ePetition - Pride flags
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ePetition details
Pride flags
Each year London councils deck its streets above with rainbow freedom flags. There is no such support from Brighton despite it being the UK's largest LGBTQ city and biggest pride in the UK.
Flying the Pride flag across Brighton is not just a celebration, it's a powerful statement of the city's values: inclusion, equality, and solidarity. As the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital, Brighton has a proud history of leading the way on human rights. By decking the city in the Pride flag, the Council sends a clear message that everyone is welcome, seen, and valued here. It's a visible commitment to progress and a reminder that while we celebrate how far we've come, the fight for equality continues.
These flags would be re-used each year to save costs.
This ePetition ran from 05/08/2025 to 04/10/2025 and has now finished.
3 people signed this ePetition.
Council response
To be responded to by a relevant officer of the council.
Response:
"Brighton & Hove City Council would like to thank the petition organiser and all those who signed the petition for taking the time to raise this important issue and for expressing their strong support for Pride and for the LGBTQ+ community in our city.
Brighton & Hove has a long and proud history of standing up for equality, diversity and inclusion, and we recognise the significance of Pride as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The Council is committed to being an inclusive city where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.
The Council already works closely with Brighton & Hove Pride and a wide range of partners to support Pride each year. This includes extensive operational, safety and logistical support; the promotion of Pride across council owned sites and digital channels; the use of council assets such as lamp post banners and major venues; and close partnership working through Safety Advisory Groups and operational planning. Pride is one of the city’s biggest annual events, and the Council plays a key role in enabling it to take place safely and successfully.
In relation to the specific request to deck the streets with rainbow flags, it is important to explain that the Council operates within an agreed Flag Protocol and banner policy. The flying of flags from council buildings and assets must follow national guidance, respect existing statutory requirements, and be managed fairly and consistently across all communities and causes. In addition, much of the street based dressing in the city centre including catenary flags and decorative installations is delivered and funded by partners such as Business Improvement Districts and event organisers rather than directly by the Council.
Unlike some larger cities, Brighton & Hove does not have extensive permanent infrastructure or dedicated budgets for large scale, council funded street flag installations. Any expansion of flag flying or street dressing would therefore need careful consideration of cost, storage, installation, staffing capacity, and ongoing maintenance, as well as how this approach could be applied equitably across different events and communities.
That said, the Council recognises the passion behind this petition and the desire to see the city visibly reflect its Pride values. We are happy to continue discussions with Brighton & Hove Pride, Brilliant Brighton and other partners about how Pride can be celebrated across the city in ways that are impactful, sustainable and deliverable, making best use of existing infrastructure and partnership funding where possible.
Brighton & Hove City Council remains fully committed to supporting Pride and to championing LGBTQ+ equality in the city, not only during Pride week but throughout the year."