Puberty blocker trial - petition

[Leafstamp]

I couldn’t see a thread here for this.

It’s already at over 30k signatures. Aim is to get it to 100k.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/petitions_noticeboard/5472909-government-petition-against-the-streeting-trial-of-puberty-blockers-on-children

Just to add I am impressed that the Government (presumably civil servants) did write a long response, but just shows the mind set.

" ... Parental consent is an integral component, with the parent needing to not only agree to their child’s involvement but also demonstrate sufficient understanding of the nature of the treatment, and what is currently known and unknown about its effects. Informed assent from the child will also be required. This will include the young person explaining in their own words to the clinician what the risks are and what they understand by those risks.

The only children to get to that stage will have already been diagnosed with gender incongruence for at least two years, will have received tailored psychosocial support, and will have been deemed clinically appropriate, within the context of the study, by both their NHS care team and the National Multi-Disciplinary Team. They will also have had to be assessed as being in stable physical and mental health.

Those young people receiving (or not receiving) puberty suppressing hormones will continue to receive other elements of routine support and treatment provided as part of newly established NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Services, whose practices have been shaped by the recommendations of the Cass Review. Participants can leave the trial at any time, at which point they would receive support in their withdrawal from puberty suppression as well as ongoing psychosocial support from NHS services. ... "

(from https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751839 )

While I agree it would be better to lobby before than after, there is no 'next stage' to a petition debate.

There can be a next stage to a petition debate if at the end of the meeting there is an agreed proposal as to what to do next.

That is the whole point.

The debate isn't meant to be a cul de sac. It is meant to see if enough MPs, whatever the issue, want it taken further.

They don't make or agree proposals. The debate motion is "That this House has considered [petition]”. It's absolutely a cul de sac.

It's possible that members taking part in the debate will, having seen who agreed with them, informally get together afterwards. Or that the government will take note of the strength of feeling on the issue. But there's no mechanism for formal action, referral to a committee, writing a bill etc. guidetoprocedure.parliament.uk/articles/fNWtcSks/format-of-petitions-debates

According to the "rules" the relevant Minister is meant to be there and answer questions etc. (I think usually someone lower down the food chain is sent)

And there is a vote at the end of the meeting which could include asking the Minister / stand in to action whatever the motion was.

It if was a cul de sac, it would mean they couldn't class it as a petition system.

A petition is meant to or can get whatever authority it is to change of reverse or implant the purpose of the petition.

Examples of Successful Petitions

• Finn's Law (Animal Welfare/Service Animals Act 2019): Following a 2016 petition after a police dog named Finn was stabbed, the campaign gained over 130,000 signatures in 11 days. The petition galvanised support, putting pressure on MPs to support the change, leading to the 2019 law that prevents those who attack police animals from claiming self-defence.
• Meningitis B Vaccine Rollout (2015): A petition calling for the meningitis B vaccine to be given to all children, not just newborns, received over 800,000 signatures—the highest at that time. While not immediately accepted, the high profile forced a government response and subsequent debate, which, along with public pressure, influenced the government to renegotiate with vaccine suppliers to make it available.
• Sugar Tax (2015/2016): A petition for a sugar tax received over 155,000 signatures. Although the government initially stated they had "no plans" to introduce it after the debate, the pressure from the petition and accompanying campaigning contributed to the Chancellor announcing a soft drinks industry levy in the 2016 Budget.
• COVID-19 Measures (2020): Various petitions during the pandemic, including those calling for the inclusion of the self-employed in statutory sick pay and the closing of schools, helped highlight public sentiment and forced faster government responses, even if the direct policy change was not identical to the petition's request.
• Petition to Debate EU Referendum (2011): An early e-petition forced a discussion on a referendum to leave the EU in Parliament, breaking a long-standing refusal by both government and opposition to debate the matter.

And there is a vote at the end of the meeting which could include asking the Minister / stand in to action whatever the motion was.

The motion is as I stated. They vote to agree that they've discussed it. Not to take, or even call for, action.

As I also said, this may indirectly lead to further action because strong support has been indicated for or against an idea. But this is not part of the process.

And look at who will chair the session:
Jamie Stone a self declared TRA
https://x.com/i/status/2020455729635668294

I would like to make it very clear that I will be leading this debate in my capacity as Chair of the House of Commons Petitions Committee.

The topic of this debate comes from an e-petition tabled by a member of the public. It does not reflect my personal views or politics.

From James Esses
x.com/i/status/2020510968556483034
Dear Jamie,

As author of the petition, I look forward to speaking to you in advance of the debate to ensure that you are fully briefed on the damage and destruction caused to vulnerable children by puberty blockers.

You couldn't make it up.

How is that possible.

Who else is on the Petition Committee?

Just checked - looks very male https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/membership/

I think this is corruption on stilts.