Member

In response to the consultation on gender-questioning guidance for schools, I assure the noble Baroness that we are considering the evidence equally as carefully as happened previously. We are now in a position to include the findings of the Cass review as part of that consideration, and we will confirm our next steps shortly. My noble friends are right to emphasise the need for this to be produced thoughtfully rather than quickly. I understand the concerns raised by noble Lords about the difficult decisions schools are having to take; nevertheless, I think that they would expect this to be done with equal care and bearing in mind both the consultation and other factors, such as the Cass review. As I said, we will confirm our next steps shortly. On that basis, I hope that the noble Lord will feel able to withdraw his amendment.