The disability charity Scope has made a last-minute U-turn, allowing a choir it had previously banned to perform at the London Marathon. The Singing Striders, founded by journalist Janet Murray, were told on Tuesday they were no longer welcome due to concerns over Murray's gender critical beliefs. But late Saturday, Scope's chief executive John McLachlan announced the charity had reconsidered, stating the choir as a group does not promote a specific viewpoint and that the performance does not undermine Scope's values.
Murray, who has written extensively on transgender issues but says she keeps her views separate from the choir, welcomed the change but noted that only one other choir member currently feels comfortable performing. The group is now considering its options. The London Marathon takes place on Sunday, with over 59,000 runners expected.