UK government pledges to improve race equality

LONDON:

As UK Black History Month celebrations got under way last week, Minister for Equalities Seema Malhotra hosted the first thematic Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) roundtable, showcasing the Government’s commitment to working closely with community leaders to enact change.

Chair of the REEG Baroness Doreen Lawrence, alongside leaders from ethnic minority communities, came together to share their views on the current climate with representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, the British Business Bank, the West Midlands Combined Authority, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Avon and Somerset Police.

The roundtable focused on access to finance for ethnic minority entrepreneurs as well as the Police Race Action Plan. It is the first of several planned discussions to support plans to remove barriers to opportunity and tackle race inequality.

The REEG was established in March 2025 and held its inaugural meeting in 10 Downing Street. It is supported by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to further strengthen the Government’s links with ethnic minority communities, enabling effective, two-way dialogue on our work to tackle persistent ethnic inequalities.

Seema Malhotra MP, said: “No one should be held back or denied opportunities because of their race.

“I was pleased to join the first thematic meeting of the Race Equality Engagement Group where we discussed improving access to investment for ethnic minority led businesses and the Police Race Action Plan– two key areas in which we want to address persistent racial inequalities.

“I am committed to working closely with the group to remove barriers, strengthen accountability and help create a fairer society for communities up and down the country.”

Baroness Lawrence said: “Collaboration between ethnic minority communities and the Government is crucial in this current climate. The Race Equality Engagement Group is working to ensure ethnic minorities’ voices are heard having their say on the issues that matter most to them.”

“I look forward to working with members to bring about real and lasting progress on race equality.”

The first meeting took place at 10 Downing Street, where members highlighted the issues that mattered most to their communities.

A release from the Office for Equality and Opportunity said the Government will address these through a series of round tables to actively address racial inequality and inform our work to ensure everyone is supported in achieving their aspirations.

“The Government is looking at what else needs to be done to make sure race or ethnicity is never a barrier to opportunity. The Equality (Race and Disability) Bill will introduce mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for large employers – a significant step towards greater workplace equality.

“Delivering economic growth and opportunities for all are fundamental parts of our Plan for Change. Growth will fund our public services, enable investment, and, most importantly, raise living standards for everyone”, the release ended.