Taking Back Control 2.0 - Some thoughts on equality

 

Britain today is a nation facing deep divisions. These divisions are not accidental—they are the result of decisions made over the years by powerful people, governments, and the media. While the country often celebrates its diversity and fairness, a closer look shows that unfairness is built into the way many parts of society work. This inequality hurts some people while benefiting others, and it is kept in place by those who have the power to do something about it.

One of the biggest drivers of division is the media. People like Rupert Murdoch, who owns The Sun and The Times, and Paul Dacre, who ran the Daily Mail, have used their newspapers to spread fear and anger. These papers have often attacked immigrants, asylum seekers, and those who rely on welfare. For example, in 2015, The Sun published an article by Katie Hopkins that compared migrants to "cockroaches" and "feral humans." The article caused outrage and was even condemned by the United Nations, who said such language was like the hate speech used before the Rwandan genocide. The media’s use of dehumanizing language like this shapes how the public sees certain groups of people, often making them targets of blame and fear. 

 The Daily Mail once labeled judges who ruled against the government during the Brexit process as "Enemies of the People," a headline that shocked many for its attack on the judiciary. This kind of sensationalism undermines trust in important institutions and stirs division within society. 

The education system also shows how unfairness can be built into society. Expensive private schools like Eton and Harrow give wealthy children a head start in life, helping them get into the best universities and top jobs. At the same time, schools in poorer areas often struggle with fewer resources, making it harder for students there to succeed. The way history is taught in schools is also part of the problem. While there has been some effort to look more honestly at Britain’s colonial past, progress has been slow. As a result, many students still grow up with a one-sided view of history that ignores the harm caused by colonial history and focuses only on Britain’s successes. 

The justice system is another area where unfair treatment happens. For example, Black people are much more likely to be stopped and searched by the police than white people. Government data shows that Black individuals are nine times more likely to be stopped in England and Wales. At the same time, wealthy people who avoid paying taxes often face little punishment, even though their actions cost the country billions. While tax evasion can lead to big fines and even prison, studies show that rich people often use complex schemes to avoid paying taxes without facing serious consequences. This makes it seem like there are two sets of rules: one for the rich and one for everyone else.

Cultural institutions, such as TV networks and publishers, also play a role in keeping things unequal. While there have been some successes in bringing diverse voices to the forefront, these remain the exception rather than the rule. Most of the time, the focus remains on stories about white, able-bodied men, which makes it harder for other voices to be heard. 

Politicians have made decisions that have added to these problems. For example, the "hostile environment" policy introduced by Theresa May was designed to make life very hard for people without the right paperwork to live in the UK. This policy hurt many people from ethnic minorities and led to the Windrush scandal, where legal residents were wrongly detained or deported. More recently, politicians like Priti Patel and Suella Braverman have been criticized for their hardline policies. Patel’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda faced widespread condemnation, and Braverman has described small boat crossings as an "invasion," a term many found inflammatory. These actions create fear and division, especially among already vulnerable groups.

Kemi Badenoch, who rose to prominence as the Minister for Women and Equalities and is now the Leader of the Opposition, has also been a divisive figure in these debates. Badenoch has spoken out against what she describes as "woke culture" and has argued against teaching critical race theory in schools, claiming that it promotes division. She has said, "We do not want to see teachers teaching their white pupils about white privilege and inherited racial guilt." Her approach to trans rights has also drawn sharp criticism, with Badenoch describing gender identity debates as "ideological," and saying, "Trans women are not women." Supporters praise her for "standing up to political correctness," but critics argue that her rhetoric undermines efforts to tackle systemic racism and promote inclusivity. These controversial stances have cemented her position as a polarizing but influential leader.

The Brexit referendum also highlighted how division can be deliberately created. Boris Johnson, a leading figure in the Leave campaign, promoted the slogan "Take Back Control," appealing to voters who felt powerless under EU membership. He also claimed that leaving the EU would free up £350 million a week for the NHS, a figure that was widely disputed. Nigel Farage used similarly divisive tactics, including the infamous "Breaking Point" poster, which showed a long line of migrants at a border with the message: "We must break free of the EU." Farage defended the poster, saying, "It’s a fact," but many criticized it as fear-mongering and inflammatory.

Brexit can also be seen as a way to deflect blame from the Conservative government’s austerity policies, which caused significant hardship in many communities. After the 2008 financial crisis, David Cameron and George Osborne implemented harsh spending cuts that reduced funding for public services like libraries, schools, and local councils. These cuts disproportionately affected poorer areas, deepening poverty and creating resentment. By framing the EU as the source of Britain’s problems, politicians were able to redirect anger away from austerity. Cameron himself acknowledged that "tough decisions" were made to "balance the books," while Osborne described austerity as necessary to ""fix the roof while the sun is shining."" These narratives justified the cuts but left many communities feeling abandoned and disempowered. Brexit slogans like "Take Back Control" tapped into this sense of frustration, giving people a scapegoat for issues that were, in large part, created at home.

Social media has made the problem worse. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) use algorithms that show people content designed to make them angry or upset because it keeps them engaged for longer. Elon Musk, the owner of X, has been criticized for allowing hate speech to spread on the platform. Musk, under the guise as the self appointed protector of free speech online, has also shown support for controversial figures like far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and his comments on UK politics often stir division. This shows how social media can be used to spread harmful ideas and make divisions even worse. 

The unfairness in Britain’s systems is not just an accident—it is the result of choices made by powerful people. To fix these problems, we need to face some hard truths and make big changes. The media needs stricter rules to stop the spread of harmful ideas. Schools should teach a fairer version of history that includes the perspectives of everyone, not just the powerful. Immigration policies should focus on treating people with kindness and fairness. Social media platforms need to take more responsibility for stopping hate speech and fake news. 

Britain has the potential to be a fairer and more inclusive society, but it will take a lot of work. By addressing these problems and holding those in power accountable, we can build a future where everyone has a chance to succeed, no matter where they come from or who they are.