Pride flags row: banners to be taken down by Reform UK-run Calderdale Council
Calderdale Council’s ruling Reform UK administration have confirmed the banners are being removed, under criticism from Labour
Rainbow Pride banners which have been installed at around 30 sites in Calderdale are coming down.
Calderdale Council’s ruling Reform UK administration have confirmed the banners are being removed, under criticism from Labour who argue these were paid for by £8,500 raised by crowdfunding and displayed by a commercial company under contract with the council.
But the council’s Leader, Coun Dan Sutherland, says the banners have been removed under rules as set by the UK Government.
On a Facebook post, Calderdale Labour said: “Calderdale Labour condemns the Reform administration’s decision to order the removal of Pride/Progress banners from across our borough.
“Let’s be clear: these banners were not paid for by council taxpayers.
“They were funded through crowdfunding and displayed by a commercial company under contract with Calderdale Council.
“Reform has chosen to remove them for political reasons alone.”
But Coun Sutherland (Reform UK, Illingworth and Mixenden) said that was not the case.
On the council’s social media outlets, he said: “We have ordered the removal of the installations which were placed on council property without approval.
“This has been done at no cost to the taxpayer.
“Installing the Pride Progress banners without the appropriate consent is illegal.
“This is under rules as set by the UK Government.
“Calderdale Council is committed to ensuring the rule of law is followed and will enforce vigorously against those who choose to act illegally.
“To be clear, this commitment to the rule of law extends to condemning homophobic behaviour.
“Calderdale is an inclusive place where people are free to express themselves and live happily free from prejudice.
“We stand firm against those who spread hatred or seek to inflame community tensions through divisive actions,” he said.
Leader of the Labour group on Calderdale Council, Coun Adam Wilkinson (Sowerby Bridge) disagreed and claimed the decision was political in intent.
“This decision says everything about Reform’s priorities.
“These banners cost Calderdale taxpayers nothing, yet removing them will.
“Instead of tackling the real challenges facing our borough, one of the very first acts of this new Reform administration is to wage a divisive culture war,” he said.
Coun Wilkinson said it sent an unwelcoming message to LGBTQ+ residents and their families.
“We urge the Reform administration to reverse this decision and focus instead on the issues that genuinely matter to the people of Calderdale,” he said.