“Enjoy Pride 2003” - message of welcome from Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA

55/03
21 July 2003

Welcoming all those attending the National Pride event in London on Saturday 26 July, Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said:

“On behalf of the Metropolitan Police Authority I’d like to welcome everyone participating in this year’s National Pride celebrations.

“The MPA exists to scrutinise London’s police and ensure they provide an effective, efficient and, vitally, fair service to all its communities. That includes all the lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people who together as a community help to define London as the vibrant city it is.

“Uniformed police officers have the honour of marching at the head of this year’s parade. This signals progress within the police. Today’s police service can be inclusive and is capable of celebrating diversity. Indeed, a diverse police service, reflecting all our communities, is essential in the 21st century.

“Also, it marks a sea-change in the way the LGBT community is regarded by the police and specifically how homophobic hate crimes are dealt with. I want people to have the confidence to report such abhorrent crimes in the knowledge that the police will take all possible steps to detect and deter those responsible.

“The MPA will continue to work with the Metropolitan Police and partner organisations, including LGBT groups, to promote diversity and make London the safest major city in the world for everyone.

“Enjoy Pride 2003.”

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