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Tag: Brian Paddick

All the latest breaking news on the British politician Brian Paddick. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Brian Paddick.

  • Lord Brian Paddock’s husband, Petter dies unexpectedly

    Brian Paddick is left “devastated” by the untimely death of his husband, Petter Belsvik.

    British politician Brian Paddick has shared the sad news that his husband, Petter Belsvik, has passed away “peacefully alone” at their home in Oslo, Norway. Brian, who is a former contestant on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and a member of the Liberal Democrats, announced the news on social media, telling his 14,300 followers that Petter’s cause of death is not yet clear.

    In his tribute, Brian described Petter as his “beautiful, loving husband,” and expressed his devastation at the sudden loss. He added that he and Petter were devoted to each other, and that it will take some time to understand what happened.

    Brian’s followers and colleagues quickly offered condolences, with Charlene White from Loose Women and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! sending their love to him and his family. The news has been met with sadness from many who knew Brian and Petter, and they will undoubtedly be missed by those close to them.

    The news of Petter Belsvik’s passing has prompted an outpouring of love and support for Brian Paddick from various public figures. Labour MP Jess Phillips, Sky News’ Kay Burley, and Claire Fox are just some of the many people who have expressed their condolences to Brian and his family.

    Not much is known about Petter’s life, but he met Brian in a bar while they were both on holiday in Ibiza. The couple got married in Norway in 2009, just over a week after same-sex marriage was legalised in the country. Their wedding was one of the first high-profile same-sex weddings in Norway.

    Reflecting on how they met, Brian once said that he was “minding his own business” when he met Petter, and they spent just 24 hours together before parting ways.

    Despite this, they clearly formed a strong bond and were devoted to each other until Petter’s sudden passing.

    In addition to their chance meeting in Ibiza, Brian once revealed that a “divine intervention” brought him and Petter together again. When Madonna was playing at Wembley Arena, Petter happened to be in town to see her live. Brian, who lived nearby, offered Petter a place to stay to save on hotel costs. Brian described this as a “gamble,” but it clearly paid off as they went on to build a life together and create many happy memories before Petter’s untimely death.

    When Brian and Petter first met, they were leading very different lives. Brian was working long hours as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard, while Petter was working as an engineer in Oslo. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, they were clearly devoted to each other and managed to make it work.

    While they went on to build a life together and get married, Brian and Petter often kept their relationship out of the media spotlight. They preferred to focus on their love for each other and enjoy their time together away from the glare of public attention.

  • Lib Dem peer resigns over Tim Farron’s views

    Brian Paddick has resigned his post as the Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary citing concerns over Tim Farron’s views.

    Brian Paddick resigns the Lib Dems

    One of the UK’s most powerful LGBT Peers and the Liberal Democrat’s highest profile gay member, Brian Paddick has, today, resigned his position as the Shadow Home Secretary over “concerns” about Tim Farron’s views.

    Taking to Twitter Brian Paddick said,

    “I’ve resigned as LibDems Shadow Home Secretary over concerns about the leader’s views on various issues that were highlighted during GE17.”

    https://twitter.com/brianpaddick/status/874976886069374976

    During the GE2017 campaign, Tim Farron was unable to answer, numerous times, about his beliefs surrounding the sinfulness of homosexuality. Although did say that he didn’t think that homosexuality or gay sex was a sin, he failed to answer further questioning on LBC’s breakfast show.

    Lord Paddick did not go into detail about which of Mr Farron’s views he had taken issue with.

    In 2015, Mr Paddick had been a vocal supporter of Tim Farron’s during and after the announcement of Farron as the new Lib Dem leader, telling THEGAYUK,

    “Tim Farron has come under a lot of criticism from people who either deliberately or simply misread Tim’s position when it came to votes in the House of Commons on equal marriage,

    “He did ask for a change in the timetable to allow more discussion over complex issues around people who have honestly held beliefs who are currently employed as registrars, for example, who would feel very uncomfortable because it conflicts with their faith to conduct an equal marriage ceremony. He felt not enough time had been allowed in the parliamentary time belt to discuss those issues.

    “As the Liberal Democrats’ gayest highest profile member I am absolutely confident that I can vote for Tim Farron and that he is absolutely 100% behind LGBTI rights.”

