Unions rally to support Durham Pride after Reform UK council withdraws funding
– 1 min read
Trade unions across the North East have pledged their support for Durham Pride following a controversial decision by the newly elected Reform UK-led Durham County Council to withdraw financial backing for the annual LGBTQ+ celebration.
The council, which had previously invested up to £10,000 in the event as part of its cultural outreach, announced it would no longer fund Pride, citing a shift in priorities towards essential services. Deputy council leader Darren Grimes, a gay man, criticised the event, calling it “political street theatre” and stating, “Durham Pride won’t be getting a single penny from this council next year”.
Our relationship with the lesbian and gay community goes back to 1984 when they supported the miners during the strike. We will reciprocate that support.
In response, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) have stepped in to ensure the event continues. Dave Pike, regional secretary for the TUC North East, Yorkshire & Humber, condemned the council’s stance, saying, “While the Reform party is promoting division, I am proud to stand alongside the LGBT-plus community in Durham, and the Miners Association, for unity and for a society that respects people regardless of our differences".
The unions have announced a major fundraising campaign, including a special screening of the 2014 film Pride, which tells the story of solidarity between striking miners and LGBTQ+ activists in the 1980s. The event, scheduled for 5 September at Redhills Miners’ Hall, will feature a panel discussion with Mike Jackson, a founding member of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.
Stephen Guy, Chair of the Durham Miners’ Association, reaffirmed the group’s commitment: “Our relationship with the lesbian and gay community goes back to 1984 when they supported the miners during the strike. We will reciprocate that support”.
Durham Pride Chair Mel Metcalf highlighted the importance of the event in the face of growing prejudice: “Today, as a new and growing prejudice threatens our trans siblings, it is again the Durham Miners and the trade union movement that stands with us”.
