Whilst we accept, and deeply regret, that there have been historic examples of abusive and coercive methods, we also note that recent research carried out by academics from Coventry University's Faculty of Health and Life Science and commissioned by the Government Equalities Office (GEO) as part of its LGBT Action Plan, found no evidence that such practices still occur in the UK, nor have done so in the last 20 years.

What the study did identify was a mixture of psychological and spiritual methods - talking therapies and pastoral support/counselling - but nothing that would justify the tone and language of the opening remarks in the consultation document. Whilst we understand that there is political pressure to describe 'conversion therapy' in such negative terms, we strongly urge the government to avoid the use of terms for which their own research has found no supporting evidence base.