Mayor of London agrees to Fossil Free Pride campaign

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said he supports the Fossil Free Pride campaign to ensure there are no polluting floats at the celebration.

The mayor was questioned by Green Party AM Zack Polanski on whether he supports the Fossil Free Pride campaign.

The mayor agreed Pride in London should be fossil fuel free and said he was happy to work with Mr Polanski to support the Fossil Free Pride campaign as well as “addressing other issues of inequalities and that includes for too long investing in fossil fuels”.

The call follows continued lobbying with human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and others on opening the running of Pride to grassroots community groups – an idea the Mayor has taken up.

Mr Polanski said: “We must make sure companies that are destroying our planet have no place in a social justice movement.

“Pride is a protest where the focus should be on supporting and celebrating LGBTIQA+ people, not putting money into the pockets of those who are contributing to the climate emergency.

“I am proud to have raised this in the assembly so everyone taking part in Pride and watching from the outside know that Pride is no place for those who don’t care about protecting our planet for years to come.

“The Mayor is right that this is an issue of leadership – Pride must lead by example in all areas of social, racial and climate justice.”

Mr Polanksi asked community-led organisations to apply for the up to £625,000 grant to deliver London’s Pride events between 2023-2027 – the tender process will be open between July and September 2022.

Pictured top: Pride in London stage 2016 (Picture: Pride in London/Moyna Talcer)