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The leaders of the three major parties in the UK have stretched their support to a new organisation which aspires to promote and uphold gay rights around the world.

The Kaleidoscope International Diversity Trust will be directed at campaigning for diversity and bringing to an end to homophobic prejudice and violence, as well as pressing for respect and protection of rights for all regardless of sexual orientation.

In a letter endorsing the group’s initiative sent last month, David Cameron drew attention to the “appalling” manner in which LGB&Ts were treated as their rights are “trampled on”.

He asserted that LGB&T equality was a “hugely important” subject for the Government, calling Britain to be a “global beacon for reform”.

“Our country has made real progress on LGB&T equality and, without forgetting how far we’ve still got to go domestically, it is right that we should now increasingly turn our attention towards bringing about change abroad,” the Prime Minister wrote.

“In some countries, it’s simply appalling how people can be treated – how their rights are trampled on and the prejudices, and even violence, they suffer. So I want Britain to be a global beacon for reform. That’s why I am delighted to send my best wishes to Kaleidoscope, and wish them well in their work.

Mr Cameron said the government proposals include acting internationally on LGB&T issues -covering issues like asylum and protecting the rights of British citizens living, working or travelling abroad.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also expressed his confidence in the organisation’s “innovative and unique” approach in progressing LGB&T rights both at home and on a worldwide scale.

“The vision the organization is articulating — for a world where everyone can express their sexuality without fear of prejudice — is one all liberals stand behind. And we share your belief that global problems, ultimately, have grassroots, local solutions,” the Lib Dem leader said in a statement.

While Labour’s Ed Miliband, said he was proud to offer his support to the group’s aim “to protect LGBT people from prejudice and persecution across the world”.

Currently, homosexuality is criminalised in 76 countries, including 38 of the 54 members of the Commonwealth. Penalties vary from 25 years imprisonment in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and 20 years plus flogging in Malaysia.

Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Mauritania and Sudan – have all used the death penalty against gay people while several countries, including Sierra Leone, Pakistan Tanzania and Bangladesh have imposed life imprisonment.

The Kaleidoscope Trust, backed by high-profile figures, including singers Elton John and George Michael, and journalist and former Conservative MP Matthew Parris, was launched yesterday at the House of Commons with a reception hosted by the Speaker, John Bercow MP, who also acts as the body’s Honorary President. The event was graced by150 guests including politicians, human rights activists, celebrities and supporters.

One of the founding members of Kaleidoscope, Bisi Alimi, who was forced to leave his home country, Nigeria, because he openly declared his sexuality on national television, spoke at the reception:

“My life was threatened but I have had another opportunity to live. The likes of David Kato in Uganda, the three gay men who were recently hanged in Iran and the numerous lesbians raped and killed in South Africa were not as lucky as me. This is the reason I, and many other LGBT activists, are delighted that Kaleidoscope is doing something new. Something that has never been done before.”