'Official Rules?' - No Thanks!

DEI is dead in America – now the City wants to kill it in Britain.

Trump’s war on diversity rules prompts British business leaders to question UK initiatives

Donald Trump has launched a concerted attack on diversity, equity and inclusion Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Rachel Reeves has promised to crack down on “stifling and unpredictable regulation” across the economy to kickstart growth. In the City of London, bankers want her to start by targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) rules.

City body abandons diversity requirements as backlash grows DEI programmes are in retreat following a change in the political weather in Washington

While most agree that diversity is good for business, many bosses argue that it should be up to them to decide how to improve representation based on the specific circumstances and business needs of their companies.

However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the City regulator, is considering putting in place official rules for how companies should treat diversity. A policy statement is expected later this year, following a consultation in 2023 that recommended requiring companies to draw up and publish an official diversity and inclusion plan overseen by the board. DT.