Summary of the responses by MPs elected in the 2024 General Election
Protect and Teach emailed as many candidates as possible in 178 English parliamentary seats to ask them if they would pledge their support for the implementation of four important safeguarding policies and provisions:
I pledge to support:
- The Cass Review Final Report 2024 in full
- The Gender Questioning Children Guidance for Schools as of December 2023
- The Relationships and Sex Education Review 2024 as statutory guidance
- Full safeguarding of all children as per Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
- We focused on the five main parties’ candidates: The Conservative and Unionist Party, The Labour Party, The Liberal Democrats, The Green Party and The Reform Party.
- We used the ‘who can I vote for’ website to find the email addresses for the candidates.
- Most of the candidates were emailed before the party manifestos were released.
- Most candidates were emailed twice so they had opportunities to respond.
This is a summary of the responses we received from the candidates who were successfully elected:
Tees Valley
Darlington – Lola McEvoy, Labour – no response
Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland – Luke Myer, Labour – no response
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East – Andy McDonald, Labour – emails rejected
Stockton West – Matt Vickers, Conservative – 4/4 Yes responses: “1. Yes, the recently published Cass Review will help to shape the development of a new model of care. The Health Secretary has written to the chief executive of NHS England to emphasise the need for swift delivery of Dr Cass’s recommendations. The Government intends to prioritise continuity of care and support up to the age of 25 with a follow-through service for young people at a potentially vulnerable stage in their journey. For 2, 3 & 4 I feel I can combine this response, by saying yes to all and that The Government is clear that biological sex exists and matters and is committed to maintaining the safeguards that allow organisations to provide single-sex services. Additionally, the Department for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, have developed guidance for schools in conjunction with experts so that they are better able to support gender questioning children. The guidance is categorical that social transition is not a neutral act, and that social transition, in practice, should be extremely rare when the appropriate safeguards are put in place and the child’s best interest is considered.”
Stockton North – Chris McDonald, Labour – no response
Hartlepool – Jonathan Brash, Labour – no response
Redcar – Anna Turley, Labour – emails rejected
North Yorkshire
Richmond & North Allerton – Rishi Sunak, Conservative – no response
Harrogate & Knaresborough – Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat – no response
Weatherby & Easingwold – Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – no response
Skipton & Ripon – Julian Smith, Conservative – no response
Thirsk & Malton – Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative – 4/4 Yes responses: “Yes to all. The final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review was a historic moment for our understanding of how to care for children who are struggling with difficult questions about who they are. I commend those brave voices who spoke up to raise the alarm about how treatment was diverging so far from guidance.
We simply do not know the lifelong impact of these medical interventions on young minds and bodies to be clear that they are safe. There has been a marked change in the age and sex of those seeking help. I am greatly troubled by the rapid rise in the referral of teenage girls and the stressors that Dr Cass highlights like social media and degrading pornography. I support NHS England’s action to stop children under 18 from being seen by adult gender services.
Unfortunately, I fear the Labour Party takes a difference stance and will not push back against this. I have always been clear that while of course all trans people deserve the utmost respect, this should not come at the expense of women’s rights.”
Scarborough & Whitby – Alison Hume, Labour – no response
York Outer – Luke Charter, Labour – we don’t know from his reply: “Thank you for getting in touch. I have passed your comments onto Luke. Labour’s pledges for education are outlined in our 2024 manifesto which I have attached a PDF of below.”
York Central – Rachael Maskell, Labour – no response
Cornwall
Camborne & Redruth – Perran Moon, Labour – no response
North Cornwall – Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat – 1/4 Yes responses: “When it comes to children and young people, our focus should always be on ensuring their wellbeing and preventing harm. But the Cass Review has shown that for years, young people have been let down. Liberal Democrats fully agree with the central points that Dr Cass has made – that young people are being let down by low standards of care, waiting lists are far too long, and this whole debate has become too toxic. Clearly, change is needed to ensure that every young person gets the high-quality healthcare they deserve. We fully support the NHS’ decision to move towards a regional model for gender healthcare services. As Cass says, it’s right that young people who are questioning their gender receive compassionate, holistic and individualised support as quickly as possible. As a party, we share this priority.”
