THIS WEDNESDAY activists from Huddersfield Pride Queer Collective, Stand Up To Racism, Unison and more have been protesting the decision by Kirklees Council not to include the Pride flag on the list of “approved” flags for their recently announced flag policy, affecting which flags can be flown on civic buildings.
The announcement is being considered especially controversial by some due to Huddersfield being the host of the first national Pride outside of London in July 1981. Held in response to West Yorkshire Police’s targeting of The Gemini Club, a popular nightclub for gay and bisexual men.
Earlier this month Council Leader Cllr Sarah Wood (Reform) announced the change. Defending the policy at the time Wood said: “The new policy sets out a clear approach”, while focusing on the “symbols that unite us all”.
Meaning now that “only the Union Flag, Flag of St George, Civic Flag and specific flags associated with ‘named days’ set out in the policy will be permitted”.
Kirklees Green Party and opposition group leader Cllr Andrew Cooper described the measure as “divisive, unnecessary and a waste of time.”
Cooper said: “With so many problems facing the people of Kirklees it is disappointing that the first thing Reform decided to do is create division when there are so many other issues that need their attention.”
Responding to Cllr Cooper’s comments, Sarah Wood said: “The policy is in line with what our voters have told us they want and I have nothing further to add.”
While the Kirklees Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Anthony Smith has written to the council leader formally, requesting for the policy to be paused and reviewed.
Smith added: “The Liberal Democrats have called in this decision because we will not stand by while the administration picks ideological fights instead of getting on with the job of running the council.”
The approach mirrors decisions taken by other Reform UK–led authorities, including Wakefield Council, Durham Council and Calderdale Council.
Speaking to T’HUD, Huddersfield Pride co-ordinator Harry Duggan has said they are “uncertain” and “preparing for the worst [-case scenario]” where Kirklees does not contribute to funding Huddersfield Pride next year. Looking to alternative sources of funding such as “through the community”, trade unions, community groups and charities—in addition to seeking grant funding.
On the flag policy itself, they described flying flags as a “cost-neutral way of showing solidarity and support and recognition for all the communities that different flags represent
“I think seeing the LGBTQ+ flag removed from their approved list of flags really gives that image that they’re completely throwing away this process that’s worked, that showed real solidarity with all the communities across Kirklees”
In an earlier statement to T’HUD, Duggan added: “A community led Huddersfield Pride this year has created the largest most visible LGBTQ+ community we have had in Huddersfield for a long time and we’re not going anywhere.”
The protest itself was attended by an estimated 115 people outside of the Town Hall. With a number of Kirklees councillors giving speeches addressing the crowd, including Cllrs Ammar Anwar (Independent), Anthony Smith, Andrew Cooper, Tanisha Bramwell (Kirklees Independents) and Toby Cooper (Green)—in addition to speakers representing other groups and campaigns.
During the speeches however, there was some unexpected heckling from a number of onlookers and local youth, with one escorted from the protest area by West Yorkshire Police officers after becoming disruptive.
Also in attendance to show their support were Huddersfield Students’ Union President Dobby Dey, Activities Officer Mel Doyle, Education Officer Zavi Saif and Equity Officer Abdul Edrees.
T’HUD has reached out to the HSU President Dobby Dey for comment.
In response to a deputation regarding the flag policy and support for future Prides the same day, Cllr Pip Harvey (Reform) the Cabinet member for Place, Culture and Volunteering responded saying: “The decision about our flags are flown from council buildings [sic] is about the council’s civic identity and how it represents the whole district.
“Our approach is to use flags that represent our shared civic institutions, our national identity and the places and communities that make up Kirklees. Nothing in this policy is intended to, or does, diminish our respect for LGBTQ+ people or the contribution that they make to Kirklees. Nor does it mean that Pride or LGBTQ+ organisations are excluded from council engagement or support.”
Later adding: “Where council support, permissions or public money are involved, those matters will be considered through the proper processes and against the same principles and fairness, proportionality, affordability and value for money that apply to everyone.”
If you are interested in getting involved with Huddersfield Pride Queer Collective to organise the 2027 Huddersfield Pride, Harry Duggan has said: “follow us on Instagram or Facebook @HuddersfieldPride or email us at HuddersfieldPride@gmail.com.
“We will soon be having an open meeting (…) where people can come along and learn more about what we’re all about and how people can get involved but keep an eye on socials for more information.”
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