Reform UK accuses West Norfolk Council of “pushing Pride down people’s throats”

Reform UK councillors have attacked West Norfolk Council’s plans to fly the Progress Pride flag at its King’s Lynn headquarters. The dispute erupted when the party accused the borough council of “pushing Pride down people’s throats”, following officials securing long‑overdue permission to fly the updated, more inclusive version of the Pride flag.

According to local reporting, Reform UK’s five‑member group dismissed the decision as a “politically loaded gesture”, insisting that the council should prioritise what they characterise as “core” local issues rather than what they frame as ideological symbolism. Their leader, Julian Kirk, argued the move could open the door to so‑called “mixed changing rooms” and claimed society “needs a reset”, adding that Pride should not be “pushed down people’s throats all the time”.

The remarks prompted a firm rebuttal from Independent councillor Jo Rust, who said she was “proud” officers had followed correct procedures—procedures that were not finalised in time for last year's Pride weekend. Rust emphasised the importance of visibility, adding: “Trans people are people… Their struggle and experiences deserve recognition. As such it is right that our council flies the Progress flag and I hope it continues.”

The dispute in West Norfolk sits within a clear national pattern seen across Reform‑controlled councils, where the party has repeatedly targeted LGBTQ+ symbols and initiatives.

One of the clearest examples comes from Durham County Council, where Reform UK removed both the Pride flag and the Ukrainian flag from council buildings after taking control in 2025. No formal decision was recorded - despite an existing protocol - leading critics to accuse the administration of “dodging democratic accountability”. 

Durham’s new Reform leadership argued the Pride flag was a “niche political symbol” and replaced it with the St George’s flag, prompting strong criticism from LGBTQ+ groups. Durham Pride organisers said the removal sent an exclusionary message after more than a decade of the flag being raised to mark the annual celebration.

The situation escalated further when it emerged that Reform UK would “not be giving a single penny” to Durham Pride going forward. Party figures dismissed the event as “political street theatre”, while reiterating their commitment to fly only the Union Jack, the St George’s Cross and county standards across all Reform‑run councils.