17.2 C
Manchester
Monday, June 23, 2025
NewsCheshire Police urged to apologise for past homophobia

Cheshire Police urged to apologise for past homophobia

The Cheshire police force is being urged to apologise for its past witch-hunting of the LGBT+ community.

The call comes in a letter to the Chief Constable, Mark Roberts, from the veteran human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell. Copy below.

“The Cheshire police force was very homophobic in past decades and went out of its way to target consenting, victimless behaviour that harmed no one. It wrecked the lives of many LGBT+ people,” said Mr Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation.

The PTF is spearheading the #ApologiseNow campaign, urging all Chief Constable to say sorry for past anti-LGBT+ witch-hunts.

The campaign was backed by the comedian and TV presenter Paul O’Grady before his death.

Mr Tatchell added, “I hope that a formal apology will be made to the LGBT+ community. It would help further improve LGBT+ trust and confidence in the police, which is what we all want.

“We do not expect an apology from the police for enforcing historic homophobic laws. What we are requesting is an apology for the often abusive and threatening way those laws were enforced – ways that would be deemed illegal and unacceptable today.

“Sir Mark Rowley has already said sorry on behalf of the Metropolitan Police and backed it up with a new LGBT+ plan for London and the appointment of LGBT+ Community Liaison Officers in every London borough. Similar apologies have also been made by the Chief Constables of Sussex and South Yorkshire.

Their stance is backed by the Chief Constable of Northumbria, Vanessa Jardine, in her capacity as the lead on LGBT+ policy among chief constables across the UK. She has written to all Chief Constables supporting calls for them to say sorry. The appeal for Chief Constables to apologise is also endorsed by the National Police LGBT+ Network of serving LGBT+ officers,” said Mr Tatchell,

News Desk
News Deskhttps://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/
The Business Manchester News Desk team is a collective of experienced journalists and editors dedicated to delivering comprehensive business news and insights from the Manchester area and beyond. With a strong background in finance, technology, property, and innovation, our team ensures that our readers stay well-informed about the latest trends and developments in the business world. Through in-depth reports and insightful analysis, the Business Manchester News Desk team is committed to providing high-quality journalism to its audience.
Latest

Private E-Prescriptions Surge Amid Lengthy NHS Delays

As NHS waiting lists reach record levels, more people in the UK are choosing private healthcare for quicker, more efficient access — especially when...

CTI Digital appoints new CEO to drive innovation and growth

CTI Digital, the North West-based full-service digital agency, has appointed Chris Burgess as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead its growth strategy and...

Halton Business Leader Wins Entrepreneur of the Year at 2025 Awards

Nick Griffiths, Managing Director and Owner of Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd (ICE), has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the distinguished Halton Business...

Help desks and client portals explained: Choosing the right tool for your customers

The customer is king, so the saying goes. No matter how good the quality of your products or services, it's all for nothing if your...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Private E-Prescriptions Surge Amid Lengthy NHS Delays

As NHS waiting lists reach record levels, more people in the UK are choosing private healthcare for quicker, more efficient access — especially when...

Halton Business Leader Wins Entrepreneur of the Year at 2025 Awards

Nick Griffiths, Managing Director and Owner of Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd (ICE), has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the distinguished Halton Business...

Help desks and client portals explained: Choosing the right tool for your customers

The customer is king, so the saying goes. No matter how good the quality of your products or services, it's all for nothing if your...

CTI Digital appoints new CEO to drive innovation and growth

CTI Digital, the North West-based full-service digital agency, has appointed Chris Burgess as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead its growth strategy and...

More News

Heroin and cocaine dealers sentenced in Oldham

Five men have been jailed for their role in a drug line operating in Chadderton which was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Manchester Crown...

Van driver drove up to 100mph on wrong side of M60

A driver who reached speeds of up to 100mph and drive the wrong way down the motorway, has been arrested. At 7.45pm on Tuesday, police...

Six-year-old girl killed in Rochdale collision

Police are appealing for information after a child died following a collision in Rochdale last night. At around 5.35pm, a Range Rover was travelling westbound...