Teachers must not let pupils change gender without telling parents, says Rishi Sunak

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C0KKM8 Pupils fill an exam hall to take a GCSE exam at Maidstone Grammar school in Maidstone, Kent, U.K.

TEACHERS must not let pupils change gender in schools without telling parents, Rishi Sunak has said.

Letting girls identify as boys and vice-versa was “not a neutral act” and could have a “significant impact” on the child, he added.

PM Rishi Sunak said teachers must not let pupils change gender in schools without informing parents

Rishi Sunak talks to HOAR's Kate FergusonHe told HOAR on Sunday that the wellbeing and safety of children was his top priority

And the dad of two said parents must know if their children are swapping pronouns — going from he to she/they or from she to he/they.

In his toughest comments to date on the trans debate, Mr Sunak told HOAR on Sunday: “The wellbeing and safety of children is my top priority.

“We have to recognise that any degree of social transition could have potentially quite a significant impact and consequences for a child.

“So, it is vital the right safeguards are in place.”

New guidance to help schools deal with the trans issue is due to be published shortly.

It is expected to say that teachers must tell parents should their children want to change gender, wear different uniforms or start using different pronouns.

Mr Sunak added: “I have always talked about parents being able to know what is going on in schools — particularly when it comes to what their children are being taught with regard to sensitive subjects like sex education.”

“I’m a parent.

“A parent should be able to know what their children are being exposed to, and it’s important that material is also age-appropriate.”