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Backbench Business
15 June 2023
Lead MP
Elliot Colburn
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementHousingWomen & Equalities
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Colburn moves to celebrate Pride Month and acknowledges the progress made in LGBT+ rights both globally and domestically, while expressing concern over recent setbacks. He highlights issues such as conversion therapy bans still needing to be enacted, hate crime against trans individuals increasing, the need for continued support of homeless LGBT+ youth, concerns about potential rollbacks on relationship and sex education, and the toxicity surrounding transgender debates.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Wirral West
Colburn emphasises the importance of addressing global LGBT+ rights issues such as Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, calls for faster action on conversion practices legislation, raises concerns about homeless LGBT+ youth, expresses worries over potential rollbacks in RSE, and discusses the need to dial down rhetoric around transgender debates.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Daby intervenes to highlight that over 24% of young people experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, urging for better monitoring of gender identity and sexuality in housing and homelessness services.
Sunderland celebrates the inaugural Pride event in Bracknell, praising its organisation and celebrating inclusion and diversity.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Jardine agrees with the need to dial down the rhetoric around transgender debates, suggesting that not listening to genuine concerns has inadvertently increased toxicity.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Eagle suggests that the toxicity of transgender debates may be deliberately created by those who wish to cause fear and division, victimising vulnerable individuals in the process.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Ynys Môn
Ms Crosbie thanked Angela Eagle for allowing her to intervene, expressed appreciation for Elliot Colburn's motion, and highlighted the importance of celebrating Pride Month in Anglesey.
Brighton Kemptown
Mr Russell-Moyle intervened twice: once to commend the support provided by British embassies for LGBT communities and suggest further measures, and another time to discuss how right-wing money has regressed Uganda's stance on HIV/AIDS education.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
Mr Docherty questioned the financing of extreme right-wing propaganda through Scottish limited partnerships and suggested that it is time for the Government to address this issue.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
It is a huge privilege to speak in the debate...the fight is far from over.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
I agree with the hon. Member that we have had firm foundations in the UK. I think that we were ranked as No. 3 in the list of LGBTQI+ friendly countries, but we have fallen down that list quite considerably. Can she think of any possible reason why that might be?
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Emphasised the importance of supporting trans children and young people. Criticised government plans to amend the Equality Act 2010 in a way that would make the exclusion of trans people the norm, noting the increase in hate crimes against LGBT individuals, particularly transgender people. Cited examples from America where rational policy has been replaced by culture wars and fundamentalist ideology.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Supported Ben Bradshaw's speech, highlighting the tragic circumstances faced by young LGBT individuals who are homeless due to hostile families, with 80% of those referred to Albert Kennedy Trust having been kicked out since the government started its culture war.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Praised the work of the Albert Kennedy Trust for bringing attention to the high rates of homelessness among LGBT+ people and celebrating the trust's efforts in highlighting these issues.
Peter Gibson
Con
Darlington
It is a pleasure to take part in this debate marking Pride Month. Peter Gibson emphasises the progress made by the LGBT community, noting legal recognitions such as civil partnerships and equalisation of age of consent, but also cultural changes like more openly gay MPs. He highlights his personal journey and supports various initiatives including bans on conversion therapy and extending HIV testing regimes. Gibson acknowledges that while much has been achieved, challenges remain in addressing homophobic bullying, ensuring healthcare access, and eliminating abusive practices against the LGBT community.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Eagle intervenes to congratulate Peter Gibson on his contributions and corrects a historical detail. She notes that Maureen Colquhoun was the first out lesbian MP in 1974, though she lost her seat after being outed.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Welcomes the opportunity to speak in the debate marking Pride Month, highlighting the progress made but also the ongoing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Mentions personal experiences of fear when becoming a councillor due to societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people. Emphasises the Labour party's role in advancing rights for the LGBTQ+ community through various legislative changes such as lifting bans on military service and equalising age of consent laws, alongside introducing civil partnerships and gender recognition acts. Urges the Government to introduce legislation banning conversion therapy without delay. Celebrates upcoming Merthyr Pride event while acknowledging negative comments from online bigots.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
I congratulate the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington on bringing the debate to the House. I associate myself with comments made about funding critical issues facing the LGBT community, especially regarding dark money feeding far right wing groups in the US and its impact through Scottish Limited Partnerships. The election of openly gay politicians like Mr Bradshaw is a momentous step forward for LGBTQ rights; however, political parties must reflect on their history of inequality. I highlight the importance of organisations such as Equality Network, Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), Scottish Trans, and LGBT Youth Scotland in promoting inclusivity. The Commonwealth's failure to adequately address LGBTQ issues is highlighted by hate crimes and oppressive laws in countries like Uganda. The systemic use of dark money and homophobia under imperial and colonial legal systems must be addressed. I reference historical persecution during the Nazi regime to illustrate how narratives of hate can lead to extreme oppression. Conversion therapy remains a critical issue requiring urgent action, as does Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill. Pride events are demonstrations for equality, commemorating those who paved the way for LGBTQ rights.
