On Wednesday I was proud to join other Labour MPsin backing Conor McGinn’s 10 minute Rule Bill to allow same sex marriage for couples in Northern Ireland. Same sex marriage in the UK has been legal for some time, but in Northern Ireland people are still denied that right.

A decision on whether or not to legalise it would normally be decided by the Northern Ireland Assembly, but it has not been functioning for more than a year.Mr McGinn’s bill could be instrumental in changing the law. The LGBT community in Northern Ireland should not have to wait any longer.

It’s time for change and supporting Conor’s 10 minute rule bill today is an important step toward making that happen.