Damaging evidence about the conduct of Mermaids, a charity which promotes controversial gender identity theory in schools, was disclosed earlier this week.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Miriam Cates, the MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, highlighted safeguarding failures and called for a full police investigation.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Cates pointed to:

“Revelations that the Charity sent breast flattening devices to young girls behind their parents back, promoted harmful medical and surgical procedures to children, hired a trustee with links to paedophile organisations, and a digital engagement manager who posted pornographic images online including of himself dressed as a schoolgirl.

And she noted that:

For years despite whistle-blowers raising alarm, Mermaids have had unfettered access to vulnerable children.”

She also asked the Prime Minister, Liz Truss:

“Does my Right Honourable friend agree that it has taken far too long for these concerns to be taken seriously and does she also agree that it is high time for a Police investigation into the activities of Mermaids and its staff.”

In response, the Prime Minister said that the questions raised and accusations against the charity should be “properly looked at” and agreed that it must be taken seriously.

Mermaids is already being investigated by the Charity Commission and was removed from the Department of Education’s list of mental health and wellbeing resources for schools.

The charity has denied the safeguarding allegations and stated is has been the subject of a “smear campaign”.