Pride 2014: Messages from David Cameron and Ed Miliband

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZlXkZIMYPwandfeature=youtu.be

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have both released messages of support today for Pride 2014, which takes place this weekend.

In an open letter, the prime minister says he is delighted to offer his support and praises Pride as "a fantastic celebration" of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT).

Mr Cameron says he is proud of the United Kingdom's record of advancing LGBT equality and rights - including the "momentous occasion" when the first same-sex marriages were conducted on March 29.

He writes: "The Pride festival is an excellent opportunity to bring people from different communities together to enjoy not only a colourful and entertaining day out but a whole programme of cultural, social and sporting events."

Meanwhile, in a video message, the leader of the Labour Party, says: "I want to send my best wishes to you for Brighton Pride. Bright and Hove is a fantastic city and Pride is a moment when we see it in its great diversity, its tolerance, and its celebration of equality."

Mr Miliband says there has been a lot to celebrate this year, with the introduction of equal marriage.

He adds: "But I know we have got a lot further to go, much more to do to counter homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools, violence against gay and lesbian people, and, internationally, where so many gays and lesbians find themselves persecuted for their sexual orientation."

Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion has also released a video message in which she describes Pride as a highlight of the cultural calendar of the city and a symbol of what makes Brighton so special, the tolerance and diversity that sums up the city's "fierce commitment to justice and equality".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvxYFiFKBZUandfeature=youtu.be