Familiar with glitzy nightlife and besquinned party gear, Graham is channelling his love of social occasions into backing a new campaign aimed at helping people with Parkinson’s by sprinkling a little party magic across the UK.

Whether it’s a barbecue, street or house party, Parkinson’s UK delete alongside Graham, hopes to encourage people to turn their gatherings into a real cause for celebration by helping to raise funds for the charity.

Though you can turn any event any event into a Party for Parkinson’s, with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just weeks away, there is no better time to get the party started.

Graham, whose father lived with Parkinson’s for many years, explains: “Don’t be a party pooper. Get into the party spirit and invite family, friends and neighbours to your very own Party for Parkinson’s for a day to remember.

Make it happen by hosting your own party, and you will be helping Parkinson’s UK to raise vital funds to improve the lives of the 127,000 in the UK living with the condition.

Together and with your help, we can find a cure for Parkinson’s,” he added. To help your party go with a bang, Parkinson’s UK have created some special additions for their free party pack. People really wanting to paint the town blue can also order special downloadable decorations in the charity’s trademark colour.

Clare Chater, Head of Events at Parkinson’s UK, added: “There’s no better time to hold a party for Parkinson’s. By holding your own party you can help celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and raise vital funds for us at the same time.”

But as Graham says, you can hold your party at any time. “Why not have a birthday or anniversary party? Or use any other excuse for a party you can think of!”

To find out more or to order your own Party for Parkinson’s pack, please visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call 0207 963 9319.

The club are inviting fans to join them in their celebrations by designing a special commemorative shirt which will be worn by the Leeds players during their pre-match warm-up and also made available to purchase through the official club shop.

Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said: “As a sport, Rugby League has always prided its reputation as an inclusive sport for many years whether that is based on race, religion or sex. We are pleased to be working with the RFL in this game-wide initiative to tackle homophobia and look forward to our clash with Widnes and helping spread the message about sporting equality.”

The winning designer(s) will be invited to attend the match at Headingley Carnegie Stadium as a guest of honour as well as attending a photo-shoot with a selection of Leeds Rhinos players and stars from the cast of the ITV series, Emmerdale.

Leeds Rhinos are confident that Rugby League supporters will rise to the challenge and design a shirt worthy of the club, the sport and the gay community.

To enter the competition and showcase your design skills, please read the guidelines outlined below:

Design brief

Designs should be bold and simple with text kept to a minimum. Designs can include colour, patterns or text. There are opportunities to include design ideas on the front, back and shoulders of the shirt. Please use the template shirt as a guide for designs.

Templates can be downloaded online from: http://goo.gl/3P26o

Competition guidelines

Entries can be submitted by individuals or groups of any age. The closing date for competition entries is Friday May 25. The winning design will be chosen by a specially convened panel on Monday May 28 and the successful applicant will be notified by Tuesday May 29.

Please include your name and contact details along with your design and send entries via email to sarah.williams@rfl.uk.com or post to Sarah Williams, RFL, Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB.

In Malaysia, security concerns have forced the cancellation of planned IDAHO demonstrations. Activists have cited the increasing number of threats being made against the LGBT community by the government and religious organizations.

In Albania, activists on bikes taking part in a “Ride against Homophobia” were attacked with explosives in the capital, Tirana.

In Armenia, IDAHO celebrations will proceed as planned with police on standby to protect activists as they gather in central Yerevan to distribute brochures about homophobia and pens bearing the message “I am not a homophobe”. And while the situation facing many activists is of concern, IDAHO continues to draw high-profile support around the world.

In Cuba, Mariela Castro - daughter of President Raul Castro – led a gay rights march in Havana on May 12 to mark IDAHO.

Danish Prime Minister and EU Chairwoman Helle Thorning-Scmidt has made the following statement for IDAHO: “I believe that everyone has a fundamental right to choose how they live and who they love. We have an obligation to promote equality and respect for diversity in all parts of society – not least in schools. Fighting homophobia and transphobia and teaching tolerance in schools is a precondition for children to grow up feeling safe and free to follow their individual hopes and dreams. I share a responsibility with other leaders to create a world where everyone feels accepted and a part of society regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I will do my very best to live up to that responsibility.”

