Puberty Suppressants Trial

Baroness Falkner of Margravine Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I do agree with that point. We are seeking to protect the safety and interests of children and young people through evidence, and it is right and proper that we get on with that. As the noble Baroness has said, this is a trial; it is being led by King’s College London and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. It has been carefully checked by independent scientists who advise the NIHR and by the MHRA and it has also received approval from a research ethics committee. I would say that we are treading cautiously and correctly in this area, because all that matters is the safety of children.

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Paddick (Non-Afl)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Paddick (Non-Afl)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord in Waiting/Government Whip (Lord Leong) (Lab)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Cross Benches.

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

My Lords, in the case that children cannot consent, which is widely acknowledged, given the age of the children, we know that single-parent consent will be permissible for the PATHWAYS trial. We also know from litigation to date on these vexed matters that parents are going to court to ascertain whether a single parent can consent to this. Will the Government review single-parent consent and insist that both parents must give consent to these potentially irreversible changes, where children’s consent is not possible?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Baroness rightly says, children, by definition, cannot consent to being on the trial, so places will require parental consent as well as the assent of young people. I can assure your Lordships’ House that, as I have already mentioned, there are strict eligibility criteria to join the PATHWAYS clinical trial. Part of the assessment by the professionals making the decision about engagement involves the role of parents, including whether there has been any undue pressure and a whole range of considerations. I urge the noble Baroness to refer to the details of how young people will be accepted on to this trial. I must emphasise that no person will be guided towards it who should not be. We are seeking young people; there is no requirement.