The development follows significant public concern and mounting pressure from parents and citizens across Northern Ireland.

Carla Lockhart MP said:

“A temporary suspension is not enough. Northern Ireland should not participate in this trial at all. This must not be kicked down the road or dressed up as a procedural delay. It should be stopped permanently.

“Public pressure has forced this pause. That did not happen by accident. It happened because parents and citizens across Northern Ireland spoke out clearly and courageously. They made their voices heard, and the Minister has been forced to respond.

“Almost 4,000 people have already signed my petition in a matter of days, and that number continues to grow. This is not a fringe position. This is a powerful and growing movement of ordinary parents and citizens who refuse to stay silent when it comes to the protection of children.

“I have been fighting this in Westminster and I will continue to do just that. I will use every platform available to press for the permanent abandonment of this trial, because protecting children must come before political convenience.”