100,000 back petition to stop puberty blockers trial

WES Streeting is facing fresh calls to halt a controversial NHS puberty-blocker trial after a petition against it passed 100,000 signatures.

- BY KATIE HARRIS Senior Political Correspondent

Critics say the clinical study, which will involve more than 200 children as young as eight, should be axed amid concerns for their health.

‘The petition on Parliament’s website was launched on Thursday and saw a surge in support after being shared by JK Rowling on Sunday.

“I’ve signed. This is an unethical experiment on children who can’t give meaningful consent,” said the Harry Potter author, pictured. Labour MP Jonathan Hinder called on the Health Secretary to “think again”.

He added: “The speed of this petition reaching 100k signatures shows the strong public opposition to this.