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.

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

Puberty blockers are to be permanently banned in Northern Ireland to block attempts by trans activists to “exploit a loophole”.

Puberty blockers will be permanently banned in Northern Ireland to avoid a “back door” supply loophole. Members of the devolved government are understood to have voted unanimously to solidify a temporary ban on the drugs to keep it in line with the rest of the UK.