We call on Enfield Council to review its current flag policy and restore the tradition of flying the Progress Pride Flag outside Enfield Civic Centre during Pride Month each June.

The Progress Pride Flag is a globally recognised symbol of inclusion, equality and support for LGBTQ+ people. For many residents, seeing it displayed at the Civic Centre sends a simple but powerful message:

You are welcome here. You belong here. Your council stands with you.

For many years, Enfield Council marked Pride Month by flying the Progress Pride Flag. It was a visible demonstration that LGBTQ+ residents, families, businesses, community groups and allies are a valued part of our borough.

The current administration has introduced a policy that only the Union Flag, the Flag of St George and the Enfield Beast flag will be flown permanently outside the Civic Centre. The council has said this is to provide clarity and consistency and that these flags represent all residents equally.

However, during this year's Pride Month, the council chose to fly the Armed Forces Day flag to mark that national occasion. We fully support recognising Armed Forces Day and honouring those who have served our country. Its inclusion demonstrates that exceptions to the permanent flag policy can and should be made for important civic occasions.

If exceptions can be made to recognise Armed Forces Day, we believe they can also be made to recognise Pride Month.

Pride Month is not simply a celebration. It commemorates the ongoing struggle for equality and reminds us that many LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination, prejudice and exclusion. Visible support from public institutions matters, particularly for young people, those questioning their identity, and those who may still feel isolated.

Flying the Progress Pride Flag for one month each year does not diminish anyone else's identity, traditions or civic pride. It does not exclude anyone. Instead, it demonstrates that Enfield is a borough where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs.

This is not about politics.
Residents from every political background support LGBTQ+ equality. Flying the Progress Pride Flag during Pride Month is not a party-political act; it is a civic expression of inclusion, respect and solidarity with a recognised community within our borough.

We therefore ask Enfield Council to:

• Review the current flag policy to allow recognised annual civic commemorations.
• Reinstate the flying of the Progress Pride Flag outside Enfield Civic Centre during Pride Month each June.
• Continue working with local LGBTQ+ organisations and community groups to ensure Enfield remains a borough where everyone feels seen, valued and welcome.
• Symbols alone do not create equality, but they do matter.

They tell people they belong.

They tell young LGBTQ+ people that their identity is recognised rather than hidden.

They tell residents, visitors and future generations what kind of borough we want Enfield to be.

We ask Enfield Council to restore this important symbol of inclusion and once again proudly fly the Progress Pride Flag during Pride Month.