Wiltshire Police faces legal challenge overs its support of Pride events

Wiltshire Police is facing a High Court battle after free speech campaigners accused the force of breaching its duty of neutrality by actively supporting Pride events.

The judicial review, led by barrister Sarah Phillimore, co-founder of the Fair Cop organisation, centres on Wiltshire Police’s presence at Swindon Pride this summer. Officers reportedly ran a stall at the event, wearing police-branded T-shirts featuring Pride motifs and Progress lanyards, while displaying Pride flags and handing out stickers to attendees. Campaigners argue this amounts to political endorsement of LGBTQ+ causes.

Phillimore claims such involvement undermines public confidence in police impartiality, particularly during disputes over gender identity and transgender rights. “Pride is a political cause and Wiltshire Police should not be supporting it,” said James Gardner of Conrathe Gardner LLP, representing Phillimore. He added that the display implied “the police support trans causes” at a time of heightened national debate over gender ideology.

The case follows a similar ruling earlier this year against Northumbria Police, where the High Court warned that visible support for transgender rights - such as displaying flags on patrol vehicles - risked raising doubts about “fairness and impartiality”. Mr Justice Linden noted that officers could later be called upon to mediate clashes between gender-critical groups and LGBTQ+ activists, creating concerns over bias.

Wiltshire Police has defended its actions, insisting attendance formed part of an “official policing response” focused on community engagement. Superintendent Conway Duncan said: “Our officers were rightly undertaking their roles in a visible capacity both inside and outside the event.” A spokesperson confirmed the force is responding to the legal claim but declined further comment while proceedings are ongoing.