Esther McVeigh made two gaffes today when speaking about diversity on live television.
The Conservative MP, who held the unofficial title of ‘Minister for Decency’ in the previous government, told BBC Politics Live that US President Donald Trump’s decision to abolish the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) system He said he agreed.
She said: “The new agenda is MEA: Merit, Excellence and Intelligence.”
The correct abbreviation for this is MEI, not MEA.
But McVeigh didn’t seem to realize his mistake and just kept going. “Instead of tokenism and quotas, we should hire the best people for the job. There should be no discrimination against one versus another. So I’m moving on – past DEI.”
Presenter Joe Coburn said: ‘Yes, when you were a common sense minister you tried to ban civil servants, or certainly restrict civil servants, from wearing rainbow lanyards. ” he answered.
Mr McVeigh, who was appointed cabinet office minister without a portfolio by Rishi Sunak in November 2023, announced a ban on multi-coloured lanyards used to show support for the LGBTQ+ community in May last year.
At the time, she said she was determined to tackle “the woke warriors of the politically correct left” in the public sector.
“We want to make some very simple but visible changes to the lanyards used to carry security passes,” McVeigh said last spring. “It shouldn’t be a random selection or combination.” , further added: Achieve an inclusive working environment and improve productivity. ”
But when Cobain recalled the incident today, McVeigh said: “Well, instead of worrying about the small details, let’s get to the basics.”
“Well, that was your gimmick!” Cobain shot back.
But the lawmaker persisted, saying civil servants are “not meant to be political” and that “badges and lanyards of any kind are political.”
“I said no straps, but I didn’t say more straps. So people who wear Palestinian straps or LGBTQ straps, they just don’t have straps.” she said.
