Council says it supports Pride despite flag stance

A council that will no longer fly an LGBTQ+ rainbow flag from any of its buildings has insisted it remained "committed to supporting community-led events and activities" including Pride.

The newly-elected Reform UK administration on West Northamptonshire Council made changes to its flag protocol after coming to power last month.

The protocol dictates that only the union jack, St George's flag and council flag will be flown outside its buildings.

Mark Arnull, council leader, said the new protocol "prioritises the flying of flags on council buildings that foremostly reflect our local and national identity as a place that represents everyone living in West Northamptonshire".

It comes after Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South, had shared an open letter to Arnull and the Reform UK administration at the council calling for "clarity and reassurance" for LGBTQ+ people following the policy change.

Under the new flag protocol, the council said additional flags would be flown on specified dates for royal or national occasions.

These include plans for an Armed Forces Day flag for a week from 23 June, but no flag would be flown to reflect this month's international Pride month, as has been the case in previous years.

The Reform-controlled local authority said it "continued to give its backing to a busy and varied local community events calendar for the year ahead".

It said it would provide resource and support to community organisers for events including Pride, Windrush, Diwali and others.

Arnull said: "We acknowledge the role that local community forums play in promoting an inclusive environment for everyone who lives and works in West Northants and continue to support this work."

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.