The leader of Liverpool Council has expressed concerns that there may be "something more sinister" behind the neighbouring St Helens Council's decision to withdraw support for town Pride events. Earlier this month, after sweeping to power in May, the Reform UK leadership of St Helens Borough Council confirmed it would no longer provide backing for LGBT+ events throughout June.
The town's new leader, Councillor George Woodward, confirmed he instructed council officers to cease engagement with "all aspects of the event." It is also understood that library teams at the council have been told to remove any references to Pride from council libraries in St Helens.
Liverpool Leader's Response
Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, criticised his Liverpool City Region colleague's move, labelling it the "wrong decision." The city Labour chief said he worried it sent a message that "certain groups aren't welcome" in St Helens.
In his statement on social media, Councillor Woodward said his group did not consider "celebrations of sexuality, especially those with left-wing political leanings such as Pride, to be appropriate for St Helens Borough Council to dedicate valuable officer resources." This followed Reform UK's decision to cease its support for planned Refugee Week events.
Robinson's Concerns
Discussing the move, Councillor Robinson told BBC Radio Merseyside he did not agree with his new combined authority cabinet colleague. He said: "Being very blunt about it, wrong decision at the end of the day. Every locality should be welcoming of all different groups. Let's remember what Pride really is all about; yes it's particularly special for the LGBTQ+ community but it's also about allowing everybody to celebrate exactly who all of us individuals in a wider community are."
He added: "I do think it was completely the wrong decision. I think the bit that worries me, being dead blunt about it, my understanding is St Helens Council has never funded Pride. For the council to turn round and say they're not going to support it, I worry there's something more sinister to that and it's about saying certain groups aren't welcome and that's bang out of line."
Councillor Robinson said Liverpool would "never have that approach."
Metro Mayor's Criticism
Last week, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram came out against Councillor Woodward's decision and expressed his disappointment at Reform UK's approach. Mr Rotheram said Pride events were something "we should be proud to promote." He added: "Pride is about celebrating the love of people to each other and I think that's a good thing in a world of madness that we have these celebrations, these commemorations, these comings together which brings communities closer."
The pulling of support was also criticised by St Helens' Labour MPs David Baines and Marie Rimmer.
