Uniformed officers asked not to participate in Manchester Pride parade by organisers

Police officers have been asked not to attend this year’s Manchester Pride parade in uniform after organisers warned of ‘increased levels of concern’ regarding the presence of cops in GMP gear at events.

The move follows a similar decision made at Oldham Pride last month when GMP banned the use of a rainbow Pride police car due to concerns of 'hate crime'.

The Manchester Pride parade, which will take place throughout the city centre from 12pm on Saturday, sees hundreds of people line the streets to see members of the community, allies, sponsors and supporters, march in unity with the LGBTQ+ community. Uniformed officers from GMP have marched in the parade in recent years.

READ MORE: Manchester Pride 2022 dates, tickets, parade and everything you need to know

While officers will still be able to march in the parade, they have instead been asked to wear ‘civilian clothing’ or t-shirts with the Pride progress flag. They are also unable to wear rainbow epaulettes or laces, as per previous requests from Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

Approached by the M.E.N, a GMP spokesperson simply said: “GMP have been asked by Manchester Pride not to participate in the parade in uniform.”

For some within the force, the decision has been described as ‘reactionary’ following a decision made by Pride in London bosses in July asking uniformed police officers not to attend its annual Parade event. One officer told the M.E.N. they were ‘deeply disappointed’ with the move.

“It appears to me that the decision is a reactionary one which stemmed from the original decision of London Pride to exclude the Met police,” a gay police officer, who asked not to be named, said. “I feel the police in Manchester have, at least in the last decade or two,