The UK government has made a significant move in its efforts to tackle racial inequality by extending the term of the Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) until the end of the current Parliament. This decision comes as the group publishes its inaugural report, 'One Year of Action', which reveals the tangible progress it has made since its establishment in 2025. The report showcases REEG's dedication to bringing ethnic minority voices into policy-making and sheds light on areas where systemic barriers persist.
REEG was set up to bridge the gap between government policies and the experiences of ethnic minority communities. Chaired by the esteemed Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the group comprises ten independent experts who have been working tirelessly to dismantle racial inequalities in policing, maternal health, education, and entrepreneurship. The collective's findings aim to inform policy decisions that will benefit the entire UK.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Equalities, reinforced the government's commitment to addressing racial disparities, saying that background should never be a barrier to success. She highlighted REEG's crucial role in amplifying community voices and providing evidence-based insights to drive effective policy-making. Baroness Lawrence echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of lived experiences in shaping solutions to racial disparities and noting the report as a significant milestone in their efforts.
The 'One Year of Action' report provides a detailed account of REEG's engagement with major government programmes. Notably, the group provided crucial evidence to the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, exposing systemic failures in maternal care that were attributed to structural inequality, racism, poor communication, and fragmented care. Additionally, REEG members contributed to Alan Milburn's review into young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), ensuring diverse youth voices were considered.
The extension of REEG's mandate demonstrates the government's ongoing commitment to this agenda. By building on its successful first year, the group will continue to support robust government action, ensuring that the perspectives of ethnic minority communities remain central to efforts to improve equality across the country.