More than 600 LGBTQ+ hate crimes were recorded by West Midlands Police in Birmingham last year, with police officers themselves among the victims. According to a breakdown of the total 634 crimes, 11 were assaults or assaults by beating on a constable.
Emergency Services Withdraw from Pride Parade
This year, West Midlands Police (WMP), West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), and West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) will be notably absent from participating in the parade. The ambulance service withdrew on legal advice, citing concerns that uniformed staff could 'breach impartiality' and 'create a reasonable perception that WMAS actively supports specific views, which would be contrary to the protected beliefs of some people'.
West Midlands Police stated it would have a police operation in place at Pride and remained fully supportive of its officers from all backgrounds, adding it was working to build positive relationships with the public. The force said: 'We have staff from many different backgrounds including the LGBTQ+ community and we remain fully supportive of them. The acting chief constable has met with representatives of the LGBTQ+ community and our own force network to listen and hear their experiences, accounts and views.'
Hate Crime Trends
Hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community have decreased since a peak in 2020 when there were 1,114 reports, but some specific crimes are more prevalent than at any other time in the last four years. Instances of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress, where someone's gender identity or sexuality was a factor, have increased steadily since 2022. Back then, there were 16 recorded crimes of that type in a year. But there were as many in the first three months of 2026 alone, with 29 reports overall in 2025.
Of the 634 LGBTQ+ hate crimes recorded last year, 210 were 'causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress'—the most reported crime type.
Safety and Travel Advice
While police will not march in the parade, staff will still be in the city centre to maintain law and order. Birmingham Pride said it was working closely with West Midlands Police and Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands to ensure the event was safe and enjoyable. Organisers shared safety tips on their website, including advice on staying vigilant, sticking together, protecting valuables, and planning ahead. Travelers should note changes to bus timetables, road closures, and the parade route, as well as rail strikes affecting services.
