London Pride: Sadiq Khan leads 32,000 marchers through capital

Crowds gathered in London on Saturday as part of the capital’s Pride celebrations, with a parade making its way from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square.

The mayor, Sadiq Khan, walked at the front of the march alongside his wife, Saadiya, as well as Andrew Boff, a Conservative London assembly member, and Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, an air quality campaigner.

Khan said in a statement: “I’m delighted that London’s diverse LGBTQI+ communities and allies are once again joining together in the heart of our capital for our world-renowned Pride celebrations and march of solidarity.

“Pride is one of the highlights of my year and it is an honour to have been on every march since I was first elected as mayor in 2016.”

The celebrations are organised by the not-for-profit Pride in London, with an estimated 500 LGBTQ+ community groups and businesses taking part, comprising more than 32,000 people.

The mayor added: “This incredible event is a shining light for LGBTQI+ rights and shows why our city is a beacon for openness and inclusion – a place where you are embraced and celebrated for who you are. Our capital’s LGBTQI+ communities make a huge contribution to life in London.

“There is, however, still work to be done to achieve true equality, and as a proud ally, I’ll continue to stand side by side with our capital’s LGBTQI+ communities as we work to build a better London for all.”

Before the event, Transport for London warned there may be disruption and tube station closures, with other stages placed around the capital, including Soho Square, Leicester Square and Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Eight Christian protesters gathered alongside the Pride parade reciting religious sermons criticising the march, PA Media reported. The activists stood within a fenced-off section adjacent to the parade route.

Several police officers were stationed around the protest, set up on Piccadilly, to prevent potential clashes. The group held placards that read “Repent and turn to Christ” and “Be not proud, for the Lord hath spoken … a man’s pride shall bring him low”.

A man from the group addressed the parade through a loudspeaker and was met with jeers from marchers.

Marchers from the group Queers for Palestine also walked down Piccadilly chanting “there is no pride in genocide”.

The 50-person group held posters accusing Israel of genocide and condemning “pinkwashing” – the accusation that Israel takes a progressive position on gay rights to improve its international reputation.

Asked why she wanted to join the group, one female marcher who did not want to be identified said: “Free Palestine.”

Tahir Kesai, a 50-year-old working in property, said: “We decided to march because we think it’s important to be here. We’re too passionate about this cause to not participate.”