Major report warns ‘polarisation and stifling of debate’ has not only let children down but hampered medical and scientific progress in the area

Vulnerable children seeking gender care are being let down by the NHS amid a row of “exceptional toxicity” about trans rights in Britain, a long-awaited review has found.

The independent report, published on Wednesday, says young people with gender dysphoria are being treated in a system underpinned by “remarkably weak” research, gaps in mental health care and “unusual” clinical practice.

The review, led by distinguished paediatrician and former Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health president Dr Hilary Cass, warns that the “polarisation and stifling of debate” by adults has not only let children down but hampered medical and scientific progress in the area, with healthcare professionals afraid to openly discuss their views.

It said studies had been cynically “exaggerated or misrepresented by people on all sides”, while doctors are pursuing life-changing treatment on young people despite a profound lack of evidence. Addressing the children directly impacted by failings, Dr Cass said: “Research has let us all down, most importantly you.”