A Statement from Warwickshire Pride’s Board of Trustees

Earlier this year, the trustees of Warwickshire Pride decided to not permit any political parties to participate in this year’s Warwickshire Pride festival.

The decision was made following the previous government’s ongoing hostility towards LGBT+ people, and the current government introducing harmful policies and going back on election manifesto promises.

As a charity, Warwickshire Pride is accountable to the Charity Commission and must adhere to charity legislation. It is not permitted for charities to show political bias to any party. By allowing some political parties to participate in this year’s Warwickshire Pride festival but not permitting others, questions would rightly be asked, and we would be open to sanctions from the Charity Commission.

Therefore, and following decisions taken by a growing number of other Prides around the UK, a decision was made to not permit any political parties to participate this year.

Individuals who happen to be members of a political party are welcome to attend. It is official political party representation that we are not permitting.

That has been communicated to the political parties that have applied to participate this year. Unfortunately, the Liberal Democrats have not taken the news well and have sent a press release to the local media that could have a negative impact on Warwickshire Pride and the communities we serve.

The Liberal Democrats’ decision to do that is regrettable. We have offered dialogue and the opportunity to explore other ways of engagement and supporting LGBT+ communities. It is unfortunate that instead of taking up that offer, they have gone to the press.

Political parties do not have an automatic right to attend Pride. It is a privilege that is given.

We call on the Liberal Democrats to engage in positive dialogue with us, as has been offered, rather than playing this out in the press. The LGBT+ communities we serve deserve better.