Former home secretary Suella Braverman has issued a stark warning that Britain is being "ripped apart" by diversity, equality, and inclusion policies, declaring her intention to dismantle key equality frameworks if her party gains power. The Reform UK MP, who defected from the Conservatives last month, made the comments during a high-profile event in London where she was unveiled as the party's new shadow education and skills secretary.
Repeal of Equality Act Promised on Day One
In a bold statement, Braverman vowed that a Reform government would "repeal the Equality Act" on its very first day in office. She also pledged to abolish the equalities department and scrap the role of equalities minister, a position she herself now holds as Reform's spokeswoman for equalities. "Yes, I'm doing myself out of a job!" she exclaimed, emphasising her commitment to radical change.
A Vision for Meritocracy Over Tokenism
Braverman articulated a vision for a Britain defined by meritocracy rather than tokenism, personal responsibility instead of victimhood, excellence over mediocrity, and unity in place of division. She argued that diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives have deviated from their original purposes, becoming tools for left-wing ideology and prejudice against white people.
"The Britain that I love is being ripped apart by DEI," Braverman stated. "It has become less about diversity and more about conforming to left-wing ideology, less about equality and more about prejudice against white people, and less about inclusion and more about exclusion of those who dare to challenge the dogma."
Criticism of Systemic Failures
The former home secretary highlighted several examples to support her claims, questioning why discrimination against white, Christian men by the Sentencing Council was deemed acceptable. She also pointed to the historical inaction over grooming gangs targeting white working-class girls and the poor educational outcomes for white working-class boys, accusing the government of neglect.
Reform UK's New Leadership Team
The announcement came as Reform leader Nigel Farage revealed his top team, which includes fellow Tory defector Robert Jenrick, along with Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice. This move signals the party's efforts to strengthen its political presence ahead of the next general election.
Political Backlash and Criticism
However, the unveiling faced immediate criticism from rival parties. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake dismissed Reform's front bench as a "tribute act to the old Conservative Party," arguing that it lacks credibility and is dominated by ex-Conservatives. He emphasised that only the Conservatives, under Kemi Badenoch, possess the depth and experience needed to address national issues.
Labour chair Anna Turley also condemned the appointments, labelling Farage's team as "failed Tories" who inflicted damage during their time in government. She accused them of trashing the economy, increasing mortgage burdens, and failing to secure borders, warning that they would repeat these failures under Reform.
Turley asserted that only Keir Starmer's Labour government is focused on delivering priorities such as tackling the cost of living and reducing NHS waiting lists, contrasting this with what she sees as Reform's lack of commitment to national safety and healthcare.
As the political landscape shifts, Braverman's provocative stance sets the stage for heated debates over equality, diversity, and the future direction of British policy, with Reform UK positioning itself as a challenger to traditional party narratives.
