Nigel Farage has stood by his party's position that local councils should not promote Pride events, saying communities are free to hold celebrations but that civic authorities should not be seen to endorse them. His remarks came as demonstrators staged a protest outside Norfolk County Hall in Norwich and displayed Pride Progress flags at the council entrance.
Farage speaks at Wymondham rally
Speaking at a rally at Kimberley Hall in Wymondham, Mr Farage said he was "fine" with Pride events taking place but argued they should not receive promotion from local government or police forces. He told supporters:
"It absolutely isn't for local government to get involved in these things."
He added that any community could gather to celebrate and that Reform was not preventing such events: "We're not stopping anybody. We're not saying you shouldn't do it... Do what you like, but don't expect local government or police forces to promote it."
Removal of flags sparks local controversy
The decision by the Reform-led administration in Norfolk to stop flying the Pride Progress flag from County Hall has become a political flashpoint. The flag had been pulled down from the civic building last month, prompting criticism from opposition parties and prompting the demonstration outside County Hall ahead of a full county council meeting.
Organisers described Tuesday's action as a "peaceful act of defiance against Reform's petty decision to stop flying the Pride Progress flag," and supporters displayed rainbow flags at the entrance to make that point.
Questions over library displays
There has also been confusion over the county council's stance on Pride-related materials in public libraries. A cabinet member was reported to have suggested that political messaging, events and displays in libraries – including Pride-related material – would be prohibited. County Hall officials later said existing policies remained unchanged.
- Action taken: Pride Progress flag removed from County Hall last month.
- Response: Protesters flew Pride flags outside County Hall in Norwich before a full council meeting.
- Political stance: Reform leader says councils and police should not promote Pride, while allowing community events.
| Event | Location | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of Pride Progress flag | County Hall, Norwich | Last month |
| Protest and flag display | County Hall entrance | Tuesday (ahead of full council meeting) |
| Farage rally | Kimberley Hall, Wymondham | Tuesday |
The issue has prompted a wider debate about the role of local authorities in visibly supporting minority communities and the boundaries between civic neutrality and civic endorsement. With a Pride event scheduled in Norwich this weekend, tensions are set to remain visible in the county's public and political life.
The episode underlines how local decisions about symbols and displays can have national resonance, particularly when they intersect with prominent political figures and parties seeking to set a wider line on culture and public life.