Warrington North
I thank the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Elliot Colburn) and my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Dame Angela Eagle) for securing the debate. The fact that we have this important annual debate for Pride Month, and the very fact of its existence, says something very positive about the progressive change that we have seen in Parliament and as a society in a relatively short time, since the disgraceful and discriminatory treatment following her outing of the lesbian MP Maureen Colquhoun in the late 1970s, and Chris Smith’s becoming the UK’s first openly gay MP in 1984. Let me first associate myself, Mr Deputy Speaker, with your tribute to the late Glenda Jackson, who was a true ally of the LGBT community and who always advocated strongly for the rights of LGBT people in her constituency and around the world—an example that I think all parliamentarians should aspire to follow. Pride is important because somewhere tonight, someone will still believe that they are better off dead than being themselves. Pride is important because there are countries all around the world where being LGBT is not only illegal, but could mean life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Pride is important because too many parents would rather disown their children than love them for who they are, which is one of the key drivers of homelessness among LGBT youth. This year is the 20th anniversary of the repeal of section 28. I was in year 9 when it was first legal for teachers even to acknowledge that LGBT people existed, let alone offer any kind of pastoral support to students who might be struggling to come to terms with their sexuality or experiencing bullying because of it. My favourite example recently was from a constituent of mine, a much older woman I met through one of my local churches. She asked me what I was doing after the visit. I told her that I had a date and she said, “Ooh, tell me about him, then. Where did you meet?” I said, “Actually, the date’s with a woman,” and she turned to me and said, “Oh yes, of course; I shouldn’t really have assumed, should I?” Then she was like, “Anyway, tell me about her. Where did you meet?” What she was interested in was the gossip, not the specificities of who it was. She had no problem with her MP going on a date with a women, nor should she. But this supportive indifference is not something that I take for granted, knowing from my friends, colleagues and constituency mailbag how many LGBT people have been met with hostility, discrimination and even violence on coming out.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Emphasises the need for unity and respect in society regarding LGBT+ rights. Highlights progress made, such as public acceptance of same-sex relationships, but notes that the UK's ranking for LGBT+ rights has declined to 17th in Europe. Discusses healthcare inequalities faced by LGBT+ couples trying to have children through IVF, conversion therapy issues, workplace discrimination, and global human rights concerns. Calls for concrete actions from the Government to protect LGBT+ individuals.
Brighton Kemptown
Stressed the historical context of Brighton Pride, its economic impact, and the role it plays in supporting community initiatives. Noted the recent growth of Prides along the south coast and highlighted the significance of Trans Pride events. Addressed challenges including hate attacks on the trans community, the review of the Equality Act, bans on puberty blockers for under-18s, cuts to sexual health services, and opposition to RSHE. Called for clear political support from all parties.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Acknowledged New Brighton's first Pride event and its aspiration for growth in future years.
