Story perspectives

St Helens Leader Ends Council Support for Pride

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Council leader George Woodward posted on Facebook that Pride celebrations promote harmful transgender ideology.
Woodward announced St Helens Borough Council will end all official support and engagement with Pride events.
He said the council has a duty of care to children and should not allocate resources to events he called left-wing celebrations.
Councillor James Dunn and residents condemned the remarks, saying Pride is vital for LGBT visibility and safety.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 the UK Parliament repealed Section 28, ending a law that barred local authorities from promoting homosexuality. The repeal, backed by Prime Minister Tony Blair, built on decriminalisation that began with the 1967 Sexual Offences Act and the 1994 equal-age-of-consent change. St Helens council’s recent withdrawal of Pride support echoes the same institutional resistance, prompting Stonewall to demand stronger legal safeguards.

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Story summary

Council leader George Woodward posted on Facebook that Pride celebrations promote harmful transgender ideology.
Woodward announced St Helens Borough Council will end all official support and engagement with Pride events.
He said the council has a duty of care to children and should not allocate resources to events he called left-wing celebrations.
Councillor James Dunn and residents condemned the remarks, saying Pride is vital for LGBT visibility and safety.

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