THE Labour government has “much more work to do” for workers, equalities minister Olivia Bailey told the TUC LGBT+ Conference on Friday.

Ms Bailey said that the relationship between the LGBT+ community, the trade union movement, and the Labour Party has “been a strong and long-standing one.”

She said: “What we have achieved is proof that we are at our best when we come together as a community, united by hope and a common goal, rather than torn apart by the politics of division and hate. 

“However, I am acutely aware that we have much more work to do. Progress, once achieved, is never permanently secured. 
“Even today, it must be defended, renewed, and extended.”

She highlighted the high levels of discrimination, abuse and exclusion that exist as well as attacks by Reform UK on pride and LGBT+ families, and said that the draft Conversion Practices Bill she presented to Parliament a day earlier  “closes legal loopholes” and protects the community. 

“Together, let’s stand against the politics of hate and division. Let’s defend and extend our rights,” she said.