Warrington North
Reaffirmed the importance of not fanning transphobic hatred, referencing comments made on Mumsnet about Brianna Ghey. Emphasised the need to combat such hate in political discourse.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
East Renfrewshire
The hon. Member Kirsten Oswald reflected on the positive contributions made during the debate, emphasising the progress made in LGBT rights and the necessity for ongoing efforts. She praised the Scottish Government’s work on non-binary identities, hate crime, and gender reform, highlighting the importance of ending conversion practices. The member also addressed the UK Government's interference with the cross-party votes of the Scottish Parliament regarding gender recognition reform, arguing that this measure was introduced after significant consultation and should not be politicised. She stressed the importance of inclusive education, citing the TIE campaign’s work to support teachers in developing LGBT-inclusive curricula. The hon. Member also discussed statistics showing a decline in UK's standing for LGBT rights and an increase in hate crimes against LGBT individuals, as well as global concerns regarding anti-LGBT legislation in countries like Uganda, Florida, and Rwanda.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
In an intervention, the hon. Member Martin Docherty-Hughes highlighted the significant change in Scotland's education system, particularly noting that even denominational schools have accepted recommendations from the Time for Inclusive Education campaign.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab Co-op
Oxford East
Paid respects to Glenda Jackson's contributions; thanked those who secured the debate for discussing LGBT+ progress and challenges. Emphasised the need for urgent action on reviewing the ban of LGBT individuals in the armed forces, reducing hate crimes against LGBT people, modernising the Gender Recognition Act, appointing an international LGBT+ rights envoy, tackling workplace harassment, improving healthcare access, banning conversion practices, and uniting around these issues without division.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Asked Anneliese Dodds to put pressure on the Minister to ensure that the independent report reviewing the ban of LGBT individuals in the armed forces is published before the summer recess.
Martin Docherty
Ind
Inquired about Labour's stance on the Government's invocation of section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 against the Scottish Parliament regarding its Gender Recognition Act.
Warrington North
Emphasised that being 'the gayest Parliament in the world' does not mean having the best policies for LGBT people globally, highlighting the need to continue striving for progress and equality.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Thanked Members for their contributions in the debate and paid tribute to Eric Ollerenshaw, who participated in the first Pride March. He highlighted the progress made since then, including the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and improvements in healthcare, particularly in HIV prevention. Acknowledged ongoing challenges such as conversion practices, homelessness, and violence against LGBT individuals both domestically and internationally, especially in Uganda. Emphasised the need for respect, understanding, and empathy in discussions around transgender rights and expressed frustration over delays in publishing legislation to ban conversion practices.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Joked about the Minister's tie, suggesting he should consider getting married sooner rather than later as mentioned during a discussion in Qatar. Did not provide a full contribution within the provided text.
Asked the Minister how much longer they would have to wait for the draft Bill on conversion practices, referencing a previous statement made by Michelle Donelan on 17 January.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
East Renfrewshire
Briefly inquired about the scope of the upcoming Bill regarding conversion practices.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Asked for a response to her previous point regarding IVF treatment and gay couples, though the specific details were not provided within the text.
Suggested that the UK embassy in Uganda could host LGBT events from leading activists to support their work. Suggested alternative hosting options if it was unsafe in Uganda.
Nigel Evans
Con
Chorley
The privilege of chairing the debate is highlighted, acknowledging contributions about love and hate in relation to Pride Month. Emphasises hope for those living in countries where being LGBT is illegal or punishable by death, noting that this Parliament has more openly LGBT members than any other globally. Expresses gratitude towards elected Deputy Speaker.
Thanked Members for their contributions and expressed hope for significant progress next year. Sent a message of hope to LGBT+ individuals in countries where being LGBT is illegal, reassuring that there are friends within Parliament who will ensure representation and safety.
Nigel Evans
Con
Chorley
Declared the debate concluded and acknowledged Glenda Jackson, announcing her passing with condolences. Noted the conclusion of the debate.
Raised a point of order regarding constituents in Sussex and Kent who have had no fresh water for days due to South East Water's failure to provide adequate service, requesting an urgent response from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Nigel Evans
Con
Chorley
Acknowledged the point of order regarding lack of fresh water in Sussex and Kent. Urged immediate dialogue between South East Water and DEFRA to address the situation urgently.
Government Response
Thanked Members for contributions and acknowledged ongoing challenges such as conversion practices, homelessness, and violence against LGBT individuals both domestically and internationally. Emphasised the need for respect in discussions around transgender rights and expressed frustration over delays in publishing legislation to ban conversion practices.
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