New UK Envoy to champion LGBT+ rights globally

• new Special Envoy for rights Lord Collins will champion UK efforts to protect people from violence, persecution and discrimination globally

• appointment builds on the UK's commitment to international rights and role as host of the European Forum in 2027

• new Envoy will strengthen partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians and business to defend human rights and support locally led change

people facing violence, persecution and discrimination around the world will be championed by the appointment of Lord Collins of Highbury as the UK Special Envoy for Rights.

The appointment comes as communities, human rights defenders and civil society organisations face rising hostility, less freedom to speak publicly and more severe discriminatory laws in a number of countries.

As Special Envoy, Lord Collins will strengthen UK partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians, business and international organisations. He will support diplomatic and development work to protect and advance human rights and reduce violence against people.

FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights, Chris Elmore, said:

"Everyone should be able to live safely and freely, no matter who they are or who they love. Lord Collins' appointment strengthens the UK's work with civil society and international partners to defend rights, tackle violence and persecution, and support practical change around the world."

Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Special Envoy for Rights, said:

I am honoured to be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for Rights. No one should face violence, criminalisation or exclusion because of who they are or who they love.

I look forward to working with governments, parliamentarians, civil society, business and communities to defend human rights, support those at greatest risk and help ensure people everywhere can live safely, freely and with dignity.

Lord Collins has a strong record of championing human rights, equality and inclusion. He serves as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities and has previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The role will report to the FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights and will complement the UK's wider work to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms globally.

The appointment forms part of wider government action to advance equality and protect people from abuse, including the draft Conversion Practices Bill and the UK's role as host of the European Forum in London in 2027.

Notes to editors:

• Lord Collins of Highbury succeeds Lord Herbert of South Downs, who served as the first UK Special Envoy for Rights from May 2021 until January 2025

• the UK announced a £21 million commitment in May 2026 to advance rights internationally over three years, supporting legal reform, people's right to speak freely, and locally led organisations tackling violence and persecution

• the UK will host the European Forum in London in May 2027, bringing together governments, civil society organisations, policymakers and advocates from across Europe

• Lord Collins will continue to fulfil his separate duties as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities