In a significant policy announcement that signals Labour's approach to equality and human rights, Shadow Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has revealed plans to immediately scrap controversial government guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) if Labour forms the next government.
Direct Challenge to Current Government Policy
The bold declaration came during an exclusive interview with The Independent, where Ms Mahmood didn't mince words about the current state of equality protections. "We would seek to revoke that guidance straight away," she stated unequivocally, highlighting what she described as the Conservative government's failure to uphold proper equality standards.
Broader Reform Agenda
This isn't merely about reversing existing policies. Labour is preparing a comprehensive overhaul of Britain's equality framework. The party plans to:
- Introduce strengthened equal pay legislation
- Implement mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting
- Establish a new Race Equality Act
- Create specific protections against dual discrimination
Cross-Government Coordination
Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed these commitments, revealing that a "cross-government strategy" is already in development. This coordinated approach would ensure equality considerations are embedded throughout all policy areas, not treated as a standalone issue.
Restoring Trust in Equality Institutions
Central to Labour's critique is the belief that the EHRC has become "politicised" under Conservative leadership. Ms Mahmood expressed particular concern about recent guidance affecting transgender people, suggesting it has created legal uncertainty and undermined the commission's credibility.
Immediate Action Promised
Unlike many political promises that face lengthy implementation timelines, Labour has committed to swift action. The revocation of current EHRC guidance would be among the first moves in what promises to be a significant reshaping of Britain's equality landscape.
This announcement positions equality and human rights as a key battleground for the next election, offering voters a clear alternative to current government policy.
