Groups such as Mermaids and Gires, which support transgender people and their families, claim that delaying a young transgender person’s access to the jabs may increase their risk of suicide

Paediatricians are to investigate the controversial drug therapies used to halt the puberty of children who want to change gender.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has asked its committee of experts to look at the ethics around the rapid increase in the use of hormone blockers to treat under-16s who identify as transgender.

It is the first time the issue has been formally addressed by the ethics and law advisory committee of the Royal College, which sets professional standards.

Puberty blockers are promoted by transgender lobby groups as a way of offering “breathing space” or a “pause button” to youngsters who are considering changing gender and may be distressed by the unwanted changes in their body.

Groups such as Mermaids and Gires,