Pride 2016: Tory MP Justine Greening announces she is in a same-sex relationship

'I campaigned for Stronger In but sometimes you're better off out!'

Justine Greening (AFP/Getty Images)

The Conservative MP Justine Greening has announced she is in a same-sex relationship on the same day as annual LGBT celebrations are taking place across the country.

The International Development Secretary spoke about her sexuality on Twitter as the 43rd annual Pride 2016 march kicked off.

In her message, Ms Greening joked that while she had campaigned for staying in the EU ahead of the referendum, “sometimes you’re better off out!”

The Chancellor George Osborne responded by declaring her tweet the best news he had heard in 48 hours.

The Prime Minister also extended his congratulations to Ms Greening but wisely decided against making a joke about Brexit.

Events are being held in cities across the UK today to mark the LGBTQI community. Thousands have taken to the streets in London for the capital's annual Pride parade, which ends at Whitehall.

A minute’s silence will be held to honour the 49 victims of the Orlando LGBT nightclub shooting. Campaigner Peter Tatchell, who helped to organise the first pride, called for people to unite against hate in the wake of the devasting attack.

“We are highlighting the need for dialogue, unity and solidarity between the Muslim and LGBT communities - to oppose all hate," he said ahead of the parade.

In April, the Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale announced she was in a same-sex relationship on Twitter, making Scotland one of the only countries in the world where the majority of its mainstream party leaders are out as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

The LGBT organisation Stonewall praised Ms Greening’s decision to speak openly about her relationship. A spokesperson told the Independent: “As well as a time of reflection, Pride is a time for solidarity and celebration. We are delighted for Justine Greening that she has chosen this moment to come out to the world, and we wish her nothing but happiness. Congratulations Justine!”