Indeed, the need for acceptance was reinforced by the findings of a National Survey on Homophobic Bullying in Mexico - released in the lead-up to this year’s IDAHO – which found that two out of every three LGBT people in the country had been victims of homophobic bullying. As activists and organizations throughout the world prepare for action, the survey serves as a timely reminder of the challenges that still exist in so many countries.

For all the latest IDAHO news, visit the IDAHO website at http://www.dayagainsthomophobia.org and the IDAHO

Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/may17idaho. For information and updates on this year’s campaign, “Fighting homo/transphobia IN and THROUGH education – visit the Worldwide Voices Against Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VoicesAgainstBullying

We define a hate crime as:

“Any hate incident, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate”.

Examples of a hate crime or incidents could be because of someone’s gender, religion, age, faith, race, disability, or because they are gay, lesbian or transgender.

When a hate crime or incident is reported to us, we will investigate it thoroughly and will contact the victim on the same day to discuss the incident or the next working day if it is reported out of hours. 

All victims will be supported throughout the investigation and will be dealt with in a supportive and sensitive way.  We will work with the victim to ensure they receive the relevant support and will make referrals to support agencies where required.

In addition, if the victim feels vulnerable in their home we will work with them to put in place additional security measures to enable them to stay in their own home.

We are committed to tackling hate crime and work in partnership with other agencies to raise awareness of the affects of hate crime and the importance of reporting it.  We are a sponsor of the annual Gloucestershire Pride Event and work with Safer Gloucester to support national hate crime awareness week.

www.gloscityhomes.co.uk

LONDON - GALHA & SCHOOL’S OUT

Friday 18th May 2012 7.30pm

Brockway Room, Conway Hall

Members of the panel are:

Tony Fenwick     Co chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month

Elly Barnes        Music teacher and Diversity Course Leader at Stoke Newington School

Janet Palmer      HM Inspector, Ofstead, National Advisor for Personal Social, Health and Economic Education

Lydia Malmedie  Stonewall Education Officer

Adrian Tippetts   Freelance journalist and NSS Council Member

The meeting will consist of a panel discussion with key speakers from the world of education and LGBT Rights, illustrated by short films made in Europe for a pan European tool kit to combat homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools.

To keep up to date with developments in IDAHO please see:

http://www.galhameetup.com/events/56968332/?eventId=56968332&action=detail

and

www.idahouk.org

_________________________________________________________________

LGBT IRANIANS SPEAK OUT

Wednesday 16^th May at 6:30pm

Amnesty International’s Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA.

Map:

http://www.amnesty.org.uk/image_library/22/25/30949.jpg

Hear the voices of LGBT activists and (extra)ordinary LGBT Iranians.

You are invited on the eve of IDAHO Day.

Small Media and the Peter Tatchell Foundation are hosting an event on the eve of IDAHO to celebrate the launch of “LGBT Republic of Iran”, a Small Media report that documents the views of a diverse range of LGBT Iranians who have lived under the repressive and homophobic Iranian regime.

Read the report online here:

http://issuu.com/smallmedia/docs/lgbtrepublic

The event includes an overview of the report’s findings by Small Media’s Director of Operations, Dr Bronwen Robertson, a music performance from Iranian guitarist Ramtin Montazemi, a Q&A panel of Iranian experts moderated by the Guardian’s Brian Whitaker, a poetry reading of work by Iranian LGBT literary activists, a short video screening about LGBT asylum seekers in Turkey, and video messages from LGBT Iranians enduring the repression of the Iranian government. Plus lesbian activist Shadi Amin, human rights lawyer Mehri Jafari and journalist for the Guardian Saeed Kamali Dehghan.

