UK Minister Kemi Badenoch Proposes Scrapping Public Sector Equality Duty

On 9 June 2026, Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch announced plans to repeal the public sector equality duty (PSED), the legal requirement for public bodies to assess the equality impact of their policies.

The Guardian

The PSED, part of the Equality Act 2010, requires public bodies to assess impacts on protected characteristics (race, disability, religion, pregnancy). It has been defended as a tool for inclusive design, while critics say it imposes identity-politics.

The Guardian

Kemi Badenoch, former equalities minister, leads the repeal. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) defends the duty. Barrister Andrew Dinsmore will publish an advisory report supporting repeal. Reform UK, which wants to scrap the Equality Act, is cited as a political foil. Shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho opposes the move.

The Guardian

The Conservative press release says the PSED enables “dangerous and divisive agendas,” naming the Bank of England’s note redesign and police training as examples. The party argues repeal will curb identity-politics and restore “common sense, fairness and equality before the law.” The EHRC counters that the duty “is not a barrier …” and “helps them make good decisions” based on impact assessments. Reform UK’s stance, though not quoted, is presented as a more radical alternative that would “open the floodgates to more DEI.”

The Guardian

EHRC officials, disability and religious rights advocates warn that scrapping the PSED could weaken protections against discrimination, harassment and victimisation under the Equality Act 2010. The commission’s new chair cites evidence of a positive impact on equality practice in public authorities. Critics stress the duty guides agencies in designing services for all citizens.

The Guardian

The dispute centers on whether the PSED advances “dangerous and divisive agendas” or enables inclusive service. No quantitative data on its outcomes are provided, leaving an evidentiary gap. The impact of repeal on protected groups remains unquantified.

The Guardian

• “From the Bank of England taking Winston Churchill off banknotes, to police training that tells officers not to treat people the same, public bodies are using PSED to advance dangerous and divisive agendas,” — Conservative Party press release

The Guardian

• “Claire Coutinho, the shadow minister for equalities, said: “We need to take identity politics out of public life and bring back common sense, fairness and equality before the law.” — Claire Coutinho, Shadow Minister for Equalities

The Guardian

• “The EHCR, which enforces the Equality Act, said: “The PSED is not a barrier to these organisations doing the job the public expects them to do.” — Equality and Human Rights Commission spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Most take it seriously and use the requirements of the PSED to design the best possible services for everyone.” — Equality and Human Rights Commission spokesperson

The Guardian

Badenoch’s speech on 9 June will be accompanied by Dinsmore’s advisory report. The proposal is expected to trigger parliamentary debate and possible amendment of the Equality Act. The EHRC and civil-rights groups have signalled readiness to challenge any legislative changes that could diminish equality protections.

The Guardian