The First Minister has rightly said that, as currently drafted, the deal between the Conservatives and the DUP all but kills the idea of fair funding for the nations and regions. This deal flies in the face of fairness, full stop. It is dismaying, disappointing and deeply disturbing that Theresa May has cobbled together a deal with a party with such a terrible track record when it comes to equality. It would seem that Theresa May cares more about clinging to power than our basic human rights. The DUP has been consistently visceral in its opposition to LGBT rights. It staunchly opposes same-sex marriage, and has vetoed several attempts to pass new legislation, as a consequence treating us and telling LGBT people that we are second-class citizens.

Ian Paisley Jr has previously called homosexuality immoral, offensive and obnoxious, and said that he was repulsed by gays and lesbians. Well I’m sure the vast majority of us are likewise repulsed by Ian Paisley Jr’s obnoxious bigotry, intolerance and discrimination. The First Minister, in his opening, said the deal undermines the very spirit of fairness and solidarity. I think, now, we must still stand in the spirit of solidarity, and it’s paramount for all fair and progressive politicians to call out this deal with the DUP, and speak up for the equalities and the rights of all LGBT citizens—not just here in Wales, but across the UK and including Northern Ireland.