Starmer Brands Reform's Equality Act Scrap Plan 'Anti-British' and 'Shocking'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has issued a forceful condemnation of Reform UK's pledge to abolish the Equality Act, describing the policy as "shocking" and fundamentally "anti-British." In a series of pointed remarks, Starmer warned that dismantling the 2010 legislation would endanger decades of hard-won protections against discrimination, particularly for women.
Core British Values Under Threat
Sir Keir asserted that scrapping the Equality Act would directly contravene essential British values of tolerance, compassion, and fairness. He expressed particular concern about the impact on gender equality, stating he "shuddered to think" what women would make of a policy that could legitimize overt discrimination. "The right for women to be treated equally with men is something which was fought for," Starmer emphasized during an interview with BBC Breakfast. "That is core, that is British... For Reform to say 'no more' suggests it would be acceptable to return to an era where women were not treated equally."
Reform's Controversial Proposal
The controversial pledge was announced on Tuesday by Reform UK's newly appointed equalities spokeswoman, Suella Braverman. Braverman argued that repealing the Equality Act would foster a meritocratic society free from what she termed the "pernicious, divisive notion of protected characteristics" and a culture of "victimhood." She claimed the current law creates division rather than unity.
The Equality Act, one of the final significant pieces of legislation enacted by Gordon Brown's Labour government over fifteen years ago, consolidates and strengthens previous anti-discrimination laws covering race, gender, disability, religion, and other characteristics.
Defending Historical Protections
Starmer expanded his criticism beyond gender, highlighting the Act's role in protecting racial equality. He evoked historical injustices, referencing a time when landlords could openly display discriminatory signs. "This goes to the heart of core values," Starmer stated. "It rips up something that goes to who we are as a country. To be tolerant, compassionate, and diverse is what it is to be British, and this tears that up."
Reform's Counter-Argument
In response, Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman, dismissed Starmer's warnings as "complete nonsense." Jenrick accused the Labour leader of deliberately misrepresenting Reform's policy, insisting the party aims to maintain protections established by earlier legislation like the Equal Pay Act, the Race Relations Act, and the Disability Discrimination Act.
"We of course want to see the protections that have been put in place over the years maintained," Jenrick told BBC Breakfast. He criticized the 2010 Act as a "very harmful piece of legislation" from a "dying government" that has created "perverse situations." When asked if the Act had protected anyone, Jenrick replied, "I don't on balance think that's correct," arguing that earlier laws had already addressed significant injustices and shifted public attitudes.
Farage Weighs In on 'Discriminatory' Effects
Adding to the debate, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told journalists on Wednesday that the Equality Act has become inherently discriminatory. He specifically claimed that middle-aged white men are losing jobs as a result of the legislation. "That's the problem," Farage said. "Something that was designed to stop discrimination becomes in itself discriminatory."
The escalating war of words underscores a deep ideological divide over equality legislation and British values, setting the stage for a heated political battle as Reform UK positions its policies for the future.
