Flag policy 'deeply unsettling' for LGBTQ+ staff

The flag policy states the England, UK and county flags will be flown outside Shire Hall

Warwickshire County Council's LGBTQ+ staff group has warned of the "deeply unsettling" effect of not guaranteeing that the Pride flag will be flown at the council headquarters in the future.

The council's new leader, Reform UK's Councillor George Finch, wanted the Progress Pride flag taken down before the end of Pride month in June but chief executive Monica Fogarty refused.

A new policy which states the UK, England and county flags will be flown outside the building was recently approved by the authority's cabinet.

Angela Dunne, chairwoman of the LGBTQ+ staff network, has requested that the new flag policy be amended to reinstate the Progress Pride flag throughout Pride month in June.

The policy, which has exceptions built in for armed forces and royal flags, was voted through by the cabinet on 4 September but is now on hold after some councillors requested a review.

A meeting on 22 September will decide whether the cabinet should be asked to reconsider its decision.

In a letter, Ms Dunne explained "visible celebrations of diversity", such as flying the Pride flag, played a "vital role" in reinforcing an inclusive environment at the authority.

"During the recent staff engagement sessions, many employees highlighted the council's inclusive culture as one of the key reasons they chose to work here and a major factor in their decision to stay," she wrote.

"This reputation is not only a source of pride, it is a strategic asset."

Ms Dunne also argued that granting the flag a permanent place on the flag-flying schedule "would undoubtedly demonstrate" the council's obligations towards diversity and inclusion.

However, Reform councillor Mike Bannister said he wanted to reassure Ms Dunne that the flag policy does not in any way "threaten your rights, protections or standing in this organisation".

"It is not about undermining anyone's freedoms, it is about establishing order and fairness in a space that belongs to all the people of Warwickshire," he added.

"What would be discriminatory is to elevate one group above all others and grant it a unique right to fly its flag above Shire Hall.

"That would not be equality, that would be privilege and privilege is not what this council stands for."