Group of former Greens calls on Neil Gray to publicly support permanent restrictions to puberty blockers for under-18s

A group of former Greens who were expelled or left the party after declaring gender-critical views has called for the Scottish Health Secretary, Neil Gray, to support the permanent restriction on puberty blockers to under-18s.  

UK health minister Wes Streeting announced the ban on the supply of the suppressants through prescription earlier this month.   

In an open letter, the Scottish Green Women’s Declaration, which is supported by former party leader Robin Harper, asked Gray to “demonstrate your support” of the recent decision.   

The group said: “We hope you will have the wisdom to advance and support all reasonable measures in this and related areas that protect children and vulnerable young people from harm.”  

Puberty blockers were temporarily banned in May following the publication of the Cass Review, which assessed the safety and quality of care provided by gender services in the UK.   

It found a lack of evidence regarding the long-term impact, safety, and efficacy of such medication.  

In April, Scotland's NHS confirmed it had paused prescribing puberty blockers to children referred by its specialist Glasgow-based gender clinic, the Sandyford.  

The group of former Greens has criticised the response of the Scottish Green Party to Streeting’s decision.  

It said: “We note with disappointment the hostile response from the Scottish Green Party to Wes Streeting’s announcement, specifically continuing references to “puberty blockers” as ‘gender-affirming healthcare’ and the assertion that halting their prescription would deprive trans people of a ‘fundamental human right’.   

“The characterisation of such decisions as ‘culture war’ by Green MSPs diminishes the serious nature of the issues at hand and raises questions about the party’s approach to the safeguarding of our children and young people.”  

The letter continues: “Adolescents suffering from gender distress need sensitive support, but it is for parents, professionals and politicians to bear the responsibility for protecting their health. In doing so, they need to consider any options with a view to the medium and long term, not just the current situation. The Cass Review is accepted by all major political parties in the UK, which should have put paid to the politicised nature of the debate and allow us to focus exclusively on the real issue: the evidence base and the safety of children.”