By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-06-22 02:20:49 | Updated at 2026-06-22 04:36:30
2 hours ago
Children aged six or younger are in line for appointments at NHS gender clinics.
Shocking new figures have revealed that more than 250 children of primary school age are waiting for care at the controversial clinics across England.
Among those on the waiting list, as many as nine are aged six or younger - and are described as experiencing "gender identity issues".
Freedom of Information data from NHS England shows that youngsters are offered the "care" at three children's gender services operating in England.
These clinics were established following the 2024 closure of the Gender Identity Development Service, previously run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
The total number of children on the national waiting list stood at 4,079 at the end of March this year.
This represents a 34 per cent reduction from the 6,225 children waiting at the same point in 2025.
Now, the average wait for a first appointment currently stands at 102.6 weeks.
This is down from 116 weeks recorded at the end of March 2025.
Children aged six or younger are in line for appointments at NHS gender clinics
GETTY
However, the current waiting time remains slightly higher than the 100-week average seen in 2024.
Within the waiting list, 260 youngsters are aged between seven and 11.
NHS England declined to provide exact figures for those aged six or younger, citing confidentiality concerns around potentially identifiable smaller groups.
The Cass Review, led by Dr Hilary Cass, found that children had been failed by insufficient research and evidence around medical interventions in gender care.
Following these findings, NHS England introduced new requirements for referrals to gender clinics.
The Cass Review, led by Dr Hilary Cass, found that children had been failed by insufficient research and evidence
Patients must now be assessed by a GP and either a mental health specialist or paediatrician before being referred.
The health service has shifted away from a medical model towards a "holistic approach".
This includes consideration of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD.
The clinics do not prescribe puberty blockers, which have been banned on the NHS for treating gender dysphoria since 2024.
A clinical trial into puberty blockers has confirmed a minimum age requirement of 11 for girls and 12 for boys.
The trial launched in November but was paused in February before recruiting any children, following concerns from the medicines regulator about potential long-term biological harms.
Researchers at King's College London have agreed not to recruit participants until after August 1 due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The Bayswater Support Group, psychotherapist James Esses, and Keira Bell are all seeking legal action against the Health Research Authority and the Department of Health and Social Care.
JK Rowling has described the trial as "an unethical experiment on children who can't give meaningful consent".
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said her party will attempt to ban the trial through amendments to the Health Bill.
But a DHSC spokesman said: "The safety and wellbeing of young people is paramount. The MHRA has decided to strengthen and add additional safeguards for anyone who might take part in this trial.
"The review by Dr Hilary Cass concluded that not enough was known about the safety and efficacy of puberty-suppressing hormones. It is vital that decisions are based on clinical evidence.
"That is why the use of these hormones was paused and the trial set up to gather more data. The next steps for the trial will be set out in due course, subject to ongoing legal proceedings."
