Unions condemn Reform councils' Pride flag ban

North and West Northamptonshire council will no longer fly a rainbow flag outside their buildings

Two unions have criticised a county's Reform UK-led councils over their decision to no longer fly the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag from their buildings.

Both North and West Northamptonshire Council's new flag policy dictates that only the union jack, St George's and council flags will be flown.

But the Royal College of Nursing and Unite said not flying the rainbow flag "undermines efforts to create inclusive, welcoming communities".

Defending the flag policy, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson said: "Bring it on. We were elected to deliver change and that's exactly what we're doing."

In the unions' joint statement, they said: "This isn't about neutrality - it's about erasure.

"The Pride flag is a symbol of dignity, respect, and the ongoing fight for equality."

It said the flying the flag "during celebrations and key dates shows solidarity".

The unions said the council's policy sends "the wrong message to LGBTQ+ residents, staff, and patients across the region".

They urged the authorities' leaders to reconsider.

"We're proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ members and colleagues. We call on local leaders to do the same," they added.

In response to the criticism, Anderson said: "Banning the flying of any flag that isn't the union flag is a great first step."

He said foreign or Pride flags had "absolutely nothing" to do with running a local council.

In a statement, West Northamptonshire Council said it "continues to support all residents... and community-led activities, including providing its support to organising the recent Northampton Pride activities".

North Northamptonshire Council said it would fly "other national flags when it is appropriate to do so".

It said the policy applied to flagpoles "at our corporate buildings" but not other flag poles across North Northamptonshire.

A spokesperson said the authority would be "happy to work with the local community and town and parish councils to raise flags at some locations, where appropriate".