Latest news with #LinziSmith
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Northumbria Police bans uniformed officers from Newcastle Pride
A police force has banned uniformed officers from taking part in a Pride march after a High Court judge ruled its past participation was Police has told on-duty officers they cannot take part in Newcastle Pride, while off-duty officers will no longer be allowed to wear clothing which identifies them as members of the force during the the force said it would continue to run a community stall at the event, which begins on Police said it believed there was a "legitimate policing purpose" for its engagement at the event as long as it did not "show support" for any political agenda. "We feel the complete withdrawal of Northumbria Police engagement from such events would be a retrograde step and damage trust and confidence amongst members of LGBTQ+ community," a spokesperson force said its attendance at events such as Pride allowed it to build trust among minority communities, provide advice about its response to homophobic and transphobic hate crime, and promote recruitment opportunities. New Pride policy During the judicial review, Northumbria Police said it planned to scale back its involvement in Newcastle Pride this year, but had planned to allow off-duty officers to wear a T-shirts which identified them as members of The National LGBT+ Police Smith, the claimant in the initial legal case, threatened the force with further legal action if it did not cancel its plans. The force has now issued new rules which state on-duty officers and staff will only be permitted at the Pride march as part of an "official policing response" and must be in officers are allowed to attend, but must not be identifiable as a police officer or member of staff. Under the new policy, they must not wear clothing, carry flags or use accessories which link them to the police or express support for political aims or opposition to other lawful views. Ms Smith, a lesbian who describes herself as having "gender critical" views, argued during the judicial review the force would not have been able to remain impartial if a dispute between those with similar beliefs and transgender rights supporters had broken out."The impartiality of the police is vital in ensuring these events can take place in a way that does not restrict free speech," she said."My hope is my case will have brought the Northumbria Police and other forces back to their core responsibility of policing without fear or favour." The LGB Alliance, a charity which supports lesbians, gay and bisexual people who do not wish the category of "sex" to be replaced by "gender identity" in law, welcomed the force's change in policy. The charity's CEO, Kate Barker, said: "We will continue this work until the UK's remaining 42 forces follow the lead of their colleagues in Northumbria, and stop endorsing a movement they do not understand." Ste Dunn, the director of Northern Pride, which runs the Newcastle event, said he was "very disappointed" by the High Court's judgement."We are today even more saddened to hear that Northumbria Police have made the decision to withdraw from the march tomorrow," he said. "Whilst we understand there are ongoing challenges and opposing views associated with police presence and participation in Pride, we believe it's deeply important the police are present at Pride festivals."As well as acknowledging those working in the police force who were part of the community, it would help officers "listen and learn" from lived experience, he added. Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Police wrong to march in Pride parade, court rules
The High Court has ruled that uniformed police were wrong to participate in Newcastle 's Pride parade in 2024, a judgment with wide-reaching implications for police involvement in community events. The case was brought by Linzi Smith, who argued that Northumbria Police breached impartiality by appearing under a banner supporting transgender rights. Mr Justice Linden agreed, stating the Chief Constable's participation was likely seen as the force's endorsement of the march's cause, indicating a political stance. The ruling is expected to lead to new national guidance for police forces on maintaining impartiality while engaging with communities, as confirmed by the National Police Chiefs' Council. The judgment has sparked debate regarding the balance between police visibility and community trust, and the need to avoid perceived political alignment.
Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Police wrong to join Pride march, judge rules
A police force failed to act impartially when it allowed officers to take part in a Gay Pride and transgender rights march, a court has ruled. Linzi Smith, 34, a gender-critical lesbian, brought a case against Northumbria Police after officers, including Vanessa Jardine, the head of the force, took part in last year's parade in Newcastle. Ms Smith argued that it was wrong to allow uniformed officers to actively participate in an event that promoted gender ideology and was supported by transgender activists. Responding to the ruling, Ms Smith said: 'I am delighted with the judgment of the court. It is terrifying to live in a community where the police have abandoned their duty of impartiality and embraced a highly controversial political cause.' In the legal claim, officers were accused of joining in the march; stationing a police van decked out in Pride colours at the event and associating with messaging that supported gender ideology. The hearing was told there was also a Northumbria Police static display staffed by uniformed officers and a transgender Pride flag incorporating the force's insignia. Ms Smith argued that while she accepted it was necessary for the Pride