Up to one million people are expected to take to the streets in central London today to mark Pride 2018.

Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP, has recorded a message of solidarity with the LGBTIQA+ community, stating:

“It’s wonderful to see so many people on the streets of London today to celebrate Pride. But it is tragic that there are so many parts of the world where this would not be possible.

Our diversity, the freedom for people to be themselves, is one of the things that makes this a great city. And we’ve come a long way in terms of LGBTQI rights here. But the sad reality is that many people, in so many parts of the world, still face prejudice because of their identity, sexuality or gender and of course that’s still the case for some here in the UK.

We can never take our rights and freedoms for granted. But today we say enough is enough. We stand proud, we stand in solidarity, and we celebrate in style because we all know that Pride Matters.”

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Dear Editor,

What do Transport for London and Islington and Tower Hamlets Council have in common?  All three are named among the top 20 gay-friendly employers in the UK by Stonewall, the gay rights charity.

It’s a great achievement to be specially recognised as one of the very best for fighting prejudice and developing inclusive workplaces.  These organisations have set a fine example for London, truly one of the most diverse and tolerant cities in the world.

Whilst great progress has been made in tackling the oppression and discrimination that the LGBT community faces in society – progress that capitals around the world should aspire to – homophobia remains a shameful fact of life.  In the West End alone, homophobic crime increased by 20 per cent during 2010.  We must not be complacent in tackling these hateful atrocities.

With Pride celebrations just around the corner, it is timely to renew our pledge to continue the fight for true LGBT equality in the capital.  Only when this is won can we be truly proud.

Jean Lambert MEP

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