A number of Reform UK councils have ditched links with Pride and refused to fly flags

Organisers at Doncaster Pride have thanked council chiefs for continuing to fly the Pride flag - as Reform UK councils across the country ditch their links with LGBTQ+ events and refuse to fly flags.

In recent days, a number of Reform-led authorities across the country have said they will no longer back Pride - with neighbouring Reform led Barnsley Council refusing to fly the rainbow flag from the town hall.

A spokesperson for Doncaster Pride said: “In very uncertain times with many councils making the decision to not fly the progress pride flag, it is a wonderful sight to see that Doncaster Council are flying our flag proudly in Sir Nigel Gresley Square.

“Thank you to those who keep showing support in times that feel progress is taking a backwards step.

“Thank you to those who stand for what is right.

“Thank you to those who believe in equality.

“Thank you to Doncaster Council for showing us this symbol of hope when many are not.”

While Doncaster has a majority of Reform UK councillors, the authority is still controlled by directly elected Labour Mayor Ros Jones.

Doncaster Pride, which takes place in the city every year, is not funded by City of Doncaster Council and is instead run, organised and funded by a separate organising committee.

Earlier this month, Barnsley Council said it would not be flying the flag after recently becoming Reform led after decades of Labour control.

The newly-elected Reform leadership has said that only the Union Flag, St George’s Cross and Barnsley Council flags will be flown moving forwards.

The change has sparked criticism online, with organisers behind the upcoming Pride event in Barnsley, which is set to take place on July 25, saying that the flag helped people know they were “welcome, seen and valued.”

Meanwhile, Gateshead Council, also Reform controlled, stopped flying the flag and said it would pull funding for future Pride events.

It came after Sunderland's new Reform leadership recently promised it would “never” fly the Pride flag.

Havering Council and Essex County Council have also scrapped Pride flags and links and St Helens Borough Council has also said it will “not "be supporting or promoting Pride.”