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Written question asked by Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative) on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 9 July 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Health Services: Gender

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance has (a) his Department, (b) NHS England and (c) MHPRA provides to NHS bodies and his Department’s arm’s length bodies on (a) the expression of gender critical views and (b) recognition of biological sex.

Answer

No specific guidance has been issued. The Department expects its arm’s-length bodies and the National Health Service to adhere to the Equality Act 2010, which protects everyone against discrimination on the basis of the protected characteristics set out in the act. In addition to this, public bodies have a legal duty to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15815
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Health services Gender Sex
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk