Medical care belongs with doctors, not politicians
Helen Webberley responds to Gregory Stafford's comments, emphasising that clinical decision-making must remain in the hands of healthcare professionals.18 January 2026
When politicians and commentators without medical training begin to second-guess the work of experienced clinicians, it shifts the conversation away from where it needs to be: patient care and clinical evidence.
History-taking and medical assessment are skilled practices developed over years of training and supervised practice. They are not matters for public debate or political intervention, but rather for the professionals who have dedicated their careers to understanding how to listen to and support their patients.
Read the full piece to understand why this distinction matters so much for everyone accessing gender-affirming care.