A permanent ban on the sale or supply of puberty blockers to under-18s is to come into effect in Northern Ireland. Puberty blockers work by suppressing the release of hormones and can be prescribed to children questioning their gender.

Puberty blockers for those diagnosed for gender dysphoria have been banned in Northern Ireland for the foreseeable future.

The Health Minister also said young people in the region will have ‘equitable access’ to NHS trials to determine the safety of the drugs.