Oxford Pride has slammed the Socialist Workers Party Oxford (SWP) after it attended Pride at the weekend despite being banned – along with all other parties - from the event. 

Oxford Pride announced earlier this month that, amid attacks against trans communities, political parties would not be welcome to attend this year’s event.

In a statement at the time, Oxford Pride said: “We must keep the focus firmly where it belongs: on the growing inequalities and targeted attacks faced by our trans siblings here in the UK.” Organisers said at the time that while any individual may attend the event, they were not allowed as part of a party and could not wear party branding. 

In a statement published today, Monday, 9 June, Oxford Pride said: “We are deeply disappointed that members of the Socialist Workers Party Oxford chose to attend our event on Saturday under their political banner, despite our clear and repeated requests that no political parties do so this year.

“Our guidance was public, shared on our website, press, and social channels, and made in solidarity with the global trans community. While individuals were welcome, no party materials or promotion were permitted. SWP ignored this, handing out flyers and leaving placards behind, creating extra work for our unpaid volunteers.

“Other political groups respected our request and are now rightly asking why SWP did not. This action undermines the trust we work hard to build and has caused upset within our community.

“We ask SWP Oxford to reflect on the impact of their actions and issue a public apology.” 

Similar bans have been announced at other Pride events in Birmingham, Brighton, London, and Manchester.

These Prides - four of the UK’s largest - have suspended the involvement of political parties in their events to express “unequivocal solidarity” with the trans community, and would not amend their decision until political parties demonstrated a “tangible commitment to trans rights”. 

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Graham Robson
Graham Robson

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