23-2024

Also this is one of thte questions due today:

Meghan Gallacher S6T-01938 3. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the LGBT Youth Scotland pilot programme to introduce youth clubs in schools.

Jenny Gilruth - LGBT YS are not carrying out this program.

Question from Gallacher re primary schools/LGBT youth champions, and materials from youth clubs. and asking about the age range, should be 13 upwards.

It would be good it they could them get Police Scotland on to give an update on their investigation into child grooming and sex exploitation by LGBT Youth.

Gilruth - LGBT inclusion, bullying etc

Gallacher - parents are concerned.

Gilruth ... I'm sorry, I can't. Now attacking Gallacher for previously supporting LGBT something or other. Whiny whiny whiny smugwhine. She's like a wee playground clype.

Gilruth: We are embedding LGBT education across the curriculum.

You are taking one for the team.

Minto up now.

Talking particularly to our trans and non binary young people.

She's all in black. Hands clasped. Sounds like a funeral.

Sandyford is pausing PBs to allow further research.

Those currently getting them won't be affected.

Not for politicians to make medical decisions.

Clinicians are responsible. LET ME BE CLEAR ITS NOTHING TO DO WITH MEEEEE.

'Time is required to fully consider the recs of Cass'

£9 million committed to improve gender treatment (over 5 year period)

Standards to be published this summer.

They've been funding Uni of Glasgow to research health outcomes for trans people. Outputs expcted end of this year.

There's a lot of padding and waffle in this speech.

Describes last weeks as 'difficult and heartbreaking'

Questions now.

Megan Gallacher - has been seeking a statement all week. This now from J Minto offers no comfort to families who've been failed by Scotgov gender services.

'clear as mud'

Doesn't clarify whether gov will support recommendations.

'kickign the can down the road'

Gallacher sounds angry.

Minto sounds like she's going to greet.

Jackie Baillie - disappointed at the lack of substance in Minto's statement. It's a 'sop to the Greens to keep the BHA alive'

Thank you so much for reporting - I'm in a boring meeting and can't watch live, but am keeping up thanks to you!

Baillie: Does Minto agree with Harvie in condemning Cass?

We already have gender identiy working group, what use is another one?

Minto: This report is 400 pp. There are 30 recommendations. I am listening to clinicians and stakeholders.

Speaker: there are many questions.

They were planning to allow 20 minutes of them - I'm sorry, though, it's school run time so I can't do any more updating! BBC Scotland may offer some updates:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-68881127

Rachael Hamilton - some ministers have questioned the integrity of the Cass review - for the sake of young people, will the Minister consider ditching the BHA?

Minto: 'Kneejerk reaction won't be helpful' 'carefully considered'

Someone asking why govt can't be clearer ... they are sitting on the fence to preserve the BHA. Speaker interrupts.