Kemi Badenoch’s Inclusive Britain Plan Hits Halfway Mark After One Year
In a major update, Business Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, revealed that 32 of 74 measures from the Inclusive Britain action plan have been completed just a year after its launch. The Government is making serious headway in tackling racial disparities and promoting fairness across the UK.
Progress Made on Tackling Unfair Disparities
- 32 key actions delivered out of 74 commitments
- New ethnicity pay gap guidance published for employers
- Government backs ethnic minority adoption with national recruitment drive
The Government’s national recruitment campaign aims to boost adoption rates for ethnic minority children. Since March 2020, the number of approved adopters from ethnic minority backgrounds has surged from 450 to 670 by March 2022.
On top of that, the Government is trialling an automatic ‘opt-in’ system for young people to receive independent legal advice when in police custody. The ambitious Schools’ White Paper was also released, targeting improved literacy and numeracy—critical for ethnic minority pupils disproportionately missing expected standards.
Bold Steps to Boost Fairness and Build Trust
Last spring, the Government unveiled the Inclusive Britain plan inspired by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. With 74 targeted, cross-government actions, the plan tackles inequality, promotes trust, and aims to level up communities nationwide.
“The concrete actions we have delivered over the last year are improving people’s day-to-day lives, but I know that we need to do more to tackle disparities and build people’s trust in our great institutions,” said Kemi Badenoch.
“The groundbreaking Inclusive Britain Action Plan was an excellent first step, and we will continue to deliver on its promises, tackling the complex causes behind racial disparities with data-driven action.”
“We must all work together to ensure no-one is held back by their race, social or ethnic background.”
More Moves to Level the Playing Field
- New voluntary ethnicity pay gap guidance for businesses to measure and address disparities without burdening employers
- Improved stop and search procedures with new Public and Personal Safety training for police focusing on de-escalation and communication
- Appointment of Expert Panel to develop a fresh, inclusive History Curriculum to boost cohesion
- Publishing detailed stop and search data by police force and reasons to highlight disparities linked to economic deprivation
There’s still a long road ahead, but the Government pledges continued action over the next year. Work will tie into the 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush’s arrival, celebrating British diversity and ongoing commitment to a fairer society.
