The UK Government has once again promised to ban conversion therapy — more than eight years after first committing to do so.
Since 2018, successive governments have treated a ban as an easy political win: something to announce, reaffirm, and signal support for, without ever fully delivering. Meanwhile, the evidence has remained clear. Conversion therapy is harmful. It is widely condemned by medical professionals. And it still happens.
In 2024, Keir Starmer stated:
“We’ll implement a full, trans-inclusive, ban on all forms of conversion therapy. We fully support the view that conversion therapy is psychologically damaging abuse.”
But warm words are not protection. Without legislation, the practice continues in a legal grey area, leaving LGBTI+ people — particularly young people — vulnerable to coercion and abuse.
Delays are often justified by complexity: questions around scope, consent, or religious freedom. But after eight years, these arguments ring hollow. Other countries have acted. The UK has had ample time to do the same.
This is not just about political process. It is about real harm, happening in real time.
As a reserved matter, responsibility lies with the UK Parliament. That means Westminster must act — and act now.
It’s time to stop making promises and start delivering them.
