Rishi Sunak 'returns to plan to ban gay and trans conversion therapy amid Tory divisions'

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Rishi Sunak to throw plans to ban gay and trans conversion therapy into the long grass, as dozens of Tory MPs urged the Prime Minister to not include it in the king's speech. according to reports.

After claims the government was “stuck in a loop” amid disagreements over the wording of the ban, the prime minister this week finally considered including a draft of law in the bill. The King's speech next month would ban conversion therapy.

Mr Sunak's chief whip, Simon Hart, had warned the government could face a rebellion if it failed not to introduce the bill banning attempts to change someone's sexuality, according to The Times.

The bill would also aim to protect people transgender people from efforts to change anyone's gender, a crucial inclusion called for by LGBT+ campaigners.

But days later, the bill is expected to be scrapped by Number 10. More than 40 Tory MPs signed a letter demanding that Mr Sunak not include the bill in the King's Speech, which sets out ministers' legislative agenda for the coming years. year.

Instead, Mr Sunak will publish a draft bill which he will consult with MPs on, slowing down time so the plans do not become law until the next general election, according to < em>The Sun.

“There is no way conversion therapy will become law before the election,” one government source told the newspaper, while another said: “ It's not in the king's speech. No one is showing up for this. »

A Tory MP – who said: “under no circumstances would I vote for a ban on conversion therapy – ever” – reportedly said the Prime Minister “would face a massive revolt if he is trying to push this through.

Downing Street said it would not comment on the content of the king's speech.

This follows intense lobbying from Miram Cates, IT...