The director of Liverpool Pride has expressed deep disappointment after two key organisations—Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS)—confirmed they will not participate in this year's events, citing legal developments and national guidance on impartiality.
Organisations Withdraw Following Legal Guidance
Wirral Pride founder Jamie Lee Carter, 36, from Wallasey, received an email from MFRS stating the authority would not support any related Pride events. The service, which had a presence at festivities in recent years, confirmed it can no longer support Pride following "legal developments." Merseyside Police also decided against direct involvement, with Assistant Chief Constable Matt Smith citing concerns about "taking a side." Both organisations referenced the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) national guidance, which advises forces to maintain operational impartiality regarding Pride events. However, NPCC guidance is not law, and chief constables retain operational independence to adapt or deviate based on local priorities.
LCR Pride Director Responds
On Tuesday, June 23, LCR Pride director James Doherty told the ECHO: "We are deeply disappointed by the decision of Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service to withdraw their official participation from this year's Pride. Receiving this news during Pride Month is a stark reminder of why Pride remains as essential today as it has ever been." He added: "To claim that standing visibly with our community compromises impartiality is deeply flawed. Human rights and the safety of marginalised groups are not 'sides' in a political debate. By withdrawing their visible support—and in the case of MFRS, actively requesting the erasure of historical photos of their past participation—they are damaging the community outreach and trust they have spent years trying to build."
Impact on Community and Future Events
Doherty noted that seeing local emergency workers march proudly alongside the community provided immense reassurance, especially to younger and more vulnerable members. "That vital visibility has now been lost," he said. Despite the setback, he affirmed that celebrations and protests will go ahead "louder and prouder than ever." The withdrawals follow a similar pattern elsewhere: West Midlands Ambulance Service, along with police and fire services, withdrew from Birmingham Pride in line with NPCC guidance. However, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed its stance to the ECHO, with a spokesperson stating: "Our focus is on supporting our staff and the diverse communities we serve. Taking part in Pride is one way we show our commitment to being an inclusive employer and to reassure LGBT+ communities that they will receive fair and equitable care if they need our services." Those who attend from NWAS do so voluntarily and in their own time.
Political Context and Local Reactions
The decisions come after St Helens' new Reform UK council leader, Cllr George Woodward, announced his local authority would scrap support for Pride events in the borough. Woodward, who became leader after his party swept to power in last month's local elections, instructed council officers to cease engagement with "all aspects of the event." Library teams were reportedly told to remove references to Pride from council libraries. Despite this, a successful Pride event was held in the town, funded by community groups and donations, with no council involvement.
