LGBT Labour is very sad to hear today of the death of one of its patrons and very good friends, David Cairns MP.

David had been patron of LGBT Labour for the last few years and had been active in that role alongside being a strong advocate for his constituents in Inverclyde.

He was a keen champion of equality both at home and abroad and was an outspoken critic of homophobia in Africa, regularly raising the issue in the Commons, including just a couple of months ago, following the death of Uganda gay rights activist David Kato, who David had met.

As chair of the all party group on HIV/AIDS he campaigned to ensure the issues around HIV and AIDS were kept in the public eye and on the political agenda.

David was only 44 and his tragic and untimely death is a great loss to Parliament, the Labour Party and the LGBT community.

James Asser, co-chair of LGBT Labour said:

“Everyone at LGBT Labour is very upset and shocked to hear of the death of David. He had been a great friend and champion of LGBT Labour and on issues of equality within Parliament and the Labour Party.

“He was doing great work chairing the all party Parliamentary group on HIV & AIDS and he was also outspoken against homophobia abroad.

“If you needed advice or support, David was available; and that support was always very welcome and the advice always worth taking.

“David was good company and a genuinely nice guy. I know I speak for all of us in LGBT Labour who worked with him when I say he will be very much missed.

“All our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and especially with his partner, Dermot.”