AN MP's bid for equality for same-sex relationships within the Armed Forces has been backed by the Secretary of State for Defence.

Colchester MP Will Quince tweeted his delight at the defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, being in support of couples who want a civil marriage, partnership or same-sex marriage in the Armed Forces, to be treated the same as their heterosexual counterparts.

Mr Quince had asked the defence chief what steps were being taken for this to happen.

The response was the "relevant legislation should be changed so that all members of the Armed Forces, whether they want religious ceremonies, civil partnerships or marriage, or same-sex marriage, are treated equally."

The change in the law Mr Williamson is seeking, is for ceremonies to be allowed on MoD sites without compromising national security.

He added: "Meanwhile, more widely in the Armed Forces, I am determined that the MoD should continue to be a leader in supporting the LGBT community, and to build on the strong progress to-date."