No Pride flags as Reform changes council policy
BBCA change to the policy on which flags can be flown from town halls in Reform UK-controlled Kirklees has been derided as a "waste of time" by an opposition councillor.
On Wednesday, the authority approved a move that meant a limited number of designs could be flown. The new policy means the Pride flag, often considered a symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility, will not be on any town hall flagpoles.
Council leader, Reform's Sarah Wood said the policy aimed to "set out a clear approach across Kirklees", while focusing on the "symbols that unite us all".
However, Andrew Cooper, leader of the Green Party opposition, said the move was a "divisive and unnecessary diversion".
The new policy means that "only the Union Flag, Flag of St George, Civic Flag and specific flags associated with 'named days' set out in the policy will be permitted".
The "named days" are:
- Yorkshire Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Merchant Navy Day
- Commonwealth Day
- National 999 Emergency Services Day
- Remembrance Sunday
- Holocaust Memorial Day
"With so many problems facing the people of Kirklees, it is disappointing that the first thing Reform decided to do is create division when there are so many other issues that need their attention," Cooper said.
Cooper questioned why the new policy was needed, as the previous protocol on flags would be a decision between the Kirklees mayor, council chief executive and council leader, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
He said Wood, as leader of the council, "would still have a say over what flags would have been flown anyway".
Talking about the policy change, Wood said: "The new policy sets out a clear approach across Kirklees, while focusing on the symbols that unite us all.
"This is about having a straightforward approach to flags and celebrating the things we have in common: our country and our community."
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