Warwickshire Pride defends Pride Flag amid council controversy
– 1 min read
Warwickshire Pride has spoken out in support of Warwickshire County Council’s Chief Executive, Monica Fogarty, following a controversial request from the council’s acting leader, 18-year-old Cllr George Finch of Reform UK, to remove the Pride flag from outside Shire Hall, which is the main office and meeting place for Warwickshire County Council.
The flag, which had been flying throughout June to mark Pride Month, was scheduled to be taken down at the end of the month. However, Cllr Finch, just a week into his interim leadership role, instructed Ms Fogarty to remove it early. She declined, stating in an email published by The Telegraph, “I am afraid I will not be taking the action that you are requesting.”
Warwickshire Pride responded with a statement condemning the pressure placed on Ms Fogarty, noting that the Chief Executive holds delegated authority over which flags are flown at council buildings. Any change to that authority would require a formal policy amendment by councillors.
The group also criticised the reaction from Reform UK’s national leadership, describing it as “vitriolic” and highlighting a particularly inflammatory comment from the party’s former chairman, who claimed a “coup d’état” was underway in Britain - though he reassured supporters that “there were as yet no tanks on the streets.”
“We firmly stand behind Monica Fogarty’s decision to keep the Pride flag flying and for upholding the rights and rules of local government,” Warwickshire Pride stated. “The Pride flag is a symbol of inclusivity and celebrates the diversity of the queer community.”
The organisation urged Cllr Finch to focus on serving all residents of Warwickshire and improving council services. They concluded with a light-hearted remark: “We look forward to seeing the Pride flag return for next year’s Pride Month - but please let us know if you do see any tanks wandering round Warwickshire’s backroads!”
