Police to participate out of uniform in London Pride parade

London police will participate out of uniform and without police vehicles in July’s London Pride parade in light of concerns raised by Pride members earlier this year.

Pride London Festival issued a news release on Friday to announce the change. Festival organizer Andrew Rosser said in a statement that after several conversations and a community input session, members “expressed concerns about the large presence of police in uniform participating in the annual London Pride parade.”

Chief John Pare also issued a statement and said he will encourage police members to attend the parade out of uniform and support LGBT2Q+ communities.

“The London Police Service respects the request for our members to continue to participate in the London Pride parade but not in uniform,” said Pare.

READ MORE: Toronto police withdraw application to march in 2018 Pride parade

The announcement comes less than two weeks after Toronto police announced they will be withdrawing their application to march in June’s Pride parade in light of concerns raised by Pride Toronto and other community groups.

“We want to thank London Police Service for their continued support of Pride London Festival, and Chief Pare’s commitment to working on improving relationships with London’s LGBT2Q+ communities, through consultations with communities, along with training and education for our officers and staff,” added Rosser.

The 24th annual London Pride parade will take place on Sunday, July 29.