A coalition coordinated by the National Secular Society has urged Parliament's health and social care committee to launch an inquiry into the non-therapeutic circumcision of boys.
The call came in a letter from 14 signatories including the National Secular Society, circumcision support charity 15 Square, doctors, and families harmed by non-therapeutic circumcision.
Liberal Democrat peer Paul Scriven and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell also signed.

Responding to the case, the Government acknowledged the "harm or trauma" caused by unregulated practitioners performing non-therapeutic circumcisions, but failed to commit to introducing safeguards.

In one case a doctor "approved and supervised a circumcision where a child almost lost their life". In another, a doctor carried out a circumcision on a child "which has left patient with a mutilated penis".

Lord Scriven
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Health)






To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case of R v Mohammad Siddiqui [2025], in particular the remarks of HHJ Lucas KC that “safeguards and protections must now be put in place and put in place as a matter of urgency, to ensure that babies and young children are protected” from ritual circumcision.

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• Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 17 February 2025, cW)
  

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Ministry of Justice has no responsibility for non-therapeutic male circumcision or its regulation. The Government does, however, understand and sympathise with the children and their families who experience harm or trauma as a result of the behaviour of unregulated and irresponsible practitioners. It is important that those who engage in these activities, and do not comply with the required regulations, are brought to justice.Male circumcision performed for any other reason than a physical clinical need is termed as “non-therapeutic male circumcision”. The Government is aware that parents for religious reasons, or to incorporate a child into a community, may request such a procedure. The Government would encourage all parents to ensure that in seeking such a procedure, that they discuss the matter first with their GP or healthcare practitioner.
Where a registered healthcare professional wishes to carry out non-therapeutic male circumcision, they must be registered with the Care Quality Commission to carry out the regulated activity of surgical procedures. Even where a healthcare professional is acting in a religious or spiritual role, they cannot ‘opt out’ of their core duties and responsibilities.