You are welcome to join us. Admission is free. But you need to reserve your attendance in advance. Please register here:

http://lgbtrepublic.eventbrite.co.uk/

More information from Bronwen Robertson: bronwen@smallmedia.org.uk  0753 120 3113

_________________________________________________________________

NIGERIAN LGBTIs IN DIASPORA AGAINST ANTI-SAME SEX LAWS

We Are Family- Freedom to Love for all Nigerians

Thursday 17^th May, 2012 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Venue- Nigeria House, 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX

Nigerian LGBTIs in Diaspora Against Anti Same Sex Laws will hold a rally outside Nigerian Embassy in London to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17^th).

We will be sharing our personal stories and experiences of Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.  Nigerian LGBTIs in Diaspora, LGBTIs of other nationals and our straight allies are most welcome!

We will also deliver to the Nigerian High Commissioner, our position paper on the Anti Same Sex Marriage bill currently pending before the Nigerian Legislatures.

Join us in solidarity to commemorate IDAHO!

Venue Map:

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=530203&Y=180315&A=Y&Z=110

KINDLY SIGN OUR PETITION AGAINST THE ANTI SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL

http://www.change.org/petitions/nigeria-stop-the-anti-same-sex-marriage-bill-decriminalize-same-sex-love-

Event on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/358028877579781/

Contacts :

Yemisi Ilesanmi              nanfs2001@yahoo.com

Davis Mac-Iyalla                        dmaciyalla@gmail.com

_________________________________________________________________

KALEIDOSCOPE INTERNATIONAL DIVERSITY TRUST

London. 16^th May, 7-8pm

Lecture by the speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow, MP, President of the Kaleidoscope Trust to mark IDAHO.

Tickets here:

http://bercowlecture.eventbrite.co.uk/?ebtv=C

More info:

http://www.kaleidoscopetrust.com/news-idaho-lecture-john-bercow-025.php

_________________________________________________________________

KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

On IDAHO Day (May 17th) LGBT police officers and members of the LGBT Advisory Group will be giving crime prevention advice at the following venues:

(1)        BROMPTON CEMETERY LGB Awareness Surgery 1pm-3pm

(2)        Leaflet drops from 5pm @ The Queens Head, Chelsea.

For further info:

kirsie.miller@met.police.uk

_________________________________________________________________

IDAHO 2012 – EDUCATION: TAKING THE LGBT OUT OF SCHOOL?

Thursday 17^th May 6.00pm-9.00pm

Darwin Lecture Theatre (B40), Darwin Building, London WC1E 6BT

(Off Malet Place, off Torrington Place)

Camden LGBT Forum in partnership with UCL will be hosting an evening of presentations, discussion and short film excerpts exploring the reality of homophobia in schools nationally and internationally.

Speakers:

Dr Mark McCormack is Lecturer in School of Sport and Education at Brunel University. His research interests include construction of masculinities and sexualities, gendered behaviours and educational experiences of LGBT youth.

Tony Fenwick is an English Teacher in Hertfordshire, Co-Chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month.

Other speakers to be confirmed.

Please note this event is free! For more information, please contact the Forum on 0207 388 5720 or email: forum.admin@camdenlgbtforum.org.uk or check out our website:

www.camdenlgbtforum.org.uk

_________________________________________________________________

BIRKBECK UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. POLICING SEX BOOK LAUNCH

MAY 17^th 6.15pm – 9.00PM

MALET STREET. LONDON. ROOM 351

The editors and authors of this important new book invite discussion and debate about contemporary operational policing as it affects the regulation of consensual sexual practices.

http://www.bbk.ac.uk/events-calendar/international-day-against-homophobia-and-equalities-event-policing-sex-book-launch

_________________________________________________________________

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

THURSDAY 17^TH MAY 1-2PM

Sir Stephen Wall, Chair of UCL Council will be giving a talk and leading a discussion about the LGBT movement to date.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/equalities/lgbt/LGBT_IDAHO.php

_________________________________________________________________

WALTHAM FIREST – ANTI HATE CRIME INITIATIVES FOR IDAHO

In Waltham Forest borough there will be a short commemoration at the IDAHO plaque at the Town Hall, and there will also be outreach / personal safety on that day. It will be joint working between the Local Authority, police, community groups.

