Reform-led Staffordshire council rejects censorship claims over removal of library Pride displays

Reform-led Staffordshire County Council has explained the decision to remove Pride displays from local libraries.

The local authority responded to questions from the Express & Star following open letters from Stafford Pride and local MPs which raised concerns about LGBT materials being removed from libraries.

Chairman of Stafford Pride Jack Taylor-Walker claimed the decision was ‘a stab in the heart’ to members of their community in an open letter to leader Councillor Martin Murray. He also branded it a ‘vile decision’ and demanded it be overturned.

A petition was also created to overturn the alleged directive and has already surpassed 2,900 signatures.

Local MPs - including Cannock Chase MP Josh Newbury, Lichfield MP Dave Robertson and Stafford MP Leigh Ingham - also signed a separate open letter to the leader expressing their concerns and declaring that “Staffordshire is a welcoming and inclusive county.”

However, Staffordshire County Council have assured library users that LGBT materials remain in the library to be loaned but the use of display spaces are under review by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture.

Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: “We are committed to transforming our libraries into vibrant community hubs where people can learn, connect and get practical support.

“We are currently reviewing the use of our library display space and, as part of this, any display which doesn’t promote our core library offer or council services has been paused until the review and community impact assessments take place.

“A wide range of books and materials can still be loaned from us. These cover topics and authors of interest to the LGBTQ+ community and many others. No books or materials have been removed from the library.”

The council has also confirmed the review also includes other displays for awareness months - including those for Black History Month. Although, the authority rejects claims that this is censorship as materials are still available to be loaned.

The council added that the Cabinet “will consider the nature of future displays alongside a Community Impact Assessment and make a decision on these.”