New UK LGBT+ Rights Envoy appointed to champion equality worldwide

The UK Government has appointed Lord Collins of Highbury as its new Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights, with responsibility for promoting equality and tackling discrimination against LGBT+ people around the world.

The UK Government has appointed Lord Collins of Highbury as its new Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights, with responsibility for promoting equality and tackling discrimination against LGBT+ people around the world.

The appointment comes as campaigners warn of increasing hostility towards LGBT+ communities in a number of countries, with growing restrictions on rights, tougher anti-LGBT+ laws and rising levels of violence and persecution.

As Special Envoy, Lord Collins will work with governments, businesses, parliamentarians, international organisations and LGBT+ groups to support human rights and encourage legal and social change.

Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights, Chris Elmore, says everyone should be able to "live safely and freely, no matter who they are or who they love", adding that the appointment strengthens the UK's work with international partners to tackle violence and discrimination.

Lord Collins said he was "honoured" to take on the role, saying no one should face "violence, criminalisation or exclusion because of who they are or who they love."

He succeeds Lord Herbert of South Downs, who became the UK's first Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights in 2021.

The appointment follows the Government's announcement of a £21 million package to support LGBT+ rights internationally over the next three years. The UK is also due to host the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in 2027, bringing together governments, policymakers and LGBT+ organisations from across Europe.