prejudices and abuse that many homosexuals face are simply ignored by politicians. It’s time this changed, and I am happy to help make that change happen.'

The event will address issues such as tackling homophobic abuse, leading healthy lifestyles, and improving cooperation between the voluntary sector and government.

Tim Yeo MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Public Services, Health & Education, will open the summit. Contributions will also be heard from Conservative London mayoral candidate Steve Norris, Shadow Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs Alan Duncan MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley MP, Commander Brian Paddick of the Metropolitan Police, the Terrence Higgins Trust's Head of Policy and Public Affairs Lisa Power, and television presenter Dr David Bull.

Chairman of Gay Conservatives James Davenport, who will attend the summit with Deputy Chairman Cllr Michael Vearncombe, welcomed the summit as an opportunity for the Party to listen: 'Conservatives can use this event as an important contribution to formulating policies in support of young gay men and lesbians. This is, more than anything else I think, a listening exercise - it's an opportunity for organisations that do such remarkable work to tell us what they need from the next Conservative Government.'

Deputy Chairman of Gay Conservatives Micheal Vearncombe, who is a Westminster City Councillor, said that 'the Conservative Party is seeking real solutions to real problems - we want the best for young gay men and lesbians.'