South East Cornwall – Anna Gelderd, Labour – 0/4 Yes responses: “I have read your email carefully, and taken a look at your website. At this time, I will not be entering into what is, on all sides, a highly emotive and nuanced debate. Needless to say, I am extremely passionate about the safeguarding of children. If elected I will fight hard to make sure the safety and welfare of children in Southeast Cornwall, many of whom live in poverty, is an absolute priority.”
St Austell & Newquay – Noah Law, Labour – 0/4 Yes responses: “1. The Cass Review Final Report 2024 The Cass Review is an important piece of work but it cannot be the sole foundation for our Party’s policies in this area. 2. The Gender Questioning Children Guidance for Schools as of December 2023. You may be aware that Keir Starmer stated he is not in favour of ideology being taught in our schools on gender. 3. The Relationships and Sex Education Review 2024 as statutory guidance. We cannot commit to this guidance. Labour’s approach starts from the belief that education should prepare our children for the world in which they live and the future that they, together, will shape. To achieve that, and to give each and every child the opportunity and the future they deserve, relationships, sex and health education must be an integral part of every child’s education. The content of such education must be both age-appropriate and taught in a respectful manner, as well as tailored to the realities of children’s lives. 4. Full safeguarding of all children as per Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024. This is still under review and I am happy to revert once further progress has been made.”
St Ives – Andrew George, Liberal Democrat – 4/4 Yes responses: “It’s regrettable the discourse surrounding the extremely difficult and sensitive matters which arise relating to gender identity and related matters has become such a unedifying and unhelpful clash of intemperate and polarised factions which spend too much time shouting at each other. It’s clearly a matter which could be harmoniously resolved through building a consensus of love and respect. But we seem to be miles from there, hence my preference to spend my limited time on issues where the debate is generally more rational and less disputatious. That having been said, I turn to your questions:
1. Yes, re the Cass Review
2. Yes, re gender-questioning children in schools guidance, particularly the emphasis on parental involvement and the acknowledgement of school’s obligations to consider the needs and rights of all children.
3. Yes, re the review, there should always be a requirement in schools to uphold the highest standards in teaching evidence-based, fact-based, age-appropriate material.
4. Yes, re safeguarding of children and the updated Statutory Guidance.”
Truro & Falmouth – Jayne Kirkham, Labour – no response
Devon
Plymouth Sutton & Devonport – Luke Pollard, Labour – no response
Plymouth Moor View – Fred Thomas, Labour – no response
Torridge & Tavistock – Geoffrey Cox, Conservative – no response
South West Devon – Rebecca Smith, Conservative – 1/4 Yes responses: “Thank you for reaching out and providing me with the opportunity to address the important issues raised by Protect and Teach. I share your concerns. The Cass Review is a comprehensive investigation into the care and support of gender-questioning children. I completely support its final report and I believe it should be implemented in full. I believe it will help ensure that evidence-based, balanced, and compassionate guidelines are in place, safeguarding the interests of vulnerable children. Young people questioning their gender must be protected from ideologically driven care. NHS services must also follow evidence-based best practice. The Government has already stopped the routine use by the NHS of puberty blockers for gender dysphoria and the future plans involve legislating to permanently prevent their private prescription and supply. I hope this clarifies my stance on these important issues. I am committed to working towards the best outcomes for children and young people in our constituency. Thank you again for getting in touch and I look forward to working together to support this important work if I am elected on 4th July.”
