Council confirms no Pride displays in libraries

Reform UK-led Staffordshire County Council says it will not feature LGBTQ+ Pride displays in its libraries, explaining the decision by saying public display space will instead focus on reading, learning and council services.

The authority said it was adopting a "consistent approach" across its library network, after concerns were raised that Pride-related displays and activities had been removed during June, known as Pride Month.

The council stressed that LGBTQ+ books and materials remained available to loan, despite claims that they were removed.

The confirmation comes after nine Staffordshire MPs signed a letter calling for the decision to be reversed.

In their letter, the MPs went on to ask if the same approach would apply to events like Black History Month, marked in October in the UK.

Other Reform-led local authorities have implemented or proposed similar changes within their libraries in the past year, including in Warwickshire and Kent.

The decision in Staffordshire attracted criticism, with Stafford Pride describing it as a "vile decision" and warning it risked creating the impression that LGBTQ+ stories and experiences should not be visible in public spaces.

In a letter addressed to council leader Martin Murray, the cross-party group of MPs said: "We are writing about the worrying reports of a county-wide directive ordering the removal of all LGBTQ+ Pride-related displays from Staffordshire's libraries, the cancellation of all associated activities, and the removal of any mention of Pride from library social media channels.

"If this is the case, we are calling for you to immediately reverse this harmful decision and reinstate Pride month displays and activities across Staffordshire's library network.

"Taking down displays would send a clear and harmful message to LGBTQ+ library users and staff: that their stories and community do not deserve to be celebrated - or even acknowledged - in public spaces."

Deputy county council leader Hayley Coles said their libraries would continue to be "for everyone".

"As part of that approach, we are applying a consistent approach across our libraries on how public display space is used," she said.

"Displays will focus on the core library offer, local services, reading and learning.

"Our priority is to keep libraries welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone."

Jack Taylor-Walker, chairman of Stafford Pride, also addressed a letter to the leader of the council, calling for the council to reverse its decision.

He said: "The LGBTQ+ community has fought for years for the rights of the community and we will not stop.

"It is therefore without further delay you must overturn this vile decision and apologise to not only our community but your library staff and volunteers."

Reform took control of the council in May 2025 after 49 councillors from the party were elected across the county.

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