The Pride flag flew over County Hall in Newport this week, raised alongside the Union flag and the English flag that fly there every day.
Councillor Karl Love says the authority takes pride in marking days of recognition, among them Armed Forces Day, the Suffragettes and now Pride. Cancer awareness has had its turn too.
Isle of Wight Pride takes place in Ryde on Saturday 18th July 2026. See the website for full details.
A message beyond the Island
For Councillor Love, the flag carries further than County Hall’s forecourt. He said,
“The pride flag means great deal to a lot of people and helps to bring people together.”
He points to the 60 or so countries where same-sex relationships still bring fear, imprisonment or death. He said,
“What can be more human than loving someone?
“We are a stronger, happier and better Community when we join together, recognise we are all part of a diverse nation and that by accepting our differences and being inclusive, we bring many great colourful and meaningful things to our Island’s and way of life.”
Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, raised the flag.
No Reform councillors
Councillor Love noticed who wasn’t there. No Reform councillors attended, an absence he called “somewhat sad”.
He argues Reform is itself a coalition of different people bonded by politics, much as Pride bonds people together, and that by staying away the group excluded itself.
He asks whether that makes the Island a more inclusive place where open, transparent conversations can happen, or whether it creates unhealthy divisions.
The flag remains up at County Hall.
