Burnham apology: Manchester police LGBTQ+ failings

Published: 23 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has issued a formal apology for past police discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, acknowledging the profound pain and suffering caused. The apology comes amid ongoing calls for accountability, highlighting the city’s historically fraught relationship between law enforcement and LGBTQ+ communities. Campaigners have noted that Burnham’s stance contrasts sharply with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who earlier this year declined to apologise on behalf of his force, arguing it could appear superficial or performative.

The formal apology was addressed in a letter to campaigner Peter Tatchell, who has long sought recognition of historical mistreatment by UK police forces. Tatchell highlighted the significance of the apology in Greater Manchester, given that the city’s police force was once regarded as one of the most homophobic in the country. He recalled the actions of the 1980s, when Sir James Anderton, then GMP chief constable, notoriously described gay men dying of AIDS as “swirling around in a human cesspit of their own making.” Anderton’s homophobic religious motivations reportedly influenced directives instructing officers to target LGBTQ+ individuals.

Tatchell referenced several historical incidents that illustrated systemic harassment, including the notorious 1984 raid on Napoleon’s bar, where 23 plainclothes officers disrupted the venue under allegations of permitting “licentious dancing” contrary to local bylaws. Patrons had their identities recorded, and many were publicly outed, resulting in loss of employment and exposure to harassment, discrimination, and violence. Such episodes, Tatchell argues, reflected a broader pattern of institutional homophobia that has only recently been publicly acknowledged.

In his letter, Burnham emphasised that he recognises the shameful treatment historically suffered by LGBTQ+ communities and the discrimination they endured. He explicitly apologised to all LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and across the UK for the failings of GMP during that era. The mayor noted he had read Watson’s previous response to Tatchell, describing it as “considered and respectful,” but also stressed the limits of mayoral authority, as mayors cannot direct chief constables due to their operational independence.

Tatchell welcomed Burnham’s apology, calling it “clear and unequivocal,” yet reiterated the importance of a direct apology from GMP itself. He expressed disappointment that Chief Constable Watson continues to resist issuing a full apology, noting that while a mayoral acknowledgment is significant, it cannot substitute for formal recognition from the institution directly responsible for historical abuses.

Watson’s previous correspondence with Tatchell, written in April, stated regret that GMP “didn’t always perform to the standards deserved by those whom we serve.” However, he declined a broader apology to the LGBTQ+ community, suggesting it would have “little or no difference.” Tatchell has committed to continuing advocacy for a comprehensive and formal apology from GMP, emphasising the importance of institutional accountability and historical recognition.

The apology by Burnham underscores a growing movement across the UK demanding that police forces confront past injustices toward LGBTQ+ communities. Similar apologies have already been issued by more than 20 other UK police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, Merseyside, Northumbria, and Police Scotland, acknowledging historical failings and discriminatory practices. Burnham’s letter, therefore, positions Greater Manchester within this broader context of national reflection and accountability, reinforcing the call for justice and recognition of victims’ experiences.

For many LGBTQ+ activists and historians, such apologies are not merely symbolic but represent crucial steps toward healing and acknowledgment of systemic prejudice. While the actions of police in the 1980s remain a painful chapter in Greater Manchester’s history, public recognition and formal apologies serve as essential components in rebuilding trust between law enforcement and marginalized communities. Burnham’s acknowledgment of historical wrongs and his commitment to inclusivity demonstrate leadership in confronting difficult truths, even amid institutional constraints.

The broader debate over apologies raises important questions about the role of symbolic versus institutional accountability. While individual leaders can express remorse and recognition, the need for formal acknowledgment from institutions directly responsible for past abuses remains critical to restoring confidence. This tension is exemplified in the differing approaches of Burnham and Watson, reflecting ongoing challenges in reconciling historical wrongs with modern standards of justice and equity.

The campaign led by Tatchell highlights how persistent advocacy can pressure political and institutional figures to confront uncomfortable truths. His persistence underscores that addressing past discrimination requires sustained effort and public engagement, reminding society that reconciliation and justice often necessitate both moral and legal acknowledgment. Tatchell’s continued efforts aim not only to secure apologies but also to ensure that systemic reforms prevent recurrence of similar abuses, promoting enduring inclusivity and fairness within policing practices.

Burnham’s public apology has been received with cautious optimism by the LGBTQ+ community and advocacy groups, many of whom view it as a meaningful step in a long process of reconciliation. The letter serves as both a recognition of harm and a call to action for continued vigilance against discrimination. By acknowledging historical wrongdoing, Burnham positions himself as a figure committed to ethical leadership and responsive governance, reflecting broader societal expectations for transparency and accountability.

Greater Manchester’s engagement in these discussions also serves as a reminder that historical injustices must be confronted openly to foster inclusive societies. Apologies such as Burnham’s provide an important precedent for other authorities to follow, signaling that recognition of past harm is a necessary step toward equality and social cohesion. The interplay between public advocacy, institutional response, and political leadership continues to shape the path toward meaningful justice for historically marginalized communities across the UK.

As the conversation surrounding apologies for past police discrimination evolves, it remains clear that individual and institutional acknowledgment of wrongdoing is crucial for trust, reconciliation, and social progress. Burnham’s apology represents an important milestone in this ongoing process, reflecting a commitment to confronting history with honesty and compassion. Yet the ultimate resolution hinges on GMP’s willingness to follow suit, offering a formal, unconditional apology to the LGBTQ+ community it once wronged.