The UK government has chosen Dr. Stephenson as its preferred candidate to lead the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). She's known for her extensive work in equalities and human rights, spanning over 30 years.
Dr. Stephenson has publicly voiced concerns about the impact of government policies. She criticized cuts to disability benefits for their disproportionate effect on women and advocated for more legal pathways for asylum seekers, urging the government to shift from border security measures towards safer routes for refugees.
She has also actively participated in campaigns for a wealth tax, emphasizing the need for greater equality and fair distribution of wealth.
Previously serving as director of organizations like the Women’s Budget Group and the Fawcett Society, Dr. Stephenson brings substantial experience to the EHRC. Her appointment is subject to approval by parliamentary committees.
In April, Dr Stephenson wrote to the Treasury to complain about the “gendered nature” of cuts to disability benefits, which she said would “force women out of the workforce”.
The same month, she signed a letter organised by the charity Together with Refugees, which said Sir Keir should abandon Labour’s “smash the gangs” policy in favour of more legal routes for asylum seekers travelling to the UK.
The letter said: “Rather than the border security summit’s focus on expensive new ways to disrupt people smugglers, often making the journey more dangerous for refugees, the government should be looking at safe routes for refugees to get here without risking their lives.”
It also called criticism of refugees a relic of “hostile politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past”.
Dr Stephenson’s political views will probably put her on a collision course with the Government, which has pledged to bring down net migration and explicitly ruled out a wealth tax.
Last October, she joined campaigners in signing another open letter organised by Greenpeace, which called for Ms Reeves to “introduce a new tax on assets for the super wealthy and ensure that the wealthiest individuals in our society contribute their fair share”.
It said: “This would reduce the stark inequalities in this country and help raise the vital funds needed to ensure that the transition to a greener, cleaner, more prosperous future is fair for everyone at home and abroad.”
Dr Stephenson currently serves as director of the Women’s Budget Group, which campaigns against economic policies that it views as anti-feminist.
In April, its website published an article calling for the introduction of a four-day week, which the author said would “promote gender equality”.
The group also claimed Britain’s public transport system was stacked against women because men took more train journeys.
She previously worked as director of the Fawcett Society, the women’s campaign group, and the Early Education and Childcare Coalition.
Dr Stephenson will now face scrutiny by MPs on the women and equalities and human rights committees, and will replace Baroness Falkner as chair of the EHRC in November if she is appointed.
Responding to the announcement that she is the Government’s preferred candidate, she said: “I am honoured to be named the Government’s preferred candidate to be the new chair for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
“The EHRC plays an integral role in protecting and advancing equalities and I am deeply committed to furthering this work as chair.
“With over 30 years working on equalities and human rights, I am confident that I will bring a breadth of experience and insight to the role.”
If you often open multiple tabs and struggle to keep track of them, Tabs Reminder is the solution you need. Tabs Reminder lets you set reminders for tabs so you can close them and get notified about them later. Never lose track of important tabs again with Tabs Reminder!
Try our Chrome extension today!
Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more