Kemi Badenoch , the Conservative Party leader, announced plans to repeal the public sector equality duty that currently binds police, schools and hospitals to consider race, gender and other protected characteristics. In a speech slated for Tuesday, she argued the duty fuels “absurd outcomes” and hampers security decisions, pointing to a terrorist‑related prison segregation case and a police mishandling of a stabbing victim as examples.

Tuesday speech to brand the duty "rubbish" and waste of money

During the upcoming address, Badenoch will label the duty a “minefield” that exposes virtually every public decision to legal challenge, according to the source.. She plans to highlight the finanical burden of compliance, claiming that funds diverted to diversity training could be redirected to frontline services. The speech is expected to frame the repeal as a return to “common sense” and a way to free public bodies from what she calls “identity‑politics‑driven bureaucracy.”

Case of convicted terrorist Sahayb Abu fuels security argument

The leader cited the 2023 lawsuit by convicted terrorist Sahayb Abu, who argued that segregation with other Muslim inmates breached the equality duty.. Badenoch described the ruling as “madness,” saying it forces officials to choose between security and accusations of racism. As the source notes, the case illustrates her claim that the duty can compromise urgent safety measures, such as isolating dangerous individuals.

Stabbing of Henry Nowak shows police fear of race missteps

Badenoch also referenced the 2024 death of Southampton teenager Henry Nowak, stabbed by a Sikh assailant. Police initially handcuffed Nowak, allegedly out of concern for appearing racially insensitive, and he died while being read his rights. The source reports Badenoch uses this incident to argue that public institutions have outsourced moral judgment to activist consultants, eroding effective policing.

Political split: Conservatives vs. Labour on Equality Act amendment

Shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho echoed Badenoch’s stance, urging a full repeal and emphasizing merit‑based assessment over “radical ideologies.” By contrast, Labour and civil‑rights groups warn the removal could undo decades of protection for marginalized communities. According to the reort, the amendment would strike Section 149 of the Equality Act and replace legal obligations with non‑binding guidance.

Who will decide the fate of the duty? Open questions remain

Key uncertainties include whether the Conservative Party can muster enough parliamentary support to amend the Equality Act, and how the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board will respond to the proposed changes.. The source also notes that public opinion is split, with some voters cheering the move as a brake on “identity politics” while minority groups fear a rollback of essential safeguards.