The Durham County Council Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday 9 October 2025 to discuss a number of issues, including a report on a High Court Judgement relating to police participation in Pride events, a complaint against the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the appointment of an Independent Co-opted Member to the Panel. The meeting was held at County Hall, Durham.

High Court Judgement on Police Impartiality

The panel were scheduled to discuss a report from the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) regarding the High Court Judgment in the case of Lindsey Smith, R (on the application of) v The Chief Constable of Northumbria Police: [2025] EWHC 1805 (Admin).

The judgement ruled that Northumbria Police acted unlawfully by participating in Newcastle Pride in City 2024, as the event was deemed to support gender ideology and transgender rights, breaching the police's duty of impartiality.

The report noted that the ruling clarified the law in relation to the Public Sector Equality Duty¹ and impartiality, and that police officers are required to serve with fairness, integrity, and impartiality, and must not engage in activities that may interfere with their impartial duties.

Section 29 of the Police Act 1996 mandates police officers to serve with fairness, integrity, and impartiality.

The Police Regulations 2003 prohibit officers from engaging in activities that may interfere with their impartial duties.

The case of Champion v Chief Constable emphasizes the importance of perceived impartiality in policing.

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public authorities to consider equality and non-discrimination in their functions.

Report of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner

The report stated that Durham Constabulary had provided an interim position to its workforce, advising against staff wearing anything not issued or endorsed by the force when policing public events such as Pride. It also stated that each policing event would be assessed on a case-by-case basis to consider any potential breaches of impartiality.

The report also noted that the PCC had provided sponsorship contributions to Darlington Borough Council and Durham Pride in recent years.

The report recommended that Panel Members note the contents.

Complaint Against the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Panel were scheduled to consider a report from the Monitoring Officer and Clerk to the Police and Crime Panel regarding a complaint against the Police and Crime Commissioner. This item was listed in Part B of the agenda, meaning that the discussion was not expected to be open to the public.

Appointment of Independent Co-opted Member

The Panel were scheduled to consider a report from the Monitoring Officer and Clerk to the Police and Crime Panel regarding the appointment of an Independent Co-opted Member to the Panel. This item was also listed in Part B of the agenda, meaning that the discussion was not expected to be open to the public.