    The Liberal Democrats did manage to add seats in the latest election, however, it was a far cry from the hoped-for resurgence of the Lib Dems since most of their seats were wiped out following a coalition with the Tories from 2010 to 2015.

  • Lord Paddick warns that Snoopers’ Charter could harm LGBT community

    Lord Paddick has warned that the Investigatory Powers Bill (Snoopers’ Charter) could have dire consequences for the LGBT community.

    Credit LD Flickr / CC

     

    The Liberal Democrat peer, Brian Paddick has warned against the Government backed Snooper’s Charter, which will allow police to seize the online data and communications from anyone suspected of a crime without a court ordered warrant.

    The proposed law would require internet service providers (ISP) to keep records of every website that everyone in the UK visits for 12 months. It would require ISPs to hand over those records to police without a warrant, if they suspect a crime has taken place.

    Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Paddick said,

    “Homophobia has been encountered in the police service, as has unauthorised disclosure of confidential information. ‘If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear’ is not the same as ‘If you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about.

    “Even if the police were to be trusted completely, massive pools — oceans — of data in the custody of private companies such as TalkTalk, one of the internet service providers that will be asked to store such data, would be sitting ducks for hackers, criminals, blackmailers and hostile foreign powers.

     

    © belchonock Depositphotos

     

    He went on to outline that the proposal would cost an additional £1bn in set up costs. He also suggested that security services such as M15, M16 and GCHQ, for which this law would most likely aid, did not need the Snoopers’ Charter to do their job in protecting the UK, because the data that they collect can be gained by other means.

    “The RUSI panel set up by Nick Clegg when he was Deputy Prime Minister set out 10 tests for the intrusion of privacy. It is those 10 tests on which our opposition to parts of the Bill is based.

    “One of the tests is that there must be transparency: how the law applies to the citizen must be evident. How many people in the UK know that 12 months of their web history—albeit the website that they are looking at rather than any further pages on that website—will be kept in case the police want to see it, as a result of this Bill’s provisions?

    “The intrusion must be necessary in that there are no other practical means of achieving the objective. The security services MI5, MI6 and GCHQ say that they do not need internet connection records because they can get the information they need by other means.

    “The intrusion must be proportionate to the advantages gained, not just in cost and resources but also through a judgment that the degree of intrusion is matched by the seriousness of the harm prevented. Internet service providers reckon that this will cost more than £1 billion in set-up costs alone.

    “The measure may not provide the police with the website someone has visited because it is so easy to conceal it. It will not give the police any information about whether, or with whom, someone was communicating without making further inquiry of other companies such as Facebook, because almost all online communication is encrypted.

    “If a serious crime is involved—the Minister listed a range of serious crimes that the Bill is intended to cover, including child sexual exploitation and terrorism—the security services, which do not need internet connection records, are duty bound to assist the police with their inquiries. We therefore need some convincing that internet connection records are both necessary and proportionate.”

    ALSO READ: Why is the Conservative government so interested in the porn we watch?

     

  • LORD PADDICK | Anti Poppers Law Could Make Criminals Out Of Florists

    The Lord Brian Paddick has slammed the Psychoactive Substances Bill, which could make so called “legal highs” including Poppers illegal as “ridiculous”.

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  • Petition Started To Remove Poppers From Legal Highs Ban

    Petition Started To Remove Poppers From Legal Highs Ban

    A new petition has been created to urge the Government to drop Poppers from the Psychoactive Substances Bill.

    A petition, created by Carl Howard, is calling for Poppers (alkyl nitrates) to be dropped from the Government’s Psychoactive Substances Bill, which will see all current legal highs banned.

    The law would make selling poppers a criminal offence, with those found guilty of supplying potentially receiving a 7 year prison sentence.

    In his petition Howard says,

    “There is no evidence to suggest that in the vast majority of users poppers cause anything more than a short-lived head rush. Banning them will drive people to seek harmful alternatives. We call upon the government to exclude them from this Bill until hard medical evidence proves otherwise.”

    Speaking to THEGAYUK in August about the law, Liberal Democrat Lord, Brian Paddick said,

    “The way that the law is written, it is any substance that changes your mental state like making you feel happy.