march to be policed it was wrong for officers to actively participate because it breached their professional oath to operate with impartiality. Allowing the judicial review, Mr Justice Linden said: 'The fact that the officers had publicly stated their support for transgender rights by taking part in the 2024 march would be likely to give the impression that they may not deal with the matter fairly and impartially.' He went on: 'It is not hard to imagine circumstances in which the officers in question might be called on to deal with a clash between gender critical people and supporters of gender ideology, and therefore situations where the former had cause for concern as to whether they were being dealt with impartially.' The court also heard how during the march there were pro-Palestinian protesters chanting slogans such as: 'From the River To The Sea, Palestine Will Be Free', 'No Pride in Genocide' and 'Toute le monde deteste la police'. The case was supported by Kathleen Stock, a gender-critical professor, and Harry Miller, co-founder of the campaign group Fair Cop, which seeks to 'remove politics from policing'. Professor Stock said: 'For me, the sight of the Northumbria Police either participating in Pride marches, supporting Pride events in public statements, or using or encouraging the use of Progress or rainbow flags, emblems, lanyards or other symbols associated with trans causes in a public-facing way, conveys its support for gender ideology. 'If that is not the force's intention, it is certainly its effect.' It is not clear how the ruling will impact on the force's plans to police this year's event, which is taking place this weekend. Mr Miller said: 'The significance of this ruling means that in future the police will attend events like this at their peril. 'But it is sad that we had to go to court to challenge something that was so blindingly obvious.' He said the ruling should bring an end to police officers attending such events and wearing associated livery. 'The clarity in the ruling should have a profound effect on Chief Constables across the UK,' Mr Miller told the Telegraph. 'Pride is political in the same way that any protest is political. Police engagement should therefore be solely operational. No lanyards, flags, whistles or painted cars. Just good, honest bobbies remaining polite and keeping the peace.' In his concluding remarks the judge said the findings only related to the 2024 event, adding: 'It will be a matter for the Defendant to consider, in the light of what I have said in this judgment, whether her current proposed approach to the 2025 Event should remain as it is.' In a statement following the ruling, a spokesman for Northumbria Police said: 'The officers, staff and volunteers of Northumbria Police are dedicated and passionate about providing each and every person of our wonderful region with an outstanding policing service. 'In doing so, we recognise not all communities share the same level of confidence in policing for a variety of reasons. We want to ensure everyone knows that we are absolutely here for them when they need us. 'Part of that is us being visible in those communities and playing an active part in our force area. Throughout the year, we will have an important role to play in a variety of events, including parades and festivals. 'During these events while our primary aim is to keep people safe, it also provides us with an opportunity to engage with people including those who may have less confidence in policing. It is vitally important they feel supported and we continue to build their trust in us. 'That is why we felt it important to challenge the case which was brought against us and which has implications for wider policing. 'We will work through the ruling to understand the implications, while staying true to our values of fairness, visibility, and support for all.' Other forces are currently looking at the ruling to see how it could impact on their approach to the policing similar events. Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: 'Every week police officers and staff will as part of their duties take part in thousands of events up and down the country, from community events at village halls through to large scale events like carnivals, parades and festivals. 'However, we recognise that policing must also maintain its impartiality, including in the types of events it supports and plays an active part in. 'We are working through the detail of this judgment and will ensure this decision is communicated to forces for them to consider. 'We are also working with the College of Policing on broader guidance which will help local forces make decisions around participation in events to maintain their impartiality. 'Policing values all our communities and will continue to police in a way that aims to build trust and confidence, including among those who have less confidence in our service. 'This is the cornerstone of good policing and especially neighbourhood policing. Our desire to ensure we recognise and provide good policing for all communities will remain unchanged.' Newcastle United ban Earlier this year Northumbria Police apologised to Ms Smith, who is a season ticket holder at Newcastle United, following an investigation that took place when she expressed gender critical views on social media. She was accused of being transphobic by a complainant who told Newcastle United that trans people would not feel safe sitting near her. A hate crime investigation was launched and she was banned by the club. Northumbria Police later admitted crucial elements of their investigation into the claims were not acceptable. It said that while there was no misconduct by its officers, the way they handled her case and similar hate crime reports in future should be subject to further training.
