Progress has been made, but we have to remember that things can go backwards if we are not vigilant. This year is the 30th anniversary of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, a piece of blatant discrimination enacted and defended by the Tories.

Section 28 made it illegal for local authorities to “intentionally promote homosexuality” or “promote the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.” This left LGBT people with no protection at school and gave a green light to bullies.

The policy left every single LGBT person feeling like they were a second-class citizen and we are still suffering from its baleful nasty effects. Stonewall’s 2017 School Report shows that over half LGBT pupils experience bullying and 6% receive death threats.

While we are now equal in law, Labour must ensure that we make that equality a reality for every single LGBT person. This is now especially true for trans people who are currently suffering prejudice, ridicule and sometimes even violence on a huge scale.

Labour will campaign internationally to support the rights of LGBT people. Homosexuality is still illegal in more than 70 countries and is punishable by death in ten. We cannot rest until we have helped to eliminate discrimination worldwide.”

Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey