Survey finds fewer Britons support same-sex marriage in 2026

As tens of thousands joined the 54th annual Pride in London, new data and local decisions have deepened concern about the direction of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility across the UK.

Participants gathered at Hyde Park Corner at midday before making their way to Whitehall, while spectators lined Piccadilly as floats, performers and sound systems moved through central London. Pride’s organisers hailed the turnout and stressed the event’s ongoing importance for equality and safety in the capital.

An Ipsos Mori survey for its Pride Report 2026, released this week, points to declining public support on several key measures. Sixty-six per cent of respondents now agree with same-sex marriage, down from 82 per cent in 2021, even though it has been legal in England since 2014. Only 59 per cent say LGBT+ people should be open about their sexuality, down from 63 per cent in 2021. Support for companies and brands actively promoting LGBT+ equality has dropped from 52 per cent to 44 per cent over the same period.

Local decisions over Pride flags have amplified these concerns. Enfield Council has stopped flying the Pride flag above its town hall, saying only the Union Flag, the Flag of St George and the local Enfield Beast flag will be displayed at the civic centre to “restore a sense of traditional civic pride”. Enfield Labour, which controlled the council until May’s local elections, called the move “a slap in the face to the LGBTQ+ community”.

In Huntingdonshire, the Progressive Pride Flag, which includes colours representing trans people and people of colour, was removed after being flown. Reform UK councillor Ryan Coogan argued it should have had planning permission and said councils should be cautious about flags that some residents regard as ideological or political. The Liberal Democrat, Green and independent administration acknowledged that the necessary permissions for certain flags were not in place and said the flag was taken down following discussions.

Westminster City Council has come under pressure from evangelical Christian campaign group Christian Concern over Progressive Pride flags on Regent Street, backed by the Crown Estate. Christian Concern has threatened judicial review over the last two years. Westminster has defended the policy and highlighted long-standing support for Pride as an annual fixture.

Nick Baldwin, LGBT campaigns manager at Humanists UK, warned that removing Pride flags “sends a clear message to LGBT+ people that they are not welcome, and in some places, not safe”. Zoe Garbett, Green Mayor of Hackney, told The i Paper that the decisions reflect “difficult and dark” times, which she linked to “divisive and hate-fuelled politics” in recent years.

Carl Austin-Behan, former LGBTQ+ rights adviser to Andy Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester and co-director of Manchester Village Pride, said the UK’s global reputation on LGBT+ rights is slipping. “Ten years ago we were further ahead as an LGBT community than we are right now. We have had rights taken away. Let’s see if we can build back and get back to number one, leading the world when it comes to LGBT rights,” he said.

A spokesperson for Pride in London highlighted the significance of attendance this year and wished participants a safe and happy event. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described Burnham as “the best possible ally” for LGBT+ people and praised his record. Speaking to Gaydio, Khan said Burnham would serve “all communities who feel like they’re marginalised and who feel frightened” and called for unity “at a time when many are trying to turn back the clocks on hard won rights”. He added that it remains vital to celebrate differences and show that “love will always triumph over hate”.

A source close to Burnham told The i Paper that he is “a champion for the LGBTQ+ community”.

Veteran activist Julian Hows, 70, who was expelled from school in 1971 for early gay rights campaigning, underlined Pride’s continued protest role. Speaking at the front of the parade at Hyde Park Corner, he said: “We also always need to push further because there’s always somewhere where our rights are being taken away. It’s a visible display, a visible manifestation of all our Christmases, our Easters, our whatever, all rolled up into one.”

For many LGBTQ+ people and allies who want to respond with practical action, connecting with inclusive employers and a wider global community can help; one way to do this is by signing up to myGwork, which brings together LGBT+ professionals, organisations and advocates committed to equality at work.