South Devon – Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat – no response
Torbay – Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat – Liberal Democrat – no response
Newton Abbott – Martin Wrigley, Liberal Democrat – no response
Central Devon – Mel Stride, Conservative – no response
North Devon – Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat – no response
Exeter – Steve Race, Labour – no response
Exmouth & Exeter East – David Reed, Conservative – no response
Tiverton & Minehead – Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat – no response
Dorset
Christchurch – Christopher Chope, Conservative – no response
Mid-Dorset & North Poole – Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat – no response
North Dorset – Simon Hoare, Conservative – no response
South Dorset – Lloyd Hatton, Labour – no response
West Dorset – Edward Morello, Liberal Democrat – no response
Bournemouth East – Tom Hayes, Labour – no response
Bournemouth West – Jessica Toale, Labour – 1/4 Yes responses: “Thank you for writing about this issue. The Labour Party has set out in its manifesto its mission to transform the education system so that all children get the opportunities they deserve. This includes expanding our childcare and early‐years system, driving up standards, modernising the school curriculum so that children have an excellent foundation in reading and maths but also develop their creative skills, reforming assessment, and creating higher-quality training and employment paths by empowering local communities to develop the skills people need. We have also committed to working to implement the expert recommendation of the Cass Review to ensure that young people presenting to the NHS with gender dysphoria are receiving appropriate and high-quality care. Labour will always put our children first and our most important focus has been and will always be children’s wellbeing.”
Poole – Neil Duncan-Jordan, Labour – no response
Gloucestershire
Tewkesbury – Cameron Thomas, Liberal Democrat – no email address was available
North Cotswolds – Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Conservative – no response
Cheltenham – Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat – no response
Gloucester – Alex McIntryre, Labour – no response
Forest of Dean – Matt Bishop, Labour – no response
Stroud – Dr Simon Opher, Labour – no response
South Cotswolds – Roz Savage, Liberal Democrat – no response
Bristol
Bristol Central – Carla Denyer, Green – 0/4 Yes responses – Georgia replied on Carla’s behalf, “Apologies for the late reply: Carla has been receiving a very large amount of emails so I am responding on her behalf. It is important to remember that the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people (commonly known as the Cass Review) and reactions to it do not exist in a vacuum. In the UK and beyond, there is a toxic culture war ripping through society and our media which has seen trans people become the subject of anger, hate, fear and misinformation for simply seeking to live their lives in peace. This toxic culture has real world impacts – Carla has seen trans friends and colleagues face prejudice in the workplace, harassment in public, bullying from family members, and huge difficulties accessing the healthcare they need. Trans healthcare has long needed care and attention so when the Cass Review came out, Carla took time to read the report, and then read widely on what trans people, LGBTIQA+ organisations and practitioners working in transgender healthcare were saying in response to the report. Carla considers the review to make a number of sensible observations and recommendations, including:
- The harm caused by excessive waiting times.
- The need for more local and regional services which are easier to access.
- More training on working with trans people across the NHS, not just for those working in gender services.
- The importance of listening to children and their families, and treating them as individuals rather than a homogenous group.
However, she notes that it also contains ambiguous language that, depending how it is interpreted, could lead to additional barriers to children and young people trying to access care. For example, it appears to suggest that the NHS might withhold treatment from a young person who has previously sought provision from a private provider. There are substantial issues with young people accessing medicines through private practice (generally a forced choice because of intolerably long waiting lists). However, penalising this behaviour by withholding future NHS treatment is contrary to NHS practice in other areas of medicine. NHS guidance clearly states that you’re still entitled to free care if you choose to pay for additional private care.Carla has also seen a number of other concerns raised about the risk of unintended consequences of some other recommendations, and decisions about what data were used or excluded. Overall, Carla feels that the Cass Review is a mixed bag. There is much more analysis that needs to be done, by those with more expertise than Carla or her team. It will take a considerable amount of time for academics to digest and respond to the 388 pages of the final report. Carla hopes that the Government will very carefully read both the review and the reactions from those with professional and lived experience, to identify where the Cass Review gets it right, and where it needs to be supplemented with other work that fills some of its gaps and shortcomings. Thousands of young people have not been properly supported by NHS gender services, and have been treated as political footballs, caught up in a toxic debate. This needs to change and Carla hopes that this moment can be the beginning of moving forward. Separately, Carla has recently signed an open letter about access to gender affirming healthcare for transgender adults on the NHS. The letter was sent to the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is responsible for commissioning local health services, and is signed by a range of local health professionals and elected representatives. It calls for improvements to waiting times, a pilot local gender service, interventions that might allow for primary care providers to further support gender-affirming services/provisions, and measures to tackle transphobia and ignorance within healthcare services. With best wishes, Georgia”
Bristol South – Karin Smyth, Labour – 1/4 Yes responses: “Thank you for contacting me on behalf of Protect and Teach. I full accept the findings of the Cass Review, and I am committed to working to implement its expert recommendations to ensure that young people presenting to the NHS with gender dysphoria are receiving appropriate and high-quality care.Safeguarding children is one of the most important priorities for a Government, and that is why as your Labour candidate I support Labour’s plans to introduce a new annual review of safeguarding, attendance, and off-rolling in schools.”
