‘Dithering’ Nationalists urged to implement Cass Review here

JOHN Swinney has admitted the Cass Review of child gender services is ‘evidence-based’ as pressure mounted on him to implement it.

He revealed his views on the report amid accusations the Scottish Government is ‘dithering’ over its findings.

The Cass Review, which looked at child gender care services, called for more research on puberty blockers, which have now been halted in Scotland.

It also made 32 recommendations to improve services for young people with gender dysphoria, including improved standards and screening for other conditions such as autism.

Report author Dr Hilary Cass is to appear at Holyrood’s health committee today. Asked about the review yesterday, Mr Swinney said: ‘I think the Cass Review has got to be taken extremely seriously. It is a substantial evidencebased proposal, clinical opinion is essential on these questions.

‘The Government will take a rational, evidence-based approach to the consideration of the Cass Review, drawing on the opinion and the evidence put to us by clinicians.’

The review was commissioned for the NHS in England but Scottish Tories say the Scottish Government should fully implement the recommendations.

The report highlighted a lack of evidence for some treatments for children presenting with gender dysphoria.

Deputy Tory leader Meghan Gallacher said: ‘SNP ministers have let down vulnerable young Scots with their ducking, dithering and buck-passing on gender care in the wake of the Cass Review.

‘I only hope that the SNP will listen carefully to her evidence – which will be based on science, rather than dogma – and act accordingly.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are considering all of the recommendations.’