Reform UK have just announced that they would repeal the Equality Act were they to win the next election.

At a press conference today, Suella Braverman was announced as Reform’s Education, Skills and Equalities Spokesperson. In her first speech in the role, she said "Scrapping the Equality Act means getting rid of the pernicious, divisive notion of protected characteristics."

This language is irresponsible, divisive and unacceptable.

The Equality Act provides protection to people who are vulnerable to discrimination in the workplace, and beyond, it isn't 'divisive' to protect these communities from that, but inclusive.

Through our employment support services, we have seen the damaging impact that hostile and exclusionary environments can have on people's mental health. Removing legal protections would not only increase inequality but also risks pushing more people out of work and deepening the social and economic rifts felt across the country.

This announcement also comes during LGBT+ History Month, a time to recognise the progress made in advancing equality and inclusion. The repeal of the Equality Act suggests we have failed to reflect on the devastating effects of stigma in our nation’s history.

At a moment when we should be reaffirming our commitment to protecting people from rising hate and discrimination, this represents a huge step backwards.

Image: 'Suella Braverman KC MP (Fareham and Waterlooville, Reform UK)8 - by House of Commons, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0