Scotland's under-18s gender clinic pauses puberty blockers

The drugs work by suppressing the release of hormones that cause puberty and are often prescribed to children questioning their gender as a way of stopping physical changes such as breast development or facial hair.

The Rainbow Greens published an open letter calling for an emergency general meeting to discuss the future of the power sharing agreement.

Speaking at a protest in Glasgow, Rainbow Greens co-convener Jen Bell said: "In the Bute House Agreement the Scottish government promised to dismantle the gatekeeper system and put trans patients at the heart of decisions on their own healthcare.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher said the decision was "long overdue" and accused the government of leaking the news to the press "before having the decency to update parliament".

During First Minister's Questions, Labour MSP Carol Mochan asked Humza Yousaf if he would ensure a statement was made to clarify the government's "confused position" on the matter.

Referencing comments made by Dr Cass, the first minister said compassion to young people seeking treatment from a gender clinic had to be "at the forefront of everything we do".