    “So air fresheners for example… Potentially florists could be arrested because the scent given off by roses makes people feel romantic – makes them feel nice or whatever else.

    “By the strict definition of the law they are supplying a substance which when inhaled through sniffing changes your mental state. That’s how ridiculous this law is.”

  • BRIAN PADDICK: UKIP Should Be Allowed To March In Pride

    Speaking to PinkNews Brian Paddick has condemned the decision to ban UKIP LGBT from London’s pride event.

    Originally Pride In London organisers had allowed the LGBT GROUP for UKIP to enter the parade in this year’s march, however following a backlash the board reversed their decision, citing “safety” concerns. The group’s spokesperson decried the decision saying it was “a sad day for diversity and freedom.”

    Speaking to PinkNews, newly-appointed Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman Lord Paddick condemned the move by the board by saying,

    “After years of campaigning to be acknowledged and accepted by society, the last thing LGBTI people should be doing is excluding a group gays and lesbians from Pride that has a legal right to exist.

    “The police and organisers should be facilitating their right to peacefully and safely participate, not using understandable hatred of UKIP as an excuse to ban them.”

    This week Lord Paddick confirmed to THEGAYUK that he was backing Tim Farron to replace Nick Clegg has the Lib Dem’s leader.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Brian Paddick Backs Tim Farron For Lib Dem Party Leader

    Britain’s highest profile out Liberal Democrat member, Lord Brian Paddick has officially backed MP Tim Farron in the race for party leader.

    • Tim Farron “100% Behind LGBTI Rights”
    • Both Tim Farron and Norman Lamb have been nominated, now the party’s 61,000 members will decide who will be leader
    • Brian Paddick confident in Farron’s grassroots approach to politics

    Liberal Democrat peer Brian Paddick has revealed exclusively to the THEGAYUK that he is officially backing ex-Lib Dem party chairman Tim Farron, for leader, after it was revealed that both Tim Farron and Norman Lamb were successful in their nomination for the role that will undoubtedly be a tough struggle to rebuild the Liberal Democrats after a shattering defeat in the General Election.

    The contest for the party’s leadership was sparked by the resignation of Nick Clegg last month after the party lost 49 seats.

    Brian Paddick who was elevated to the House of Lords in 2013, has thrown his weight behind the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, by championing his leadership and campaigning skills, which have enlivened grassroots activists and the Lib Dem membership.

    “I have to be honest here and say that I didn’t think I would ever come to say this, being a supporter of Nick Clegg when he was leader, and bearing in mind on a couple occasions Tim Farron didn’t make some particularly helpful interventions, but I am supporting Tim Farron for leader of the Liberal Democrats, because I think he is exactly the person that the party needs when you consider the position that the party is in at the moment.

    “Tim Farron has shown himself in being a master of connecting with activists and with ordinary members; he did a fantastic job as President of the party.

    “He developed links with all parts of the country, got to know people in practically every corner of the UK, coupled with the fact that he’s very enthusiastic and has loads of energy.

    “If we had been in a different situation and maintained the numbers of MPs that we had, then maybe it would be a different story, but I believe Tim Farron is the leader the Liberal Democrats need at this time.”

    “We’ve got to build the party from the ground up and there’s one thing that Tim Farron is excellent at, and that is ground level politics.”

    When asked if Tim Farron had the right showmanship for leadership and whether in future Leaders’ debates he would turn people on, Brian laughs and says,

    “He’s not my type to be honest, but he is a very effective communicator.”

    Tim Farron has attracted some criticism after he abstained from voting on same-sex marriage. He also voted to delay passage of the same-sex marriage bill, arguing that more time was needed to analyse the impact on religious groups.

    Speaking about Farron’s record on voting Paddick remarked,

    “Tim Farron has come under a lot of criticism from people who either deliberately or simply misread Tim’s position when it came to votes in the House of Commons on equal marriage,

    “He did ask for a change in the timetable to allow more discussion over complex issues around people who have honestly held beliefs who are currently employed as registrars, for example, who would feel very uncomfortable because it conflicts with their faith to conduct an equal marriage ceremony. He felt not enough time had been allowed in the parliamentary time belt to discuss those issues.

    “He has made it absolutely clear subsequently, he was specifically asked by a group of Christians, if there was a equal marriage repeal act or bill to reverse the decision he would absolutely not support that in any way shape or form.

