London Pride takes place with increased security presence
By Ryan Love
London’s Pride celebrations passed off without major incident yesterday, with an increased security presence following Friday’s terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait.
More than 250 groups were represented at the parade, which travelled from Baker Street to Whitehall yesterday afternoon.
Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital to celebrate throughout the day.
Following on from Friday’s historic SCOTUS ruling, the United States flag joined Ireland and Mozambique’s at the front of the march.
The Met’s deputy assistant commissioner Helen Ball said that extra security had been put in place to “help protect and reassure the public”, after several terrorist attacks across the world on Friday.
“While the UK threat level from international terrorism remains severe, we would like to reassure the public that we constantly review security plans for public events, taking into account specific intelligence and the wider threat,” Ball said.
“Our priority is the safety and security for all those attending or involved. The public are encouraged to continue with their plans to attend or take part in events as normal.”
Meanwhile, campaigner Peter Tatchell also highlighted that Northern Ireland remains the only part of Great Britain where gay marriage is not legal.
He held a sign reading: “Northern Ireland! End the same-sex marriage ban. Equal Marriage.”
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