i want to send my best wishes to everyone here taking part in pride in london, especially all those volunteers who make it possible. since i recorded last year’s message there has been one huge, historic change in britain: the institution of marriage is now open to all. whether you’re a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or a woman and a man, your love for one another is equal in the eyes of the law. since the same-sex couples act came into law in march couples across the country have been demonstrating their love and commitment by tying the knot.
this would not have been possible without the support of so many people who are at pridetoday. so thank you – you have made history. i’m immensely proud to be the prime minster ofthe country which is – and this is official – the best place in europe to be gay, lesbian, bisexualor transgender.
but that doesn’t mean our job is done; we cannot be complacent.
the theme of this year’s pride is ‘freedom’. and i want this to be a country where all childrenare free from the fear of bullying where elderly people have the freedom to be who they arewhere our sportsmen and women have the freedom to achieve; people like tom daley, claireharvey, nicola adams and casey stoney, who proudly represent this country, and where no-oneis at risk of the sickening homophobic attacks that, sadly, still happen on our streets.
and this isn’t just about britain. we are committed to improving lgbt rights across the world.i have raised my concerns about the treatment of gay people in russia with president putin,and the foreign office presses the case for positive change around the world. the values oftolerance, freedom and respect – these are the values that define us in britain.
not only should we take great pride in them we should encourage the rest of the world to takeour lead.