British Transport Police Proud to Stand Together with Manchester Pride
British Transport Police (BTP) is gearing up for the biggest and best Manchester Pride at British Transport Police this weekend, with officers on hand throughout the event to support passengers and staff and promote BTP's #WeStandTogether campaign, aimed at eradicating hate crime from the rail network.
BTP officers will be staffing engagement stalls right across the Bank Holiday weekend at Manchester Piccadilly station and, along with industry partners Network Rail, Virgin, TPE and Northern, BTP be welcoming you to the station and helping you celebrate this landmark occasion in the Manchester calendar.
This year BTP is spreading the word about the #WeStandTogether campaign, which upholds the message that everyone has the right to travel on the rail network without fear of intimidation, abuse or violence or the fear of being targeted because of who they are or who others perceive them to be. It also calls on anyone who might witness a hate crime to report it, as well as offering different ways of making a report, including by texting us on 61016 if they need to contact us without making a call.
As well as engagement stalls, officers will also be conducting high visibility patrols at key stations across the city to offer reassurance to rail users. If riders have any concerns or need to report a crime, please speak to an officer.
Inspector Sonja Simister said: “This truly is a real celebration for the city. Manchester has long been associated with its celebration of diversity and we welcome the chance to be a part of the Pride events held across the weekend. You’ll see us out and about at stations across the city, helping make sure you can Travel with Pride – please do approach us and say hello or stop for a selfie. We want everyone to have a wonderful time and above all feel safe throughout the weekend so they can celebrate in style.”
Diversity and inclusion manager for BTP Barry Boffy said, “The message is clear – We stand together with the LGBT community to tackle hate crime. We won’t tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because they’re different, or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey. We hope to meet as many visitors to this great celebration of diversity as possible over the weekend.”
Insp Simister added, ““Our officers will be on the lookout for anyone who engages in hate crime or prejudicial behaviour and will take all appropriate steps to deal with offenders.
“We want everyone in the city to have a great weekend and we will do everything in our power to ensure this is the case.”
