Force must apologise for historic discrimination - PCC

Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, has repeated his call for West Midlands Police to apologise for "historic discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community".

It comes as Foster and victims' advocate, Natalie Queiroz, were set to take part in Birmingham Pride on Saturday.

Foster said the force had been asked not to attend the event because it had not yet issued an apology.

West Midlands Police said the acting chief constable had met with representatives of the LGBTQ+ community and its force network to listen and hear their experiences, accounts and views.

"In the meantime, West Midlands Police is committed to policing without fear or favour and continuing to strengthen and build positive relationships with the public to ensure they have trust and confidence in the force," it said.

In February, acting chief constable, Scott Green, suggested the police could apologise over the issue.

He told an accountability and governance meeting he believed the force should examine its past conduct in the same way it had previously addressed its history with black communities.

In June 2020, former chief constable Dave Thompson apologised to black communities for things the force "got wrong".

More than 20 other UK police forces have already said sorry for their treatment of LGBTQ+ people, including the Metropolitan Police, Merseyside Police and Police Scotland.

In February, the BBC reported that rights campaigner Peter Tatchell previously said the West Midlands force had twice refused his requests for an apology.

"West Midlands Police were among the most viciously homophobic forces in Britain," Tatchell said in March 2025.

"Officers engaged in harassment, entrapment, beatings and raids on gay venues and private birthday parties.

"Same-sex couples were arrested and assaulted for merely kissing and holding hands."

Foster said he would continue to work closely with the force, community organisations and partners, to tackle hate crime, support victims and build stronger relationships with all communities across the region.

"Everyone has the right to live free from discrimination, prejudice and hate," he said.

"Events such as Birmingham Pride help to promote diversity, inclusion, solidarity and unity that are so important to our society.

"We must continue working together to ensure that the West Midlands remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all."

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