Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, described Reform UK's plans to repeal the Equalities Act as 'shocking' and 'un-British,' emphasizing that the Act represents fundamental values of equality that have been established for decades. He highlighted that tearing up this legislation would not only undermine the progress made in providing equal rights for women but also risk reverting society back to a time when gender equality was not prioritized. Starmer articulated that the Equalities Act is core to British identity and reflects a commitment to ensuring that women are treated equally to men.

During a pre-recorded segment on BBC Breakfast, Starmer elaborated on his concerns about the implications of such proposals, asserting that the legislation has been a critical part of protecting women's rights. His remarks were also influenced by ongoing discussions around the influence of figures like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the context of recent scandals, such as the Jeffrey Epstein case. By framing his critique within the broader category of basic British values, Starmer positioned himself as a defender of progressive legislation, underscoring the necessity for continued protections to maintain gender equality in the UK.

In addition to addressing the Equalities Act, Starmer defended the government's decision to postpone local elections, suggesting there was a rationale behind this U-turn, although he did not specify the details. His comments reflect a strong stance on preserving legislative protections while navigating the complexities of public trust in political leadership during sensitive discussions about gender and equality rights. This incident underscores the ongoing debate in the UK regarding social policies and the rising influence of alternative political parties that seek to challenge long-standing structures of equality.