Council Rejects Pride Parade Funding

In a move that's ruffling more than a few feathers, the Reform UK council in Staffordshire has decided not to fund the local Pride parade. Council leader Ian Cooper argues that taxpayer money shouldn't be used for this, suggesting private funding instead—a statement that sparked controversy ahead of Stafford Pride. Despite claims, Staffordshire County Council hasn't funded the event apart from minor community fund contributions. Pride organizers argue that their event primarily relies on private sources, calling for Cooper to amend his statement. In the UK, Pride events are a colorful celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, tracing back to the 1969 Stonewall riots.