Bristol East – Kerry McCarthy, Labour – no response
Bristol North West – Darren Jones, Labour – no response
Bristol North East – Damien Egan, Labour – no response
Filton & Bradley Stoke – Claire Hazelgrove, Labour – no response
Cumbria
Carlisle – Julie Minns, Labour – 0/4 Yes responses: “Thank you for contacting me, as you can imagine I am extremely busy. I am only able to respond to people living or businesses in the Carlisle Constituency. If your original email didn’t include your address, please resend your email with your address and postcode. I will do my best to get back to you.”
Morcombe & Lunesdale – Lizzie Collinge, Labour – no response
Westmorland & Lonsdale – Tim Farron, Liberal Democrats – no response
Barrow & Furness – Michelle Scrogham, Labour – no response
Penrith & Solway – Markus Campbell-Savours, Labour – no response
Whitehaven & Workington – Josh McAllister, Labour – no response
Lancashire
Lancaster & Wyre – Cat Smith, Labour – no response
Ribble Valley – Maya Ellis, Labour – no response
Fylde – Andrew Snowden, Conservative – no response
Preston – Sir Mark Hendrick, Labour – no response
Burnley – Oliver Ryan, Labour – no response
Pendle & Clitheroe – Jonathon Hinder, Labour – no response
Blackpool South – Chris Webb, Labour – no email address was available
Blackpool North & Fleetwood – Lorraine Beavers, Labour – no response
Blackburn – Adnan Hussain, Independent – we did not contact independent candidates
Hyndburn – Sarah Smith, Labour – no response
Rossendale & Darwen – Andy MacNae, Labour – no response
South Ribble – Paul Foster, Labour – no response
West Lancashire – Ashley Dalton, Labour – no response
Chorley – Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Labour – no response
Bedfordshire
North Bedfordshire – Richard Fuller, Conservative – no response
Bedford – Muhammad Yasin, Labour – no response
Mid Bedfordshire – Blake Stephenson, Conservative – no response
Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard – Alex Mayer, Labour – no response
Luton South & South Bedfordshire – Rachel Hopkins, Labour – no response
Luton North – Sarah Owen, Labour – no response
Hertfordshire
Hitchin – Alistair Strathern, Labour – no response
North East Hertfordshire – Chris Hinchliff, Labour – no response
Stevenage – Kevin Bonavia, Chris Hinchliff, Labour – no response
Hertford & Stortford – Josh Dean, Labour – no response
Welwyn Hatfield – Andrew Lewin, Labour – no response
Broxbourne – Lewis Cocking, Conservative – no response
Hertsmere – Sir Oliver Dowden, Conservative – no response
South West Hertfordshire – Gagan Mohindra, Conservative – no response
Watford – Matt Turmaine, Labour – no response
Hemel Hempstead – David Taylor, Labour – no response
Harpenden & Berkhamsted – Victoria Collins, Liberal Democrat – no response
St Albans – Daisy Cooper, Liberal Democrat: 0/4 Yes responses: “Whilst I cannot commit to those pledges, I feel it is important to say exactly where I do stand on those questions. Liberal Democrats seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of every individual, and we reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination. We are committed to tackling violence by men against women and girls, which is far too prevalent in our society. We have been campaigning hard for misogyny to be made a hate crime; for the Government to ratify the Istanbul Convention and uphold internationally-agreed standards for preventing violence against women and supporting survivors; to improve age-appropriate sex and relationship education in schools; and to ensure better training and more resources for police, prosecutors and judges – so survivors are listened to and supported, criminals are punished, and victims get justice.
