Jeremy Corbyn has warned Theresa May that she must not abandon LGBT rights in favour of “clinging to power” by aligning with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The Labour leader said that a coalition between the Conservatives and the DUP could have a negative impact on LGBT rights. Speaking to PinkNews, Corbyn said: “LGBT rights are human rights. They must not be sold out by Theresa May and the Conservatives as they try to cling to power with the DUP.”

Corbyn’s comments come after Downing Street announced that the Conservatives and DUP were nearing a final deal on an alliance which would support May’s minority government.

Theresa May was left eight seats short of an overall majority in the general election this week. The DUP, an anti-LGBT party, won 10 seats. Speaking on the Andrew Marr show this morning (June 11), Corbyn said that it was possible there would be another election this year unless a stable government could be formed.

The Conservatives have been warned that attempting to form a government with the help of the DUP could be detrimental to LGBT rights. Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, said that she was more committed to LGBT rights than the party.

Davidson told the BBC: “It’s [LGBT rights] an issue very close to my heart and one that I wanted categoric assurances from the Prime Minister on, and I received [them].” Read more via Pink News