Jan Henry, Sergeant 1704ST

Safer Transport Team, Waltham Forest Borough, LGBT Liaison Officer

Email:

jan.henry@met.police.uk

_________________________________________________________________

CROYDON LGBT-IDAHO JUBILEE COMMEMORATION

17^th May

http://www.lgbt-croydon.org.uk/?q=node/94

_________________________________________________________________

CROYDON LGBT: IDAHO PANEL DISCUSSION AND DEBATE ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE

http://www.lgbt-croydon.org.uk/?q=node/207

_________________________________________________________________

MERTON LGBT FORUM – THE LARAMIE PROJECT

17 May 2012 from 6PM.

Council Chamber, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX

To raise awareness about Hate Crime and to mark IDAHO Day 2012, Merton LGBT Forum have organised a screening of the movie “The Laramie Project”.

The Laramie Project is an award-winning drama from HBO set in the Wyoming town of Laramie that looks at the impact on a small community of the hate crime motivated murder of a gay student, Matthew Shepard.

The film screening will be preceded by short presentations from Merton residents who have been victims of hate crime themselves on how it has impacted their lives. Police Officers from Merton’s Community Safety Unit will also be on hand to provide information and offer advice on hate crime reporting.

Admission to this event is free.

For more info, please see:

http://www.mertonlgbt.org.uk/?q=idaho-day-film-screening-laramie-project”

_________________________________________________________________

BRIGHTON:

BRIGHTON-OLD STEINE

Thursday May 17^th.

Teach the IDAHO lesson event.

http://www.gscene.com/local/International_Day_Against_Homophobia_Biphobia_and_Transphobia_IDAHOBIT_on_Thursday_May_17.shtml

_________________________________________________________________

BRIGHTON AND HOVE CITY COUNCIL EVENTS FOR IDAHO

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Healthy Schools Team has been working in partnership with Allsorts Youth Project, schools and other community and statutory groups to develop good practice in primary, secondary and special schools.

Other events in the city as part of IDAHO include:

Performances from The Rainbow Chorus

A minute’s ‘noise’ in partnership with the B&H LGBT Workers’ Forum to remember the international victims of homo, bi and transphobic violence; (so bring a whistle, horn, bell, tambourine, trombone etc to make some noise!)

Release of Sky Lanterns symbolising our ‘hope for change’

Key notes speakers from across the LGBT community, LGBT students, younger peoples LGBT groups, local activists and Education

The council will officially recognise International Day Against Homophobia by flying the rainbow flag from Brighton and Hove town halls

For the first time in the UK a European Parliament Film ‘It Gets Better’ will be shown at Jubilee Library on Friday 18^thMay at 6pm

Details on all the above events are here:

http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1264474

_________________________________________________________________

BRIGHTON - Allsorts Youth Project

On May 16th Allsorts youth Project and Brighton and Hove’s Healthy School Team will host an event to showcase good practice in local schools to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.

http://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/allsorts-recognises-international-day-against-homophobia-biphobia-and-transphobia/

http://www.gscene.com/news/Allsorts_Youth_Project_recognises_International_Day_Against_Homophobia_Biphobia_and_Transphobia_IDAHOBIT.shtml

_________________________________________________________________

SOUTH-EAST:

UNISON – SOUTH-EAST

May 17^th

At the UNISON organising fair, the Union’s LGBT regional group have organised a stall which will raise awareness of issues affecting LGBT people.

http://www.unison.org.uk/southeast/pages_view.asp?did=14244

_________________________________________________________________

BEDFORSHIRE GAY POLICE FOCUSES ON AWARENESS RAISING FOR IDAHO

http://www.dayagainsthomophobia.org/Bedfordshire-Gay-Police,1424

_________________________________________________________________

GAY SURREY.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

7:30pm until 10:30pm

The Prince Albert

1 OutwoodLane, RH1 4LR, Bletchingley, United Kingdom

Our mission

To bring the community together on this night to understand the issues happening in Surrey, to highlight the positives and negatives.

To allow the community to speak to the community and in turn send details to all governing bodies of the outcome from this night.

