British Prime Minister Gordon Brown released a statement over the weekend, calling for an end to violence against trans people.

On November 11th official Trans Remembrance Day the Prime Minister released a statement deploring violence and hatred against the gender diverse community and said much more needed to be done.

“Today is a chance for all of us to reflect on how far we have come and what is left to do in the battle for equality,” Brown wrote in a statement to PinkNews.co.uk.

“The Gender Recognition Act is just one of a range of measures introduced by this government to deliver fairness on LGBT rights, but the level of violence, harassment and discrimination still faced by the trans community is utterly unacceptable and I am committed to doing all that we can, through the recent Hate Crime Action plan and the forthcoming Equalities Bill, to deliver true equality.

“Defeating hate will take not just policies but pride, so please accept my thanks for your courage in speaking out against bigotry wherever it is found.”

Vigils, performance nights and celebrations were held around the world over the weekend, to pay respect to trans people no longer with us, and celebrate the resilience of those for whom violence is an every day reality.