Her comments came in response to the Cass review, which found that children had been let down by a lack of research on the use of puberty blockers in gender care and called for improved standards.

Dr Hilary Cass, the paediatrician behind the review, also expressed concern about the toxic public debate surrounding transgender identities, which she said had created an environment where professionals are afraid to openly discuss their views and where people are vilified on social media.

A review raised concerns about the NHS's approach to gender services for minors, specifically the prescription of hormones.

NHS England responded by announcing progress in making changes, pausing new appointments for under-18s, and launching a separate review.

The author of the review, Ms. Atkins, welcomed the pause and commended those who spoke out about the issue.

The author expresses concern over the use of hormone interventions, also known as puberty blockers, in young people who are unsure of their gender identity.

She argues that the use of these interventions is based on ideology rather than evidence and safety, and that long-term effects on young minds and bodies are not fully understood.

Hormone interventions pause the physical changes of puberty, preventing breast development and facial hair growth, among other things.