We go back to grassroots – May 17th will be the night we speak up and ensure those whose job is to protect us – stand up, listen and take action

http://www.facebook.com/events/302664979794098/

On Friday, April 27, two police officers were deployed in plain clothes outside the HB bar. Other uniformed officers were deployed in a vehicle nearby ready to respond. The operation was co-ordinated with officers from the Targeted Patrol teams, Safer Neighbourhoods team and Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers and another is planned for the future.

PC Ryan Cheyne from Southsea police station said:  “We get many reports from staff and customers of the local venues of people shouting abuse from the back of a passing vehicle. I’m pleased to say that on this occasion there were no incidents of abuse. That doesn’t mean our operation was a waste of time, however, because we conduct them for a number of reasons. “Primarily, we want to protect our communities by deterring people from committing these sorts of offences in the first place. Verbal abuse is unacceptable. It can be distressing and if we tolerate it, it sends out a message that it’s ok to treat others this way.

“Secondly, we want to reassure LGB&T communities that something can be done about it. We might not always be able to make an arrest there and then, but we can plan operations like this which address the long-term issues.

“Hopefully, people hearing about this operation will encourage them to come forward and report hate crimes and incidents.”

If you’ve been assaulted, threatened, intimidated because of sexual orientation or gender identity, call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency or if it’s just happened.

You can always ask to speak to one of the force’s Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs). Follow them on Twitter @HantsPoliceLGBT

Did you know…? International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is May 17.

A campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse is being launched by Thames Valley Police in partnership with Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators and Crimestoppers on 14 May 2012.

The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness and promote early intervention in an attempt to break the cycle of abuse.

Reports of domestic abuse incidents average around 32,000 a year. Statistics show an increase in reporting around March, June, July and August.

The majority of domestic abuse still goes unreported, and the focus of the campaign is to encourage people to contact either the police, Crimestoppers or specialist support agencies.

The campaign will urge family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to come forward and let the police or other agencies know if they suspect someone is being abused.

A dedicated website speakouttoday.co.uk and video has been launched to provide practical information for victims and those supporting them, and includes vital links to national and local support services.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Helen Ball said: “Domestic abuse can take many forms; it doesn’t have to be physical violence. Domestic abuse counts for one in seven of all violent incidents in England and Wales. It is a crime and we take all reports of domestic abuse seriously.”

Det Supt Nora Holford, Thames Valley Police’s head of Protecting Vulnerable People, added: “If you know someone is suffering domestic abuse, help them and make that call. Domestic abuse can affect anyone. It could be someone you know or it could be you, and men as well as women can be victims of domestic abuse. The first port of call is the police. Let us know by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency. If you don’t want to give your name you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers or call one of the specialist organisations.”

Mr Khan Juna, Chairman of Thames Valley Police Authority, said: “Domestic abuse is, in many ways, a ‘hidden’ rather than ‘public’ crime. Yet it results in serious human and emotional costs for victims and significant financial costs to the community. It is estimated across the Thames Valley area, domestic abuse costs victims and the public over £200 million per annum in terms of its impact on the criminal justice system, child social care, housing, employment and health care. For all these reasons the Police Authority supports this campaign to break the cycle of abuse.”

Julia Hughes, from Thames Valley Crimestoppers, commented: “We understand how difficult it is for worried family and friends to speak out about domestic abuse while still providing loved ones with the support they so need.

“However there is a safe way to give your valuable information without anyone ever knowing you called, by phoning the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Our anonymous service can provide family and friends with the courage they need to help break the cycle of abuse before it goes too far.”

Liz Jones, Domestic and Sexual Abuse Co-ordinator for Oxford City Council, said “Violence and abuse in the home has a huge impact on individuals and society as a whole, but all too often people around the victims and children do not know what to do to access help and advice.

