Council Leader Ross Garrod has said that the council will fly the England and LGBTQ+ flags outside the Civic Centre to mark the World Cup, showing solidarity not only with the LGBTQ+ community but also exploited migrant workers and all others discriminated against in Qatar.

He also announced that the council will put on free screenings of selected England games to allow residents to follow the national team without having to be out of pocket during the cost of living crisis.

The first event will be the England v USA match on Friday 25 November, and we will be offering 100 spaces to watch the game at Madeira Hall in Canons in Mitcham and enjoy free food and soft drinks, as well as face painting for children and providing information on council support for living costs.

You can book tickets and find out more information here.

Cllr Garrod said: “The World Cup is finally here, and there will be understandable excitement across our diverse borough as fans support their national teams.

“I can’t wait to see the England team, which reflects all the best things about our multicultural society, take to the pitch and do us proud.

“But there’s also a cloud hanging over this tournament, which is an opportunity to again show our values as a community in Merton.

“Throughout the tournament, we’ll be flying both the England flag and the LGBTQ+ flag from the Civic Centre, in a mark of our solidarity not only with the LGBTQ+ community but also the exploited migrant workers, and all others discriminated against in Qatar.

“But we also want to help residents enjoy watching the progress of their team, particularly with the Cost of Living crisis and rocketing bills.

“To help with this, the Council will be putting on free screening of selected England games, with food and soft drinks, as well as information on support we can give with living costs.”