Norwich officers banned from wearing uniforms at Pride event
Police to attend Pride in Norwich but not in uniform
Uniformed police officers have been banned from taking part in next week’s Norwich Pride by their force.
Norfolk Constabulary has issued the edict for staff for the second year in a row, having previously been a regular participant in the event.
The decision not to take part follows a 2025 High Court judgement that ruled uniformed officers joining Pride parades was unlawful because it broke the police’s legal duty to remain neutral on political and social issues.
Norfolk officers are still permitted to take part when off duty and not in police uniform.
Officers will still be present at the event, on July 25, on public order duty.
However, it is understood they will be given advice on the extent to which they will be permitted to get involved in the festivities.
In previous years, officers have worn rainbow face paint, taken selfies and danced with people taking part.
The force has declined to give details of its new guidelines and whether such activities will be permitted.
Last year’s court case was brought against the chief constable of Northumbria Police by Linzi Smith, a lesbian who describes herself as “gender critical”.
The term is used to describe critics of gender ideology – the idea that the gender someone identifies as should take precedence over biological sex.
They argue such beliefs erode women’s rights.
Ms Smith argued that police participation in Pride events which promote gender ideology meant officers would have been unable to remain impartial in a dispute between those with gender critical beliefs and supporters of gender ideology.
A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said: “Our policy remains the same following a High Court judicial review ruling last year which stated that uniformed officers taking part in Pride would constitute a breach of impartiality.
“As a result of the ruling and following our legal obligations, Norfolk Constabulary does not take part in the Pride march.
“Both officers and staff not on duty or in police uniform can take part in their own time.”
Pride has been the focus of political debate in Norfolk in recent weeks.
The incoming Reform administration at Norfolk County Council has stopped the flying of the Progress Pride flag from County Hall.
The party’s councillors have also criticised the promotion of Pride in Norfolk libraries although the administration later clarified it was “content” for library staff to take part in Pride events.
Reform’s new policy on the Progress Pride flag has been a factor in the so-called ‘rainbow rebellion’ at County Hall, where staff unhappy at the decision and other changes have been wearing rainbow badges as a sign of defiance.
Reform have played down concerns of a “fractured” workforce, and instead argued that staff have been “very engaging” and “very keen”.