Government extends Race Equality Engagement Group to build on first year of progress

Government extends Race Equality Engagement Group to build on first year of progress
The Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) publishes its first report after a year of progress as the government extends REEG's term until the end of Parliament.
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Government extends the term of the Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) to the end of Parliament
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Report published today highlights REEG’s contribution across policing, maternal health, education, and entrepreneurship during its first year
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Extension reaffirms government’s commitment to ensuring the voices and lived experiences of ethnic minority communities are heard at the heart of government
The government has today confirmed that the Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) will continue until the end of this Parliament alongside the publication of One Year of Action, a progress report on the group’s first year.
The extension and publication of One Year of Action follows a successful first year of engagement and action, which has brought the voices of those most affected by racial inequality into the heart of government.
The publication marks an important milestone, highlighting the group’s successful work across policing, maternal health, education, and entrepreneurship, and its important contribution to the government’s commitment to break down barriers to opportunity.
The extension of REEG’s term demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to this agenda. Building on its successful first year, REEG’s extended mandate will enable it to continue supporting robust government action until the end of Parliament.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Equalities, said:
Race inequality exists, and holds back opportunity; we are determined to tackle it. Background should be no barrier to success, and this government is determined to make the changes we need.
That is why REEG’s efforts to amplify community voices, bring government into contact with leading experts, and champion effective, evidence-led work to improve equality for all is a crucial resource.
Providing invaluable insights and constructive challenge, REEG has sought to ensure evidence of racial inequality is clearly acknowledged and informs solutions so that action to improve equality works in practice and not just on paper.
The Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, Chair of the REEG, said:
Action to address racial inequalities must be informed by the lived experiences of the communities that feel them. REEG is strengthening the government’s links with ethnic minority communities, inviting representative voices into the heart of government to help further understand the issues and tailor the solutions.
This report marks an important milestone in our ambitious work to improve race equality across the country. From policing to health, entrepreneurship to education, this report presents the action being taken – locally, regionally, nationally – to tackle inequalities, and documents REEG’s contribution to delivering positive change on the ground.
Notes to editors
Established in 2025, REEG was created to strengthen the relationship between the government and ethnic minority communities. Chaired by Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the group comprises 10 independent experts dedicated to tackling persistent racial inequalities by bringing evidence and lived-experience insights to inform effective action.
REEG’s expertise and credibility has helped ensure that the perspectives of ethnic minority communities has effectively informed major programmes of government work.
REEG met with Baroness Amos and Dr Christine Ekechi to provide evidence to the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation. The group provided insights and powerful testimony regarding systemic failures in maternal care rooted in structural inequality, racism, poor communication, and fragmented care as reaffirmed in the investigation’s final report and recommendation.
REEG members also met with Alan Milburn and his team to discuss his landmark review into young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), helping ensure the diverse voices of young people and organisations on the frontline were being listened to.