Greater Manchester Police told not to wear uniform in Manchester Pride parade

Greater Manchester Police officers have been told not to wear their uniform in the parade by Manchester Pride later this month.

Manchester Pride said the decision was made after members of the LGBTQ+ expressed a 'lack of trust in the police force, fear when amongst police in uniform, and discomfort in police presence'.

The Manchester Evening News first reported last week that the force had been given the opportunity to apply for off-duty officers to take part in the parade in uniform, after being granted special permissions to do so from Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

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It followed meetings understood to be held between Manchester Pride and Greater Manchester Police earlier in the week after the M.E.N. had started investigating the claims.

Statements from both Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Pride later stated that the force had applied to take part in the colourful parade, held on August 26, requesting that officers off-duty could wear their uniforms.

Off-duty officers were also denied the opportunity to wear their uniforms in the parade last year and were instead asked to wear 'civilian clothing' or t-shirts with the Progress Pride flag by pride themselves.

However in a new statement, Manchester Pride said that the decision, which was 'not taken lightly', was made again for 2023 to 'reflect a commitment to inclusivity, creating a safe space for all, and recognising the unique challenges faced by further marginalised groups within the LGBTQ+ community.'

It was also reported that Chief Constable Stephen Watson told officers, both on and off-duty, that they could not adorn their uniforms with any pride-related epaulettes, badges