Britons 'care more about animals than LGBT+ rights', study claims

Brits care more about animal rights than the rights of LGBT+ people, according to a new study.

A survey conducted by YouGov and Pride in London found that seven percent of straight people were concerned by animal rights while three percent were worried about LGBT+ rights.

It compares with 44 percent of LGBT+ respondents polled who said they were concerned about tolerance of individuals with different sexualities or genders.

The Pride Matters poll comes as London celebrates Pride festival which is currently under way and will culminate on July 7.

It also found that one in three LGBT+ people have been verbally abused because of their identity, sexuality or gender.

While three quarters of LGBT+ people said they didn't feel comfortable showing affection to a partner in public.

In the study's foreword, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "shocked" to hear some of the statistics.

He said that Pride London was "central to London's position as a beacon of inclusiveness and acceptance as well as being one of the top gems in our city's calendar. Above all, it shows that London is open to all people, regardless of background, religion, race, gender, disability, age or sexuality."

Alison Camps, co-chairwoman of Pride in London, said: "Our research shows that, although many in this country may think LGBT+ people have achieved equality, the reality is that we are by no means equal."

"Together with our straight allies, we see it as our collective responsibility to challenge harmful attitudes across society and highlight the reality that LGBT+ people face in all aspects of their lives."