Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Reform UK's proposal to abolish the Equalities Act, branding the plan as "shocking" and fundamentally anti-British.
The Labour leader delivered a forceful condemnation of the policy, which was recently championed by Reform's new equalities spokeswoman, Suella Braverman. In a pointed interview with BBC Breakfast, Starmer warned that dismantling the 2010 legislation would roll back decades of hard-won protections and foster increased discrimination against women and minority groups.
Core British Values Under Threat
Starmer emphasised that the Equalities Act embodies essential British principles of tolerance, compassion, and diversity. He stated, "This goes to the heart of core values and I think it actually rips up something that goes to who we are as a country." The Prime Minister expressed profound concern, noting he "shuddered to think" how women would perceive a policy that threatens gender equality.
The legislation, enacted under Gordon Brown's Labour government, provides legal safeguards against discrimination based on characteristics such as gender, race, disability, and sexual orientation. Starmer highlighted historical struggles, recalling eras when landlords displayed discriminatory signs and women faced systemic inequality.
Reform's Controversial Stance
Suella Braverman, who was dismissed from the Conservative Party for breaching the ministerial code, has argued that repealing the act would promote a meritocracy and reduce division. She contends the current law fosters a culture of victimhood rather than fairness.
However, Starmer countered this view robustly. He pointed out that the act protects individuals from racism and other forms of prejudice, asserting, "We know the battles that were fought, many of them by the Labour Party, to get proper equality."
Broader Implications and Warnings
The Trades Union Congress has issued a stark warning, suggesting that scrapping the Equalities Act could effectively legalise discrimination against workers based on gender, disability, race, pregnancy, or sexual orientation. This aligns with Starmer's fears that Reform's policy would regress society to a less equitable time.
Starmer challenged Reform representatives to publicly defend the notion that women should not be treated equally with men, framing the debate as a test of national character. He passionately argued that British identity is rooted in inclusivity and justice, values he believes are jeopardised by such proposals.
The Prime Minister's remarks underscore a deepening political divide over social policies as Reform UK gains traction. His intervention aims to rally public opinion around preserving legislative frameworks that ensure equal treatment for all citizens, positioning the Equalities Act as a cornerstone of modern British democracy.
