Contribution
I hope the House will forgive me if I do not have time to mention everybody, because we have had such a wide-ranging debate with so many people taking part. I thank Members from across the House for their heartfelt and thoughtful contributions, particularly my hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire (Samantha Niblett) for coming out in the Chamber about her sexuality, which is a difficult and emotional thing to do.
The tone of the debate was very much one of celebration. Members said how they perhaps never would have expected to have the celebrations in their home towns, like in Macclesfield, that they see now. Members celebrated political achievements and noted the 50th anniversary of both the Conservative and Labour LGBT+ societies. We celebrated that progress has been made, but the real tone was that we have to renew our efforts and that we cannot be complacent or let any backsliding happen.
Pride Month is a time not only for celebration but for reflection. Today we have heard stories of struggle, progress and hope. This debate has reminded us that LGBT+ equality is not a single milestone to be passed, but an ongoing commitment—one that must be renewed and reinforced by each generation. It has underscored the principle that has guided this Government from day one: every person, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, deserves dignity, safety and respect.
I will now address some of the serious issues that Members have raised. The Opposition spokesman who opened the debate and former Equalities Minister, the right hon. Member for Daventry (Stuart Andrew), asked in particular about the HIV prevention programme. I can tell him—if he were here—and hon. Members that only last week I was at the Terrence Higgins Trust on what would have been Terrence’s 80th birthday. I congratulate the trust on its excellent work, particularly in the HIV Prevention England programme, which we are funding to the tune of some £4.5 million. We are in the process of producing an action plan, which will be published this year. Of course, we absolutely stick to our commitment of trying to end new transmissions of HIV within England by 2030. I have also visited Fast Track Cymru, which is working innovatively across Wales, including in rural areas, so hopefully we will make considerable progress.
Several colleagues mentioned veterans. As they will know, the Government acknowledge the hurt caused by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000. Last year, we launched the LGBT financial recognition scheme with a budget of up to £75 million—50% higher than the previously agreed amount. The scheme intends to provide recognition to those impacted by the ban, and we recognise the need to work quickly through the 1,000-plus applications we have received. We understand the need for timeliness in delivering the scheme and are working closely with stakeholders. Applicants can receive updates on gov.uk.
Many Members have raised the implications of the Supreme Court judgment. I acknowledge the deep concern and anxiety that many people feel following the recent Supreme Court ruling and its potential implications for trans people. I know that for many, this decision has raised serious questions about rights, safety and belonging. I want those people to know that we hear those concerns and recognise the very real impact this moment is having on members of the trans community, their families and allies. But let me be clear: the rights and protections of trans people under the Equality Act remain firmly in place. The protected characteristic of gender reassignment still applies. Discrimination, harassment or victimisation of trans people is unlawful and will remain so.
The independent Equality and Human Rights Commission, Britain’s equality watchdog, is currently consulting on its draft updated code of practice for services, public functions and associations to reflect the judgment and to provide guidance for service providers and employers. We expect the EHRC to seek and listen to a wide range of views through its consultation, which closes on 30 June, and I encourage people to ensure that their views are heard by submitting a response. The consultation will inform the EHRC’s final draft; the Government will then consider that draft. We will review the guidance carefully, ensuring that it reflects both the legal clarity of the Court and our enduring values of inclusion, safety and respect for all, and it will be subject to full parliamentary scrutiny.
I would like to pay particular tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire and Bedworth (Rachel Taylor) for her determined campaigning to introduce measures to tackle LGBT+ hate crime. This Government are absolutely committed to tackling all forms of hate crime, and we will deliver on our manifesto commitment to equalise all existing strands of hate crime and make them aggravated offences in the Crime and Policing Bill as it progresses through the other place. This will ensure parity of protection for LGBT+ and disabled people.