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The Coca-Cola float at Saturday’s Brighton Pride parade was forced to halt its journey after protesters blocked the route. Among the demonstrators was Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry, who, along with other activists, believes Coca-Cola is an unsuitable sponsor for the city’s Pride festivities.

Protest literature shared on Ms. Berry’s X account highlighted long-standing concerns: “For several years, Coca-Cola has faced calls to remove its factory from illegally occupied land in Palestine, but has refused to do so.”

Coca-Cola responded, stating that while it supports the right to peacefully protest, the decision to halt the float was made due to safety concerns for its staff and other attendees.

Sponsor Review

The disruption occurred at Marlborough Place, prompting the parade to be rerouted along Grand Parade. On Friday, Pride organisers released a statement addressing the controversy, noting they had received numerous requests for their stance on international issues.

The statement read: “We have already committed to reviewing all sponsors ahead of next year’s event. This will include an assessment of all our relationships with partners who have regularly sponsored Pride, including Coca-Cola.”

Organisers also mentioned that a multi-agency review of the parade would take place after Pride weekend, incorporating an assessment of this year’s protests. Sussex Police confirmed that no arrests were made during the incident.

Green Councillors’ Letter

In a letter co-signed by Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry and other local Green councillors, they expressed their opposition to Coca-Cola’s sponsorship:

“As elected Green representatives, we are standing up today against the continued presence of Coca-Cola as a main sponsor of the Brighton Pride Parade and Festival. A significant number of local LGBTQIA+ organisations have called for people to boycott Pride events in part due to the presence of Coca-Cola as a sponsor. We agree that this does not fit in with the ethos and spirit of our city and its wonderful diverse community.

For several years, Coca-Cola has faced calls for it to remove its factory from illegally occupied land in Palestine, but it has refused to do so.

The events of 7 October were horrific and still are in no way a justification for the Israeli government’s unprecedented attack on the people of Gaza. As a result, the problems with Coca-Cola’s involvement in Pride have grown even more acute, with an estimated 186,000+ people killed, and international courts seeking warrants for the arrest of those responsible, citing war crimes and actions that amount to genocide.

We do not believe a corporation which legitimises an Israeli regime that is implicated in these crimes should have a place at Brighton Pride. Coca-Cola has not changed its position, and indeed in June was found to be targeting Rohingya people in Bangladesh in its activities.

However, Coca-Cola’s brand will still be attached to this year’s Pride. So we are sad that we cannot this year attend any sponsored events as part of Pride weekend.

Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people are on the rise, and our home should be a safe haven. Our new mayor has committed to standing healthier for young trans people in our town who are suffering more than ever. For us, that means putting our time and effort into other communities in solidarity. We urge you to join us in attending alternative Pride events across the city.

We are clear that the responsibility for putting so many people in Brighton and Hove off Pride lies in a horribly difficult position with Coca-Cola. The company must take immediate steps, as other companies have done, to end its presence at Pride. We believe there is still time to send a message to people living illegally in occupied territories.

We will continue to engage with Brighton Pride ahead of next year, to work on ways to ensure the city can participate in Pride events.

We hope this will include not just reviewing sponsors, but also looking at who else is welcome within the bounds of Pride, with a view to creating a safe space for everyone.

Pride is and always has been a protest. Together, we need to make sure our city’s most significant weekend always means something we can all have every Pride in.”

Signed: Siân Berry, Councillor Steve Davis, Councillor Chloë Goldsmith, Councillor Raphael Hill, Councillor Ellen McLeay, Councillor Kerry Pickett, Councillor Ollie Sykes