Police watchdog faces bias allegations over Pride support
– 1 min read
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the UK’s police watchdog, is facing a legal challenge from a 'free speech campaigner' who claims its support for Pride events undermines its impartiality. The move has sparked concern among LGBTQ+ advocates, who see the case as part of a broader backlash against inclusion and visibility.
Harry Miller, a former police officer and founder of the campaign group Fair Cop, has launched a judicial review against the IOPC, arguing that its participation in London’s Pride parade and its membership in LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme constitutes political bias. Miller contends that such involvement compromises the watchdog’s ability to fairly assess complaints related to gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights.
The IOPC, which investigates complaints against police officers, has publicly affirmed its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. In a statement ahead of this summer’s Pride march, the organisation said it was “thrilled to stand with the community to spread love and acceptance and celebrate LGBTQ+ people”.
Critics of the legal challenge argue that Pride is not a political movement but a celebration of human rights and community solidarity. “This is about visibility, support, and ensuring LGBTQ+ people feel safe and seen,” said one activist. “To suggest that standing up for inclusion is somehow biased is deeply troubling.”
The case follows a High Court ruling earlier this year which found that Northumbria Police breached its duty of impartiality by participating in a Pride parade. The judgment has raised questions about how public institutions can engage with community events without being perceived as politically aligned.
Stonewall, while not quoted directly in this case, is central to the debate due to the IOPC’s membership in its Diversity Champions programme. Stonewall has consistently argued that inclusion initiatives are about creating safe and respectful environments, not political bias.
