The This Morning star admitted she was devastated.

This Morning star Ashley James has announced she has stepped down from her role as an ambassador for Girlguiding. The presenter made the decision to quit with “immediate effect” after the organisation banned transgender girls from joining.  Girlguiding said: “Trans girls and young women, and others not recorded female at birth, will no longer be able to join Girlguiding as new young members.” Ashley said the decision to “exclude trans girls has devastated me”, adding that trans girls “are not a threat”.

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, Ashley wrote: “I am – and always will be – proud of my time as a Girlguiding ambassador. As a former Rainbow and Brownie myself, I know firsthand what a difference these spaces make to girls. I’ve seen it in the faces of the young people I met on site visits – including trans girls, who were every bit as bright, joyful and deserving as any other child.”

Ashley James has stepped from her role as an ambassador for Girlguiding (Image: ITV)

She continued: “Which is why the organisation’s decision to exclude trans girls has devastated me. Some of those girls and their families have now found themselves caught in the crossfire of culture wars they asked to be a part of it.

“I am truly heartbroken for the trans community who simply want to live their lives, be included, and have access to safe, supportive spaces. Trans girls experience the same threats as other women and girls – they are not a threat to us. They are our sisters.

“And so, with a very heavy heart, I will be stepping down as a Girlguiding ambassador with immediate effect. I stand with my trans sisters today and always.”

Ashley added: “Inclusion makes us stronger, and I will continue to use my voice to fight for a world where every girl – cis or trans – grows up where she belongs.”

Celebrity news and gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock (15856613e) Ashley James ‘T (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Ashley’s followers supported her decision as one commented: “Well done and well said, I’ve been a WI member for 15 years and I’ve decided I cannot be a part of the organisation any longer after today’s decision.”

Another agreed: “It was honestly such a disappointing statement to read, but good on you.”

A third echoed: “Wow, what a disappointing decision from one of the more formative experiences young girls have. They had such an opportunity here to champion inclusion and care for all people but haven’t. Well done Ashley for standing up for what’s true to you.

A statement from the organisation’s chair of trustees said: “Following April’s supreme court ruling relating to sex and gender, many organisations across the country have been facing complex decisions about what it means for girls and women and for the wider communities affected.

“Following detailed considerations, expert legal advice and input from senior members, young members and Girlguiding’s council, the board of trustees for Girlguiding has reached the difficult decision that, going forward, membership of Girlguiding will be restricted to girls and young women, as defined in the Equality Act.”

It added that Girlguiding “believed strongly in inclusion” and will continue to support young people and adults from marginalised communities through a newly formed taskforce

The statement concluded: “While Girlguiding may feel a little different going forward, our core aims and principles will always endure and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, particularly those from marginalised groups that have felt the biggest impact of this decision.”