Overview
- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which confirmed the move on Thursday, said it will no longer officially support or take part in Pride events while it reviews participation and seeks independent legal advice.
- Merseyside Police said it will not directly participate in Pride in 2026 because on-duty attendance could be perceived as the force 'taking a side' in public debates, a position the assistant chief constable described to local reporters.
- Wirral Pride organisers said the fire service has asked for historical photos of its past involvement to be removed and offered to date-stamp images instead, saying the withdrawal during Pride Month damages community outreach and reassurance for vulnerable people.
- Similar pullbacks are reported elsewhere, including West Midlands Ambulance Service withdrawing from Birmingham Pride and St Helens Council ending civic support after a change in local leadership, indicating a wider sector review of event engagement.
- The decisions follow non-binding national guidance from the National Police Chiefs' Council and a recent High Court judgment about public‑body impartiality, leaving chief officers with discretion and creating calls for clearer, consistent rules from organisers and LGBTQ+ groups.