“We need people to come forward before it is too late. We should not put the onus of responsibility purely on the victims to speak out. Those that abuse their partners and terrify their children need to change their behaviour. All of us, family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and abusers can get help and advice to prevent further suffering, national and local numbers can be found on www.speakouttoday.co.uk”

There will party bags - available to first 100 through the door.  There will be cakes – baked by clubbers who were quick to offer their culinary skills in return for free entry, and available free for all guests to feast upon.  There will be AC’s own version of face painting – as Alice Bizarre sets up her make-up stall in the Chillout Room.  And yes, there will even a magic show – courtesy of underground illusionist Dee Christopher, who presents his mind-bending party tricks on the Theatre of Sins stage.

Not strictly a cabaret show, kink club, goth night or live gig, AC prides itself on being a real alternative, aimed at pleasure-seekers whose party-going preferences defy definition by demographics.  Attracting a mixed crowd of straight, gay, TS/TV, fetishist, Goth, rivethead, body-modded and cosplaying clubbers, to name but a few, AC offers its diverse audience an eclectic entertainment line-up, which strives to showcase and celebrate the truly different.  In June, Rockworld TV presenter Lenore introduces to the ‘Theatre of Sins’ stage acts including AC-favourite flesh-bearers ‘Satan’s Strip Show’ and MisSa Blue (who presents a fluorescent paint and liquid latex splattering performances for the club‘s birthday) and electro-goth scene stars Zeitgeist Zero.

V2A’s skull-thumping EBM/harsh electro and Plastic Noose’s industrial beats and distorted bass complete the live music line-up, whilst forming just the tip of a top-notch bill for fans of machine noise, that continues through ’til 6am in the PureFuckingIndustrial dance area with the aid of globe-trotting special guest DJ Totentanz.  Trad-lovers too are catered to in the Hellfire Room, where goth and alt anthems rule the dancefloor from 2am after the Theatre shows – and with AC’s 8^th doubling as an Official Amphi Fest warm-up party there are CDs and tickets to the German alternative music gathering to be won all night!

At a glance, the 7-zone all-nighter shapes up as follows;

THEATRE OF SINS (10pm-2am) – Live performance arena compared by Lenore (Rockworld TV), featuring Plastic Noose, V2A, Missa Blue, Zeitgeist Zero, Satan’s Strip Show & Dee Christopher.

PUREFUCKINGINDUSTRIAL (8pm-6am) – Industrial dancefloor with special guest DJ Totentanz.

THE HELLFIRE ROOM (2am-6am) – Alt/goth dance floor

CHILLOUT ROOM - with free birthday cake, Alice Bizarre make-up stall, Thai food stall & free tea and coffee after 3am, served by AC’s famous saucy maid service!

HEATED SMOKING AREA

PLUS walkabout performers, photo booth, free party bags for first 100 and official Amphi fest warm-up party with ticket and CD giveaways.

What more reason do you need to join the celebrations for 8 years of Sin??!

CLUB ANTICHRIST’S 8^TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Friday 29^th June at Club Colosseum (1 Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall, SW8 5NQ)

Doors – 8pm / Bar Happy Hours – 8pm-11pm / Last Entry – 2.30am / Club Close – 6am

Limited early bird tickets on sale now at www.clubantichrist.com priced at £18.   Singles ticket usually £23 adv. / £28 door.  Couples tickets £35 adv.

Dress code – Party people, club kids, birthday suits! Plus the usual alt., goth, industrialist, cyber Goth, punk, theatrical, bondage, PVC, vampire, uniform, drag.

And in the UK, two leading Conservative MPs have also voiced their opposition to same-sex unions. Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary and Tim Loughton, Minister of Families, have both stated their opposition to David Cameron’s plans to amend the Marriage Act to include same-sex couples. In the Sunday Times, Hammond said “we’ve got to be clear that we focus not just on the things that are important, but on the things that are do-able, the things that are deliverable, and the things that chime with ordinary people’s sense of what the priorities are”. He re-stated this view during his appearance on the Andrew Marr show. Meanwhile, the Minister for Families has replied to one of his constituents, who asked about his views on gay marriage, with the clear message he does not support the Prime Minister’s plans.

The views of Hammond and Loughton will no doubt add to the pressure of Cameron to either drop or delay his proposed amends.