TWEEDDALE MP David Mundell says he has “no regrets” about coming out, speaking at the Pink News Awards in London on Wednesday night.

The ceremony, which is now in its fourth year, recognises contributions to the LGBT+ community and celebrates diversity.

And at the awards Mr Mundell said: “I am delighted to be part of this year’s Pink News awards which celebrate a huge range of contributions to LGBT+ equality. 

“It is right we mark these achievements and how much our society has changed for the better, but we can’t be complacent and we must face up to and tackle homophobia wherever it exists, and particularly where it manifests itself as the bullying too many young people have to endure.

“I also want to see work continue to address the issues that face the transgender community across the UK and bring them the equality they deserve.”

The MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale came out as gay earlier in January and says it is one of the best decisions he has made.

He added: “While coming out earlier this year was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life, it’s also proved to be among the best. 

“There is no template for it and everybody must do what is right for them and their personal circumstances, but I have no regrets. 

“I said at the time that I did it for myself and it really has made a difference to personal happiness by allowing me to be completely the person I am.

“I am so grateful not just to all those who have offered me their love and support since I came out, but to those who went before and helped make my path so much easier than it would have been only a few years ago.

“However, I am acutely aware that many people don’t have the support I’ve had particularly from their families.

“That’s why it’s so important we continue to speak out to end prejudice and campaign until equality for everybody in the LGBT+ community is without question.”