We are also committed to fighting for both gender equality and equality for all LGBT+ people. For most people, their gender matches their physical sex at birth, but there is a relatively small number of people – up to 1% of the population – for whom that is not the case, and I believe we must respect their identities too. Liberal Democrats believe we must ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all people. We are committed to upholding women’s rights and trans rights, and do not believe that the two are in conflict. In relation to the Cass Review Final Report: When it comes to children and young people, our focus should always be on ensuring their wellbeing and preventing harm. But the Cass Review has shown that for years, young people have been let down. Liberal Democrats agree that young people are being let down by low standards of care, waiting lists are far too long, and this whole debate has become too toxic. Clearly, change is needed to ensure that every young person gets the high quality healthcare they deserve. We fully support the NHS’ decision to move towards a regional model for gender healthcare services. As Cass says, it’s right that young people who are questioning their gender receive compassionate, holistic and individualised support as quickly as possible. As a party, we share this priority. When it comes to the implementation of the Cass Review, Liberal Democrats will keep pushing so every young person has access to high-quality healthcare, and that their best interests are always the top priority. In relation to the Gender Questioning Children Guidance for Schools: Where a child is questioning their gender, decisions about how to ensure their safety and wellbeing should be taken by parents, children and teachers together. In relation to RSE Review 2024 as statutory guidance: This Government is letting our children down by turning sex education into a culture war. Age appropriate sex and relationship education, including about consent, is vital to give children the knowledge and information they need to form healthy, happy relationships. Schools should be working with parents to help make sure they know how to keep their children safe. Delaying explicit discussions of sexual acts until Year 9, when children are aged 13, will mean that many children will get information elsewhere, including online. The children’s commissioner for England has warned of a “shocking” increase in sexually transmitted diseases among the young because “we’re not actually teaching our kids what they need to hear”.
Essex
Clacton – Nigel Farage, Reform – no response
Harwich & North Essex – Bernard Jenkin, Conservative – no response
Colchester – Pam Cox, Labour – no response
Witham – Priti Patel, Conservative – no response
Maldon – Sir John Whittingdale, Conservative – no response
Rayleigh & Wickford – Mark Francois, Conservative – no response
Castle Point – Rebecca Harris, Conservative – no response
South Basildon & East Thurrock – James McMurdock, Reform – no email address was available
Thurrock – Jennifer Craft, Labour – no response
Basildon & Billericay – Richard Holden, Conservative – no response
Brentwood & Ongar – Alex Burghart, Conservative – no response
Epping Forest – Dr Neil Hudson, Conservative – no response
Harlow – Chris Vince, Labour – no response
Chelmsford – Maria Goldman, Liberal Democrat – no response
North West Essex – Kemi Badenoch, Conservative – no response
Braintree – James Cleverly, Conservative – no response
Southend East & Rochford – Bayo Alaba, Labour – no response
Southend West & Leigh – David Burton-Sampson, Labour – 0/4 Yes responses: “Thank you for contacting me and for providing me with this useful information from Protect and Teach. If I am elected, then please reach out to me again and I would be keen to meet to discuss your work further.”
North Central London
Edmonton & Winchmore Hill – Kate Osamor, Labour – no response
Enfield North – Feryal Clark, Labour – no response
Holborn & St Pancras – Sir Keir Stamer, Labour – no response
Southgate & Wood Green – Bambos Charalambous, Labour – no response
Finchley & Golders Green – Sarah Sackman, Labour – no response
Hendon – David Pinto-Duschinsky, Labour – no response
Chipping Barnet – Dan Tomlinson, Labour – no response
Hornsey & Friern Barnet – Catherine West, Labour – no response
Tottenham – David Lammy, Labour – no response
Hackney North & Stoke Newington – Diane Abbott, Labour – no response
Islington North – Jeremy Corbyn, Independent – we did not contact independent candidates
Islington South & Finsbury – Emily Thornberry, Labour – no response
Hackney South & Shoreditch – Meg Hillier, Labour – no response
Hampstead & Highgate – Tulip Siddiq, Labour – no response
Kent
Tunbridge Wells – Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat – no response
Gravesham – Dr Lauren Sullivan, Labour – no response
Rochester & Stood – Lauren Edwards, Labour – no email address was available
Chatham & Aylesford – Tristan Osborne, Labour – 0/4 Yes responses: Wouldn’t reply to campaign groups and needed a home address to confirm a constituent was emailing him.
