Trade unions and campaigners criticise Durham Council over Pride funding cut

Durham Pride, the Durham Miners Association, and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have condemned Durham County Council’s decision to withdraw funding for the city’s annual Pride celebration.

The council said financial pressures and what it described as a “specific and contested political ideology” were behind the decision to axe support.

Durham Pride attracts thousands of visitors from across the UK each year, boosting tourism and the local economy, as well as acting as a celebration for the LGBT+ community.

In response to the funding cut, organisers have announced a major fundraising drive beginning at Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall, on the 5th of September.

The launch event will feature a screening of the award-winning film Pride and a panel discussion with miners’ representatives, politicians, and special guest Mike Jackson, one of the founders of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.

Mel Metcalf, chair of Durham Pride, said: “The film is about standing united in the face of prejudice – capturing what many thought was Thatcher’s assault on mining communities to the injustice of Section 28.

“Today, as a new and growing prejudice threatens our trans siblings, it is again the Durham Miners and the trade union movement that stands with us.”

Dave Pike, regional secretary for the TUC North East, Yorkshire & Humber, added: “Pride is an important celebration for LGBT+ people, a chance to look back at the gains that have been made. For the council to withdraw their support shows the lack of care they have for the people of Durham.