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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised Reform UK over its proposal to repeal the Equality Act 2010, calling the move “shocking” and “un-British”.
In a pre-recorded interview with BBC Breakfast, Starmer said the Equality Act represents “basic British values” and has provided decades of protection, particularly for women and minority communities. He warned that repealing the legislation would remove key safeguards that ensure equal treatment regardless of gender or race.
The Prime Minister said equality between men and women is a core principle of British society and suggested Reform UK’s proposal would take the country “back to the old days” when women were not treated equally. He added that the law also protects individuals from discrimination based on race, recalling past periods when discriminatory practices were openly displayed.
Starmer argued that tolerance, compassion, and diversity define modern Britain and said he would like to see Reform UK defend its position publicly.
The controversy follows the appointment of Suella Braverman as Reform UK’s spokesperson for education, skills and equalities. The party’s leader, Nigel Farage, introduced Braverman as part of Reform’s newly announced “shadow cabinet.”
At a recent press conference, Braverman said that if Reform came to power, she would abolish her equalities brief and repeal the Equality Act on her first day in office.
During the same interview, Starmer also addressed questions about Prince Andrew, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, regarding his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer said anyone with relevant information related to alleged crimes, including violence against women and girls, has a duty to cooperate with authorities. He stressed that the principle of equality under the law applies to everyone and that no individual is above the law.
On local elections, Starmer defended the government’s recent reversal of plans to postpone votes in 30 local authorities. He said the decision to proceed with elections in May was taken after receiving legal advice and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic processes.
The debate over the Equality Act is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with the issue emerging as a key dividing line in British politics.
