SURREY Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Munro donned the rainbow colours of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community in Brighton when 300,000 people gathered for the annual Pride event.

The event, which started with a parade through the city, marked 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales.

Mr Munro, a former Farnham councillor and the National Association of PCCs lead for equalities, diversity and human rights, said: “This is a topic very close to my heart and I’m a great supporter of championing our differences.

“This event came at a particularly fitting time, the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, meaning myself, colleagues and all those attending the event had more reason to celebrate.

“The day helped showcase what an accepting and embracing community we have become and I would like to thank everyone who went to Pride for greeting the police with such enthusiasm and gratitude.

“Like any event, extensive safety planning with partners remains a key priority and I was really pleased to see an abundance of emergency services from across our two counties working together to ensure the event was safe and welcoming to all.

“Pride reflects the true progress in both public attitudes and movements in the criminal justice system towards the LGBT community.

“Going to events like Pride makes it hard to imagine a time where people would be criminalised for having a same-sex relationship. Thankfully, times have changed and society today has become more open in terms of understanding and accepting of the LGBT community.

“I am of course aware that despite progress made, prejudicial behaviour still exists. In particular, due to traditional, cultural and religious differences, many challenges remain for LGBT members of black and minority ethnic groups.

“Additionally, some members of the transgender community have told me that they too can often feel discriminated against in comparison to people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. So, undoubtedly there is still some way to go.

“We all have a key part to play in reducing hate crimes but I am confident over time – greater changes in the law, increased publicity and improved public understanding will continue the wider acceptance of LGBT+ communities.”