Member

I know what a sensitive, emotive and difficult issue this is. I myself have wrestled, and at times struggled, with the profound challenges that this subject raises. In all my consideration and deliberation over this matter, my bottom line has been to protect the safety and well-being of children and young people. The way to do that is to follow expert clinical advice and to take an evidence-led approach, which is what this Government are doing. As adults, we all owe a duty of care to every child and young person in the country. It is a responsibility that I—both as a citizen and as Health Secretary—bear with the utmost seriousness and sincerity.