Southampton Pride has banned political parties from attending its pride event this year.

The city’s largest LBGTQ+ event is back on August 24 and 25 and will be spread across two days for the first time, with a march and festival event.

On Tuesday, pride organisers explained on Facebook that it had made the decision 'due to the current political climate in the UK'.

Councillors and other political figures are welcome to attend - but not under the banner of their party.

The Facebook post said: “Due to the current political climate in the UK and in-line with other pride events across the country, we have taken the decision not to accept official representation from any political party at Southampton Pride 2024.

Southampton Pride 2023Southampton Pride 2023 (Image: NQ) “We appreciate the genuine support of all activists and politicians within our local parties, but this decision has been made in the interest of the safety and mental well-being of all the members of our community who attend Southampton Pride.”

It also added that this decision would be reviewed again ahead of Southampton Pride 2025 if ‘significant improvements have been made’.

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The decision has been met with some backlash - with one Southampton resident, Jon Walters, penning an open letter on the decision.

Jon said: “I am shocked by Southampton Pride’s decision to ban local politicians from this year’s event.

“The organisers claim in their statement that they are following other prides - this is just rubbish.

Southampton Pride 2023Southampton Pride 2023 (Image: NQ) “What other pride is banning their elected representatives from standing with the LGBTQ community.

“Portsmouth Pride champions their two MP’s and councillors marching with them.

“In total contrast Southampton Pride is happy to promote the cruise companies whose ships pollute our city’s air.”

Jon said that he felt a pride is inherently political and it ‘should be a protest’.

He continued: “There are now at least 100 LGBTQ MP’s in parliament, the age of consent is equalised, Clause 28 is history, and LGBTQ Councillors represent our city.

“I hope one day Southampton Pride becomes the pride our city needs. In the meantime, I urge people to go to Portsmouth Pride next year.”

A statement from the organisers said: "Southampton Pride warmly invites everyone who wishes to demonstrate genuine support for the LGBTQ+ community to join us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated local councillors, politicians, and activists for their unwavering commitment to our cause.

"Our recent decision, prompted by requests from vulnerable community members, reflects our duty to protect them and our obligation as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to maintain impartiality towards any political party. The overwhelming support we have received from the community reaffirms the appropriateness of our stance.

"We acknowledge the disappointment felt by a minority affected by this decision. However, we emphasize that everyone is welcome to attend our event, partake in the festivities, and march with us as we protest ongoing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. We kindly request that attendees respect our community's concerns and refrain from displaying party-affiliated banners during the march.

"We eagerly anticipate engaging in open discussions and dialogue with local party representatives in preparation for our 2025 event."