Gillingham & Rainham – Naushabah Khan, Labour – no response
Sittingbourne & Sheppey – Kevin McKenna, Labour – no response
Ashford – Sojan Joseph, Labour – no response
Folkestone & Hythe – Tony Vaughan, Labour – no response
Dover & Deal – Mike Tapp, Labour – no response
Canterbury – Rosie Duffield, Labour – no response
Herne Bay & Sandwich – Sir Roger Gale, Conservative – no response
East Thanet – Polly Billington, Labour – no response
Dartford – Jim Dickson, Labour – no response
Faversham & Mid Kent – Helen Whatley, Conservative – no response
Maidstone & Malling – Helen Grant, Conservative – no response
Sevenoaks – Laura Trott, Conservative – no response
Tonbridge – Tom Tugendhat, Conservative – no response
Weald of Kent candidates were not contacted
Norfolk
Broadland & Fakenham – Jerome Mayhew, Conservative – no response
Great Yarmouth – Rupert Lowe, Reform – 0/4 Yes responses: “I’m entirely against any indoctrination of children with this nonsense. There are boys and there are girls. THAT’s it. We must not POISON children’s minds with this divisive ideology. Fully, fully, fully supportive of any efforts to push back on this.”
North Norfolk – Steffan Aquarone, Liberal Democrat – 0/4 Yes responses: “Apologies for the delay in response- I’m sure you understand, I have received many pledge messages since the start of the GE announcement. In short, my views are that I do recognise a difference between sex and gender, and understand the importance of sex as a protected characteristic. That doesn’t mean that I don’t recognise the persecution and suffering of trans people, and want to do all I can to ease it. Of course I believe in full safeguarding of all children. Hope this helps clarify my stance.”
Mid Norfolk – George Freeman, Conservative – no response
South West Norfolk – Terry Jermy, Labour – no response
North West Norfolk – James Wild, Conservative – no response
South Norfolk – Ben Goldsborough, Labour – no response
Norwich North – Alice Macdonald, Labour – no response
Norwich South – Clive Lewis, Labour – no response
Derbyshire
High Peak – Jonathan Pearce, Labour – no response
Derbyshire Dales – John Whitby, Labour – no email address was available
South Derbyshire – Samantha Niblett, Labour – no email address was available
Derby South – Baggy Shanker, Labour – no response
Derby North – Catherine Atkinson, Labour – no response
Erewash – Adam Thompson, Labour – no response
Mid Derbyshire – Jonathon Davies, Labour – no email address was available
Amber Valley – Linsey Farnworth, Labour – no response
North East Derbyshire – Louise Jones, Labour – no email address was available
Chesterfield – Toby Perkins, Labour – no response
Bolsover – No candidates were emailed
Staffordshire & Black Country
Burton & Uttoxeter – Jacob Collier, Labour – no response
Cannock Chase – Josh Newbury, Labour – no response
Litchfield – Dave Robertson, Labour – no email address was available
Newcastle-under-Lyme – Adam Jogee, Labour – no response
Stafford – Leigh Ingham, Labour – no response
Staffordshire Moorlands – Dame Karen Bradley, Conservative – no response
Stoke-on-Trent Central – Gareth Snell, Labour – no response
Stoke-on-Trent North – David Williams, Labour – no response
Stoke-on-Trent South – Dr Allison Gardner, Labour – no response
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge – Sir Gavin Williamson, Conservative – no response
Louth and Horncastle – Victoria Atkins, Conservative – no response
Ilford North – Wes Streeting, Labour – no response
Chichester – Jessica Fuller-Brown, Liberal Democrat – no response
Lewes – James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat – no response
Houghton & Sunderland South – Bridget Phillipson, Labour – no response
Protect&Teach 