Sophie Corcoran, a GB News commentator, is taking legal action against the 10,000 Interns Foundation, a charity that provides internships for black and minority ethnic people, claiming she was denied an opportunity because she is white.
Corcoran applied for an internship scheme run by the charity in partnership with the Bar Council, but was rejected. She said she was 'shocked to discover that the scheme is restricted to applicants of a particular racial background'. The charity has received a legal letter outlining her intent to sue, and has responded.
Corcoran argues that the scheme breaches the Equality Act, and that she has suffered a loss of employment opportunity. She stated: 'This case is not simply about my own experience. I am pursuing it because I believe that no person in Britain should be denied opportunities because of the colour of their skin.'
The 10,000 Interns Foundation has placed over 10,000 interns since 2020, working with organisations such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Bloomberg, and HSBC. Its CEO, Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, defended the scheme, saying: 'Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We are confident in the lawfulness of our approach.'
The Bar Council has described the scheme as 'lawful positive action' under the Equality Act. However, experts warn that the case could have a 'chilling effect' on diversity and inclusion initiatives, with some organisations already withdrawing support after right-wing campaigns last year.
