Win for Milton Keynes MP as Queen's Speech confirms ‘conversion therapy’ will be banned

Ben Everitt the MP for Milton Keynes North, is ‘absolutely delighted’ after the government confirmed its intentions to ban ‘conversion therapy’ in today’s Queen’s Speech.

Conversion therapy is defined as the attempt to change a person's sexual orientation or to suppress a person's gender identity through interventions.

Last year, Ben co-signed a letter along with a large group of Conservative MPs to Women & Equalities Minister Liz Truss urging the government to make specific legislation to end the practice and protect LGBTQ+ people.

He said: “The practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ is absolutely abhorrent and needs to be stamped out of society as soon as possible.

“I’m delighted the government has listened to our calls in today’s Queen’s Speech and I will continue to support the LGBTQ+ community in their fight against this disgusting practice.”

The Queen’s Speech also included plans to unite and level up the country including through the Prime Minister’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, giving people the skills they need for well-paid jobs and opportunities to train throughout their lifetime.

It also included a commitment to further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law and support more veterans into work, while plans are set to be put into place to create a simpler and faster process to get more infrastructure built across the country.

A new Victims Bill will guarantee support for those affected by crime and the government is investing in the NHS with ambitions to tackle backlogs from the pandemic and improving patient care at the heart of it.

Ben said: “Today’s Queen’s Speech is an ambitious and positive plan for our country to help us level up and build back better and greener from the coronavirus pandemic.

“From our targets to be Net Zero by 2050, to supporting our Armed Forces and veterans, to levelling up the country and ensuring the NHS is fit for the future, this government is putting the priorities of the people at the heart of our recovery.”