Interim police chief contemplating LGBTQ+ apology

The West Midlands Police interim chief is considering a formal apology to the LGBTQ community as part of a wider review of past policing, aiming to address historical harm and rebuild trust with the community while consulting internally before any official statement.

The West Midlands Police may soon confront its historical actions toward the city’s LGBTQ+ community, as the interim leadership contemplates a formal apology. During a recent accountability and governance board meeting, acting chief constable Scott Green highlighted the need for a thorough review of the force’s past conduct, suggesting a process similar to previous assessments addressing the police’s history with Black communities.

Green, who has been in the position for just under a month, indicated that no decision has been finalized. He noted that the process will involve internal consultations with peers before any formal announcement is made. He emphasised that the review is intended to initiate a structured evaluation rather than provide immediate answers. A more detailed written statement from Green is expected in the future.

The context for this reassessment draws on the force’s prior efforts to address historical wrongs. In June 2020, former chief constable Dave Thompson issued an apology to Black communities for actions the police acknowledged as mishandled. Green underlined that this precedent shows the importance of addressing past mistakes not only through statements but through a sustained and critical examination of institutional practices.

Foster, a senior figure within the West Midlands policing structure, welcomed Green’s initiative, expressing support for a thorough review of the department’s legacy and interactions with all communities. Foster stressed that revisiting past conduct is crucial to maintaining public trust and confidence in the police service.

Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has previously criticised West Midlands Police for refusing to apologise for historical treatment of LGBTQ+ people. In March 2025, Tatchell described the force as having been among the most strongly homophobic in the country in past decades. He cited patterns of policing that included harassment, violent interventions, and targeted disruption of LGBTQ+ spaces, creating lasting effects on the community.

The consideration of an apology comes within a broader national context, as over 20 police forces in the United Kingdom have issued statements acknowledging past mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. Forces including the Metropolitan Police in London, Merseyside Police, and Police Scotland have publicly apologised for historic misconduct, setting a framework for potential action by West Midlands Police.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed that the force received a formal letter from the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding this issue. The spokesperson indicated that consultations would take place over the coming months with other chief constables, the National Police Chiefs Council, internal staff networks, and LGBTQ+ community groups. The aim of the process is to determine whether a formal apology is appropriate and to ensure that lessons from historical conduct inform future policing practices and community engagement.

The review represents a measured approach by the force to confront past issues, balancing careful internal discussion with the expectations of the public and community leaders. While no apology has yet been issued, the structured assessment signals a willingness to consider historical accountability and its impact on trust between the police and LGBTQ+ residents of the West Midlands.

Through this process, West Midlands Police aims to formally examine the legacy of its past actions, acknowledging historical harm and exploring whether public recognition of mistakes is a necessary step toward rebuilding confidence and strengthening relationships with all communities served by the force.

Sources:

• Acting chief constable considering LGBTQ+ apology - Yahoo News Canada
• West Midlands Police urged to apologise for past homophobic witch-hunts
• Birmingham Pride 'bans police' after West Midlands chief refusal to apologise
• Acting chief constable considering LGBTQ+ apology