Full Breakdown
Scope Reinstates Singing Striders Choir for London Marathon After Initial Ban
4/26/2026, 12:39:25 PM
Core Event: Invitation Restored Hours Before Race
On Saturday, disability charity Scope announced that the Singing Striders choir would again be permitted to perform at the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26. The decision reversed a Tuesday email that had cancelled the choir’s participation over “concerns raised” regarding equality and inclusion. The choir will appear at the mile-three cheer point in Woolwich from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with travel costs covered by Scope.
Background & Key Figures
The Singing Striders had performed for Scope at the marathon’s Tower Hill and Woolwich cheer points for two consecutive years. Two anonymous complaints about founder Janet Murray’s publicly expressed gender-critical views prompted Scope to withdraw the invitation. Scope’s chief executive, John McLachlan, leads the charity, while Murray heads the choir.
Official Statements (Paraphrased)
Scope’s chief executive said the charity “reflected” on the matter and decided to restore the invitation, noting that the choir does not advance any specific political stance and that its performance does not conflict with Scope’s values. He emphasized that the decision aligns with the Equality Act 2010, which protects philosophical beliefs such as gender-critical feminism, and reiterated Scope’s broader commitment to the inclusion of trans and non-binary disabled people. The charity also announced additional support through its supporter-care team for anyone affected.
Criticism & Opposition
Murray condemned Scope’s description of her views as “highly polarising”, arguing that the language framed her lawful, mainstream beliefs as extreme. She stressed that she separates personal politics from the choir’s activities, stating that “politics stays at home when I’m with the choir”. The anonymous complaints that triggered the cancellation represent the opposing perspective within the charity’s membership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On reflection, we would like to restore our invitation to the choir to attend the marathon and perform for runners if they choose to do so.” — John McLachlan, Chief Executive, Scope
- “We accept that the choir as a group does not promote a specific viewpoint and that the performance in itself doesn't undermine our values.” — John McLachlan
- “I leave politics at home when I’m with the choir – and so does everyone else.” — Janet Murray, Founder, Singing Striders
- “Gender-critical views are highly polarising and we are sensitive to the fact that for some of our valued members, supporters and colleagues, gender-critical beliefs may be deeply upsetting and alienating.” — John McLachlan
What’s Next
The Singing Striders will perform at the Woolwich cheer point on race day, with Scope providing logistical support and a dedicated care team for participants who feel impacted. The marathon proceeds with its scheduled elite and mass-participation events while Scope monitors the situation for any further equality-related concerns.
