COUNCILLORS have gathered outside the county's headquarters to show opposition to a rule change affecting the flying of the rainbow Pride flag.

Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, 25 June), several councillors from across Babergh gathered outside Endeavour House, in Russell Road, Ipswich, to oppose the county council's decision to change its approach over which flags could be flown outside its headquarters.

With the new approach, the county council wants to reflect the traditions and values of the Suffolk community but will not promote political, social, religious, awareness, commercial interests, or advocacy campaigns.

This means the rainbow flag will not fly outside its offices during Pride month, unlike in recent years.

Babergh District Council is a tenant of the building alongside Mid Suffolk District Council, but neither has a say over the decision.

Cllr Deborah Saw, the deputy leader, said the county's values and traditions were based on tolerance, compassion and fair play, dubbing the decision political.

She said: "We are pleased that the county council has said it will continue to support Pride events, but the flag is the visible symbol of being proud of who you are and who you love."

Several other councillors, including Babergh's leader, John Ward, attended the protest.

Cllr Richard Winch, deputy leader in Mid Suffolk, said last week the shift in approach was 'just the wrong thing to do'.

The county council did not comment on the protest.

Earlier this month, the county authority said it needed clarity and consistency, given the number of requests it received each year, but would always consider flag flying requests if they matched its new approach.

Despite the new approach being adopted ahead of Pride month, it stressed the decision was not specific to or targeted at the Pride flag, though the authority concluded it did not fit its new approach.

The Union and county council flags will be flown permanently, with exceptions for Suffolk Day, St Edmund's Day, Armed Forces Day and in response to international incidents.

The Ukrainian national flag will continue outside the council's HQ until further notice.

C