In an interview earlier this week with Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet, Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of parental consent for children who believe they are transgender and want to begin socially transitioning.

When asked what he thought about Hillary Cass’ recent review into gender identity services for children and young people, he stated:

“We all know what it’s like with teenage children and I feel very strongly about this … this argument that children can make decisions without the consent of parents is one I just don’t agree with at all.”

The Labour leader’s response indicates a change of heart on his views about the social transitioning of children, a change that will certainly be welcomed by parents and health professionals who warn that “allowing children to change their pronouns and use opposite-sex against the dangers of beginning irreversible medical treatments”.

Starmer is yet to change the minds of many in his party on the issue, with fellow shadow Cabinet member Anneliese Dodds repeating her calls for a “full ban on conversion therapy” this week. Labour’s calls for a full ban would reverse NHS England’s ‘watchful waiting’ approach and criminalise any attempt to engage ‘trans kids’ in conversation about their gender identity.