OPINION - The Standard View: Cass Review a defining moment in children's gender care

The Cass Review

The publication of a review into gender care for children on the National Health Service ought to be a defining moment. It should not be the case but Dr Hilary Cass, author of the report, has displayed tremendous courage. Whatever you think on the complex and emotive issue of gender identity, Dr Cass will come under severe fire from multiple sides, simply for providing her expertise.

In the report, she supports a move away from medical intervention and towards a standard of care for young people who are confused about their gender that is “safe, holistic and effective”. The Government has been rightly swift in its response. Victims and safeguarding minister Laura Farris said there would be a “fundamental change of direction” as a result of the Cass Review.

We all begin with the same priority: the safety and wellbeing of young people. Indeed, some of the children in the report are among the most vulnerable in our society. Yet too many have been let down across multiple junctures. That must end now.

The gaming capital

If the picture in your head of gaming is one of adolescent boys playing Fifa at 3am, think again. The UK gaming industry is big business, with London being its natural home. And over the next two weeks the capital will have the receipts to prove it, as some 100,000 visitors and 400 developers descend for the London Games Festival.

London’s gaming sector has doubled in size in the last decade, according to Michael French, the festival’s director. Across the UK, gaming brings in more revenue than both music and film, with the industry worth about £7 billion each year. Much of the success is down to the festival itself, which since 2016 has helped generate almost £100 million for participating games businesses and connected more than 5,000 studios with investors.

Gaming is a very London success story, with one third of the workforce hailing from abroad, attracted by the opportunity, diversity and sheer availability of talent the capital offers. A shining example of what this city does best.

Skater girl power

Imagine winning an Olympic bronze medal at the age of 13 and the boys back home still doubting your abilities. That is mere motivation for Sky Brown, Britain’s skateboarding phenomenon and youngest Olympic medallist.

Now at the heady age of 15 and preparing for Paris, Brown explained to ES Magazine: “I like to go high, higher than the boys. I like to grind longer than the boys… tweak it harder than the boys. And because my style is making it look beautiful, to make it look prettier than the boys.” More power to you.

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