Reform councils’ Pride flag bans condemned by unions

Two of the UK’s largest trade unions have condemned a Reform council’s decision to ban Pride flags from public buildings.

A policy from both the North and West Northamptonshire Council allows only the Union Jack, St George’s flag, and the council flags to be flown.

Approved in June, the newly elected Reform UK administration said its “revised approach” would ensure “consistent and respectful use of public buildings.”

The Royal College of Nursing and Unite, who represent a combined 1.35 million UK workers across a variety of sectors, heavily condemned the policy, saying that it “isn’t about neutrality – it’s about erasure“.

In a joint statement reported by the BBC, the unions argued that banning the Pride flag “sends the wrong message to LGBTQ+ residents, staff, and patients across the region.”

“The Pride flag is a symbol of dignity, respect, and the ongoing fight for equality,” a spokesperson continued. “We’re proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ members and colleagues. We call on local leaders to do the same.”

Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council insisted it was committed to supporting all residents and “community-led activities, including providing its support to organising the recent Northampton Pride activities.”

North Northamptonshire Council, in a separate statement, said it would fly “other national flags” when deemed appropriate while clarifying the policy applied to flagpoles “at our corporate buildings” but not other flag poles in the region.

Under the flag protocol, the Reform UK council said additional flags could be flown on specific dates, either for royal or national occasions.

Shortly following the policy’s approval, the council flew flags outside of the designated flag selection to mark Armed Forces Day.

Labour councillor, Zoe Smith, said in June that the LGBTQ+ community “will not be erased by a flag protocol,” adding that it diminishes the “dignity and civil responsibility of this council and the way we represent all our people.”

Tory councillor, David Smith, said at the time that Reform UK had “no manifesto” and “no strategic vision.”

“Your only notable initiative is a divisive flag policy that sidelines symbols of inclusion and unity,” he said prior to a vote on the policy.

“[It] is shameful you doing this, you should think again. Understand the community you now represent, and do the right thing and actually vote against this.”