Council Leaders Send Powerful Message of Support to LGBTQIA+ Community 

Staff and Councillors marking the end of Pride Month with their rainbow lanyards.

As Pride Month comes to a close, the Co-Leaders of the Council have delivered a clear and heartfelt message of support to the LGBTQIA+ community and to people of all backgrounds. Their words reaffirm the Council’s commitment to fairness, empathy and respect. 

In a joint statement, the Co-Leaders said: 

“We are proud to lead a Council that stands firmly for inclusion. Discrimination has no place in Runnymede. Every individual who turns to this Council should feel safe, heard and respected.” 

“Whether you are talking to our staff, using our services or working within the organisation, you deserve to be treated with dignity and understanding.” 

The Co-Leaders also praised the show of solidarity within the Council throughout June. Almost 200 staff and councillors chose to wear rainbow lanyards during Pride Month, making a visible statement of support and allyship.  

“We are moved by the response of our staff and councillors. The decision to wear a rainbow lanyard is simple but powerful. It says clearly: we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community. We want every resident to know that we are here for them, whoever they are. 

“This kind of unity sends a message that Runnymede is a place where inclusion is not just spoken about, it is lived.” 

To mark Pride Month, the Council also raised the Pride flag at the Civic Centre in a well-attended event. In additional we hosted a lunchtime screening of LGBTQIA+ films for staff. These events provided staff and councillors with time for reflection, conversation and shared learning. 

The Co-Leaders added: “Symbols matter. Raising the flag, wearing a lanyard and opening space for discussion helps create the kind of environment we want to build — one where everyone feels welcome.” 

Runnymede has the highest proportion of LGBTQIA+ residents aged 16 and over in Surrey, making up more than 3,100 within our community (3.48 per cent) identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation, according to the 2021 Census. 

“These are not just numbers. They are people in our community who should be pleased to see that their Council stands with them,” the Co-Leaders said. 

“Pride Month gives us a moment to reflect, but the work must continue beyond June. Our commitment to equality and inclusion is year-round. We want Runnymede to be a place where everyone feels seen, supported and valued.”