Skip to main content
Unions take no pride in Raab and McVey
LOGAN WILLIAMS reports on the chorus of condemnation for the Tory frontrunners' bigotry towards LGBT+ people from the labour movement
People take part in the Pride in London Parade in central London

LAST week saw the British Conservative Party’s anti-equalities mentality exposed by two of the frontrunners to replace Theresa May as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party, namely Esther McVey and Dominic Raab.

Esther McVey, the minister who presided over a cruel and vicious campaign during her time as Minister for Work and Pensions against the most vulnerable in our society – demonstrated most clearly by her comments that the growing dependence on foodbanks in Britain was a “positive” development – has faced criticism over her statement in support of the parents refusing to allow their children to participate in LGBT+ inclusive lessons on relationships and sex education. “Parents need to have the final say on what they want their children to know,” she said.

Dominic Raab, the former Brexit minister infamous for his statement in 2011 declaring feminists to be “obnoxious bigots” – a sentiment he recently refused to distance himself from – has also faced criticism for comments made against transgender people.

Donate to the Fighting Fund
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Hanoi – Amsterdam High School, awarded the 2nd degree Labo
Features / 5 April 2025
5 April 2025
LOGAN WILLIAMS believes there are lessons to be learned from Vietnam’s education system whose excellence is recognised internationally
LESSONS FROM CHINA: Students in Tieling High School, Liaonin
Features / 25 January 2025
25 January 2025
From defeating illiteracy to tackling student stress, China’s system transforms lives while putting people before profit — British educators should consider what we could learn from the world’s largest school system, writes LOGAN WILLIAMS
Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and his sister
Features / 1 July 2024
1 July 2024
100 years on from his death, the great revolutionary leader’s thinking is extra relevant to today’s time of economic and climate crises, combined with a relentless drive to war, says LOGAN WILLIAMS
(L to R) Juan Guaido and Nicolas Maduro
Features / 15 August 2023
15 August 2023
As Venezuela wins its case to get back €1.3 billion illegally confiscated by a Portuguese bank, the Bank of England should return Venezuela’s gold, writes LOGAN WILLIAMS
Similar stories
Participants march during the 28th Budapest Pride parade in
World / 17 March 2025
17 March 2025
Ruling coalition also plans to allow cops to use facial recognition software to fine attendees
People take part in the Pride Edinburgh 2023 parade through
Voices of Scotland / 30 April 2024
30 April 2024
This year is the Unison Year of LGBT+ Workers, and this means all of us in the trade union movement must acknowledge the deepening challenges that are emerging in Britain and around the world, writes BRENDA AITCHISON