Diversity, Equality and Inclusion: Public Sector

Part of Women and Equalities – in the House of Commons at on 5 November 2025.

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Photo of Olivia Bailey Olivia Bailey Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

I have a lot of respect for the hon. Gentleman, who is a fellow Berkshire MP, but I gently say to him that it is right that people who serve our country, in whatever form, reflect the communities that they serve. These schemes are about levelling the playing field, not creating an unfair advantage, and everybody who gains a place has done so on merit. On the Government side of the House, we follow the evidence; he just follows Nigel Farage.