Brighton bank take down Pride supporting posters after complaints

A national bank has been singled out after claiming to support Pride – despite not backing organisers’ fundraising efforts.

Paul Kemp and Dulcie Weaver, both directors of Brighton Pride CIC went into a Natwest branch in Brighton’s Churchill Square Shopping Centre after it displayed a banner outside saying “Proudly supporting Pride in Brighton”.

But when the pair asked staff how it exactly it was supporting Brighton Pride, they were told it was through only through the signs.

When asked if the local bank had considered sponsorship or other means of support, they were batted away.

Dulcie said: “Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see everyone get behind Brighton Pride.

“But to suggest that they are actively doing something to help raise funds which is our remit isn’t fair and very misleading to customers who might make an active choice to bank with them because they think that they are.”

A spokesman for Natwest Bank, said: “We displayed posters last year in select location across England and Wales and replicated them this year, particularly as staff in the RBS Rainbow Network will be participating in the London Pride parade this year.

“Our posters were displayed in good faith and intended as a local declaration of support for the principles of Brighton Pride. We did not intend for this to be misconstrued. As a result we have taken the posters down.”

James Ledward, editor of Brighton-based magazine Gscene, said: “Brighton Pride is a community interest company, which raises money for local LGBT groups and organisations. In the last two year they have raised and ploughed back £80,000 into the local community.

“Natwest must know there is no such thing as a free lunch. Would they have done a similar thing during the Olympics? I think not because it is a clear breach of brand copyright.

“Too many corporates masquerade their gay friendliness by ticking their mandatory diversity boxes.

“I am appalled that this type of behaviour is happening in Brighton in 2014. I think a donation is in order to show real support for the magnificent work Brighton Pride does raising money for the local LGBT/HIV community.”