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# Unions rally to support Durham Pride after Reform UK council withdraws funding
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/unions-rally-to-support-durham-pride-after-reform-uk-council-withdraws-funding/
- Published: 2025-08-22T11:51:21.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-22T11:51:21.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: UK

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”.