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Northumbria Police Newcastle Pride plans face fresh legal action
A police force has been threatened with fresh legal action over plans to allow its officers to identify as police during an upcoming Pride Wednesday, a judge ruled Northumbria Police's decision to allow uniformed officers to march at last year's Newcastle Pride should not have been allowed due to concerns over Smith, the claimant in the judicial review, said she will take further legal action against the force if it goes ahead with plans to allow off-duty officers to wear T-shirts identifying themselves as such at this year's force declined to comment on whether it would change its position and said it was working through the judge's ruling. Ms Smith, who describes herself as a lesbian who is "gender critical", claimed Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine and her officers' participation in Pride 2024 meant they would have been unable to remain impartial if a dispute between those with similar beliefs and transgender rights supporters had Justice Linden upheld her claim following a hearing at the High Court in Leeds, stating the chief constable's duty to uphold impartiality and the perception of it outweighed other considerations. During the judicial review, the chief constable's lawyer confirmed Northumbria Police would not allow uniformed officers to take part in Pride 2025, which is set to begin on the lawyer said off-duty officers would be able to take part while wearing T-shirts which indicated "they are serving officers".The force also said it intends for uniformed officers to staff a stall at the event, although they will not be allowed to exhibit Pride judge made no ruling on Northumbria's plans for this year's event. But Ms Smith, named Lindsey in the legal documents, described the 2025 plans as "plainly unlawful" and said she would take legal action if authorisation was not rescinded."Her [Mrs Jardine's] public statements in the light of the ruling show a complete absence of reflection on a judgement that was highly critical of her deeply flawed decision regarding Pride 2024 – a decision that caused her and her officers to breach their professional duties," she Smith has called for the force to only allow police officers to attend the march "in a purely personal capacity" and for Pride insignia to be removed from police vehicles. On Wednesday, the force said officers have "an important role to play in a variety of events"."During these events, while our primary aim is to keep people safe, it also provides us with an opportunity to engage with people including those who may have less confidence in policing," a spokesperson said."It is vitally important they feel supported and we continue to build their trust in us."That is why we felt it important to challenge the case which was brought against us and which has implications for wider policing." Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Uniformed police officers were wrong to march in Pride event, high court rules
Police chiefs have been left stunned after the high court ruled officers were wrong to wear their uniforms to take part in last year's Pride festival in Newcastle. The judgment found that the chief constable of Northumbria acted 'irrationally' and breached a duty of impartiality by officially supporting the event, which was alleged to have supported views that people could change their gender. The ruling followed a case brought by a woman who objected to uniformed officers taking part to represent their force, which covers Newcastle. The claimant, Linzi Smith, is a gender-critical lesbian who believes sex is immutable. She alleged the event supported an ideology that gender can be chosen. The ruling found Vanessa Jardine, the chief constable, was wrong to allow uniformed officers to take part, marching in uniform bearing Pride flags and painting a police van in colours supporting the event. The judgment listed slogans displayed during the march, which police did not dispute. These included: 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free', 'Toute le monde deteste la police', 'Northumbria police, off our Pride', 'Intifada don't deny it, Stonewall was a fucking riot' and 'Queers for free Palestine'. Nationally, police chiefs are rushing to understand the judgment and its potential scope. One police source spoke of hearing concerns that forces could not be officially represented at Remembrance parades, events in support of the armed services, or community and religious celebrations, if anyone could object. However, another said the ruling was 'absolutely right', adding: 'If you are in uniform, you are on duty … to police without fear or favour.' In his judgment, Mr Justice Linden wrote: 'The claimant describes herself as a lesbian who is 'gender critical'. She believes that a person's sex is an immutable characteristic and that 'gender ideology', which recognises a person's gender identity, is 'wrong and dangerous'. 'Her evidence is that gender ideology has been embraced by the organisers of the event … and was supported by many of the participants in the event, who also strongly oppose gender-critical beliefs. 'She objects to what she sees as the force and/or members of the force associating themselves with the views of supporters of gender ideology and transgender activists by actively participating in the event.' The judge made clear he was not ruling on the merits of the highly charged transgender debate, but whether a body could officially support a disputed cause without breaching a duty of impartiality it was legally bound to observe. The case was supported by a group called Fair Cop, which alleges policing is blighted by excessive political correctness and was founded by Harry Miller, a former officer. In his witness statement, Miller said the chief constable 'marched in the immediate proximity of those carrying the flags and emblems clearly associated with the gender ideologists' cause'. He added that banners saying 'Trans women are women' and 'Trans rights are human rights', plus 'the intersectional flag and the blue, pink and white transgender pride flag' signalled a political association 'in a similar way to how someone shouting 'build a wall' or 'make America great again' signals an association with Donald Trump'. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Reaching his decision, the judge said of the chief constable: 'Her participation in the march was likely to be seen, and may well have been intended to be seen, as expressing the support of the head of the force for the views and the cause which the march sought to promote, and therefore as indicating the position or perspective of the force as an organisation.' The judge said all the force's actions at the event gave 'the impression that the force as a whole was associating itself with a particular viewpoint and, as far as gender-critical people were concerned, taking sides.' Linzi Smith said: 'It is terrifying to live in a community where the police have abandoned their duty of impartiality and embraced a highly controversial political cause. I've experienced firsthand what happens when the police forget their duty of impartiality. I posted some gender-critical tweets, and Northumbria Police launched an investigation into my conduct – but when I received appalling homophobic abuse as a lesbian, they did absolutely nothing.' Northumbria police said: 'We recognise not all communities share the same level of confidence in policing for a variety of reasons. We want to ensure everyone knows that we are absolutely here for them when they need us. 'Part of that is us being visible in those communities and playing an active part in our force area. Throughout the year, we will have an important role to play in a variety of events, including parades and festivals. 'During these events, while our primary aim is to keep people safe, it also provides us with an opportunity to engage with people, including those who may have less confidence in policing. 'It is vitally important they feel supported and we continue to build their trust in us.' Smith's lawyer, Paul Conrathe, said the judgment may have repercussions for other bodies with a duty of impartiality, such as the BBC, 'if they align themselves with a controversial cause'.
