MD2554 Transport for London Support for Pride

The Pride in London Parade takes place in June/July each year. It is the culmination of a month of activities which end on parade day.

The activities across the month of Pride provides a platform for every part of London’s LGBTQ+ community to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and campaign for the freedoms that will allow everyone to live their lives on a genuinely equal footing. It gives the LGBTQ+ community a chance to be visible and speak loudly to the rest of the world about what it has achieved, how far it has come and what is still needed.

Events such as Pride are important to London and Londoners. The Mayor is clear that London needs to be a more inclusive city, free of intolerance, and committed to tackling inequality and discrimination. The LGBTQ+ community have historically faced prejudice and discrimination, and although there has been significant progress, many in the LGBTQ+ community still face barriers in society. Such events demonstrate that London is open to all and is a fair and inclusive city. This also has huge benefits for London’s national and international reputation. Major cities around the world similarly celebrate Pride with very similar activities.

One of the GLA’s principal functions is to undertake activity which promotes social development in manner that supports equality, inclusion and social cohesion in London. The activities proposed are considered facilitative of the promotion of these aims by raising public awareness, that London is a thriving, inclusive, multicultural and global city.

To support the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate its contribution to the fabric of our city, as well as tackling inequality and discrimination, it is proposed that TfL engage in activities annually including:

(a) using the Pride rainbow colours and roundels at stations across the network;
(b) placing the Pride rainbow colours at crossings;
(c) participating in the Pride parade;
(d) making announcements at Underground stations;
(e) using TfL-branded materials, TfL social media and press to promote the goals of Pride; and
(f) other related activities on the TfL estate to promote the goals of Pride, celebrating London’s diversity.

In order to do so without the risk of legal challenge, however, TfL requires the:

(a) delegation of the GLA’s powers under section 30 and 34 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (GLA Act), TfL’s activity being consistent with the promotion of social development in Greater London and facilitative of and conducive to that purpose; and
(b) direction of the Mayor to use those powers as noted in the foregoing sections of this report.

TfL works with third party suppliers who have actively supported creative activities and anticipates seeking similar support and sponsorship in future years.

Under Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, as a public authority, the GLA must have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between people who have a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The proposed activities are inclusive. This year there has also been the branded recognition of the trans roundel, bisexual roundel and black and brown colours representing BAME LGBTQ+ communities. The TfL Diversity and Inclusion team coordinate the event and ensure that equality considerations are actively considered through each stage of the planning.

a) key risks and issues

As TfL will be contracting for the supplies and services required there is no risk to the GLA.

b) links to Mayoral strategies and priorities

The proposed activity may be considered to correspond with TfL’s current commitment to deliver the Mayor’s Inclusive London strategy.

c) impact assessments and consultations.

The GLA has consulted with TfL in accordance with the statutory requirement to do so.

Any costs arising will be met by TfL.

There are no financial implications for the GLA from this decision.

The foregoing sections of this report indicate that the decisions requested of the Mayor fall within the general powers of the GLA acting on behalf of the Authority, in particular under sections 30 and 34 of the GLA Act, to do anything which is facilitative of or conducive or incidental to the promotion of social development in Greater London.

In an addition, the Mayor may, under sections:

- 38 of the GLA Act, delegate his exercise of the section 30 and 34 powers (noted in paragraph 6.1.1 above) to TfL; and

- 155 of the GLA Act, direct TfL to exercise its functions (which include those delegated to it) in any manner specified in a direction.

Officers have indicated that the GLA has consulted TfL regarding the delegation and direction.

The GLA and TfL must comply with the principle that an incumbent administration should not unreasonably fetter the discretion of any future administration. Officers must ensure therefore, that the Mayor is consulted following the 2020 GLA elections and before any commitment is made by or on behalf of TfL in respect any activity relating to the subject matter of the delegation noted above.

In taking the decisions requested, the Mayor must have due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty - namely the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010 and to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic (race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity and gender reassignment) and persons who do not share it (section 149 of the Equality Act 2010). To this end, the Mayor should have particular regard to section 3 (above) of this report.