    “As the Liberal Democrats’ gayest highest profile member I am absolutely confident that I can vote for Tim Farron and that he is absolutely 100% behind LGBTI rights.”

    The Liberal Democrats’ 61,000 members will now be able to cast their vote for the person they’d like to see as leader. Ballot papers will be sent on the 24th June, with results announced on the 16th July.

  • Domestic Abuse In LGBT Relationships Twice As Likely

    Domestic Abuse In LGBT Relationships Twice As Likely

    Members of the LGBT community are more than twice as likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the past year compared to those in heterosexual relationships, and almost half of victims say that they didn’t know where to turn for support.

    Domestic violence and abuse in the LGBT+ community is an issue rarely highlighted, with many victims too afraid to speak out. When questioned, 45 per cent of LGBT respondents from the 2013 ROAR study on domestic violence and abuse said that they didn’t seek help for fear that they wouldn’t be taken seriously.

    To raise awareness of this growing issue and to let people know that help is available, the UK’s only LGBT domestic violence charity, Broken Rainbow, has launched its first ever awareness campaign.

    The campaign, running this month, celebrates 10 years since the LGBT charity first brought the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans + (LGBT+) domestic violence and abuse out into the open.

    Last year, over 4,000 calls were made to Broken Rainbow’s helpline; a figure that the charity’s Managing Director (Interim), Jo Harvey Barringer, says is increasing: “Over the past 10 years Broken Rainbow has received more than 25,000 calls from members of the LGBT community in distress, with the number of calls continuing to have an upward trend.”

    Lord Brian Paddick, former Met police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, knows first hand how devastating domestic abuse can be in a relationship.

    ‘I didn’t go to the police because I didn’t want to be open about my sexuality and the type of relationship I was in. I was too embarrassed. We need to be more open about this so that people in abusive relationships realise they are not alone.’

    Lord Paddick says services such as Broken Rainbow’s helpline are vital for those in the LGBT community who often face coercive control, emotional or physical abuse at the hand of their partners.

    ‘Unacceptable behaviour in a domestic abuse setting can and tragically does escalate to violence. Despite the research, the experience and the good work by some police forces, there is little the police can do to combat emotional abuse. Broken Rainbow’s helpline offers a place where those who feel they have no where to turn can confide and find support.’

    Jaci Quennell, Broken Rainbow UK Trustee, echoes Lord Paddick’s comments about the difficulties of combating emotional abuse, ‘It took years for me to realise how emotionally and psychologically abusive my partner was – it was so insidious that I couldn’t see it. She ridiculed me and sabotaged my studies, my job applications and my friendships. It only really sank in how effective she had been when old friends that I hadn’t seen for years were upset at what they saw as the complete dismantling of my sense of self-worth’.

    Twenty-three year old Hugo Sugg experienced domestic abuse in his first-ever relationship, and says that the support of a service like Broken Rainbow would have been invaluable.

    ‘In hindsight, I didn’t realise how much control my partner had over me at the time, he controlled who I saw at college and would become insanely jealous.’

    Hugo finally ended the relationship when he was woken by his partner screaming at him, angered by text messages he’d found on Hugo’s phone.

    ‘It was then I decided enough was enough, he begged me to stay but I decided it was time to leave and went to stay with a friend.’

    Hugo’s story is just one of the many previously untold about abuse in LGBT relationships. The aim of Broken Rainbow’s campaign is to encourage others to speak out and highlight the help that is available to those who need support.

    Twenty-eight year old Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson has thrown his support behind Broken Rainbow’s cause. Having played Ste Hay in Hollyoaks, he says there is a popular misconception that needs to be overcome in LGBT relationships.

    ‘After playing a character in Hollyoaks who suffered abuse in a gay relationship, I was astounded at the amount of people saying: ‘it’s two guys they can just hit each other back.’

    This statement is categorically wrong and by highlighting this issue and by helping people understand and educating them, we can change this perception.

    ‘It’s extremely important to recognise charities, such as Broken Rainbow UK, that highlight domestic abuse in an LGBT relationship. Much has been mentioned in the news and popular culture on domestic abuse but it needs to be clearer that it occurs in ALL relationships no matter what gender.’