Liz Kendall criticized Nigel Farage’s remarks on hiring employees from diverse backgrounds as “uninformed” and “lacking in ambition” while introducing her new taskforce focused on empowering women in the technology sector.
Emphasizing the potential of technology to revolutionize various aspects of society, the Technology Secretary advocated for gender equality in opportunities, asserting that women should have equal chances for success as men.
Kendall took a swipe at the leader of Reform UK for his previous disparagement of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as she revealed the women in tech taskforce during the Labour Party’s annual conference. She pledged to shape Britain’s tech landscape with the contribution of women within the UK.
The inaugural meeting of the taskforce, hosted at the British Science Association in London, gathered influential industry leaders, including Francesca Carlesi from Revolut, Dr. Hayaatun Sillem from the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Allison Kirkby from BT Group.
Statistics reveal a significant gender gap in computer science degrees, with men outnumbering women four to one, leading to lower female representation, retention, and progression in the tech industry. The economy suffers an annual loss of £2–£3.5 billion due to women exiting the tech sector.
Kendall disregarded criticism of diversity initiatives from figures like Farage, affirming her commitment to enhancing accessibility in the tech field. She stressed the importance of equal opportunities for women, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, minority ethnic communities, and people with disabilities to secure future job prospects.
In response to Farage’s comments, Kendall dismissed them as ill-informed and lacking vision, expressing her ambition for a more inclusive economy that harnesses the talents of all individuals. She highlighted the substantial economic loss resulting from women leaving the tech industry annually.
The Cabinet minister underscored the significance of a diverse workforce in enhancing tech quality, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare. Kendall highlighted the importance of tech development reflecting various backgrounds to ensure effectiveness in addressing health conditions and transforming work, education, and daily life.
By advocating for women’s participation in shaping the tech industry, Kendall emphasized the necessity for tech to cater to diverse needs and experiences to drive innovation and progress.