Socialist campaign group Queers Against the Cuts claim Pride organisers tried to throw them off the march this year, then harassed and effectively ‘kettled’ them on the parade. Queers Against the Cuts seek to challenge to Government’s cuts in public services, salaries, pensions and provision. They also seek to repoliticise Pride and make it less commercial. Many unions, including the National Union of Teachers, who attended the event in an open-topped bus and carried a huge balloon bearing the message: Cuts in Education never heal, support the campaign and Queers Against the Cuts expected to be marching behind them.
At one point, claims QATC leader Beth Granter, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas intervened to prevent the group being thrown off the march. To read her account go here