The UK’s Health Minister has welcomed a ruling by the High Court that a short-term ban on puberty blockers introduced by the previous government was lawful.

The emergency ban, effective between 3 June and 3 September, was implemented by the Conservatives as its final act on 30 May to “address risks to patient safety”.

It came after the independent Cass Review into gender identity services found there is “no good evidence” to justify their prescription.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the decision saying: “Children’s healthcare must be evidence led. Dr Cass’ review found there was insufficient evidence that puberty blockers are safe and effective for children with gender dysphoria and gender incongruence.

“We must therefore act cautiously and with care when it comes to this vulnerable group of young people”, he said.