UK authorities have introduced an indefinite ban on the use of so-called puberty blockers for under 18s.

The use of the drugs to repress the onset of puberty in children suffering with gender dysphoria has long been an issue of contention with critics arguing that the long term effects of their use is largely unknown.

Now UK health authorities say provisional emergency measures banning the sale and supply of puberty-suppressing hormones “will be made indefinite following official advice from medical experts”.

“The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has provided independent expert advice that there is currently an unacceptable safety risk in the continued prescription of puberty blockers to children. It recommends indefinite restrictions while work is done to ensure the safety of children and young people,” it said in a statement.