Badenoch Vows To Scrap Equality Duty And End Identity Politics

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to rip up one of the central pillars of Britain’s equality framework, promising to remove identity politics from public institutions and restore what she calls “common sense” to policing, schools and the NHS.

In a major intervention, Badenoch will announce plans to abolish the Public Sector Equality Duty, arguing that it has become a vehicle for ideological activism rather than fair treatment under the law.

‘Sweep Away This Rubbish’

The Tory leader is expected to say Britain’s public sector has become trapped by bureaucracy and legal challenges driven by race, gender and identity issues.

Badenoch will argue that the Equality Duty, introduced under the Equality Act, was intended to prevent discrimination but has evolved into a mechanism that encourages public bodies to prioritise identity politics over practical decision-making.

She will tell supporters: “Let’s sweep away this rubbish and bring back common sense.”

What The Equality Duty Does

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires government departments, police forces, councils, schools and NHS bodies to consider how policies affect people with protected characteristics, including race, religion, sex and disability.

Supporters say it helps ensure fairness and prevents discrimination.

Critics argue it has encouraged expensive diversity programmes, legal challenges and risk-averse decision-making across public services.

Terrorist Case Cited By Badenoch

Badenoch is expected to highlight the case of convicted terrorist Sahayb Abu, who successfully challenged prison segregation arrangements after authorities isolated extremist inmates following an attack on prison officers by Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber.

The challenge partly relied on arguments linked to equality legislation because all the segregated prisoners were Muslim.

Badenoch is expected to argue that such outcomes demonstrate how the law can interfere with security decisions.

Henry Nowak Case Adds Fuel To Debate

The announcement comes amid continuing controversy surrounding the death of Henry Nowak in Southampton.

The teenager was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who initially claimed he had been the victim of racist abuse.

The case has since become a flashpoint in wider arguments over policing, race and the influence of diversity policies within public institutions.

Critics have pointed to the treatment of Nowak in the immediate aftermath of the attack as evidence that some officers may have been overly influenced by allegations of racism.

Police Race Plan Under Fire

Badenoch has also targeted the controversial Police Race Action Plan, introduced following the murder of George Floyd.

Writing in the Sunday Times, she argued that public institutions have become fearful of being accused of racism and increasingly rely on activists and external consultants when making decisions.

She specifically criticised the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, which monitors implementation of the race action plan.

The board has rejected accusations that its work undermines policing and argues racial disparities in policing outcomes remain a significant issue.

Conservatives Promise Major Rollback

Shadow Equalities Minister Claire Coutinho said a future Conservative government would remove the duty entirely.

She said public services should focus on delivering results rather than diversity initiatives and training programmes.

“The Conservatives believe in judging people by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin,” she said.

New Front In Culture-War Battle

The proposal opens a fresh front in the growing political battle over race, equality and identity in Britain.

Supporters argue the reforms would restore impartiality and allow public bodies to focus on their core responsibilities.

Opponents warn that removing the Equality Duty risks weakening protections designed to ensure fair treatment for minority groups.

With public anger over policing, immigration and social cohesion continuing to dominate political debate, Badenoch’s move signals that the Conservatives intend to make identity politics a major battleground in the years ahead.

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Has she not yet grasped she’s the glass cliff appointee?!