British public’s support for DEI schemes declines as concerns about impact on white and working-class groups rise, survey finds

A new UK poll shows shrinking support for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion schemes, with 23% saying they are bad for white people and overall support dipping to just over half from 62% in 2023. The survey was conducted by More In Common in association with the University of Oxford and UCL Policy Lab, surveying 4,045 British adults.

The data show a broad split by group. About 45% of respondents said DEI schemes benefit people like them, while just over a quarter said the schemes negatively affect their chances. Roughly 23% view DEI as bad for white people, with only 9% saying the policies help white people. Around 25% consider DEI good for the working class, and 15% say they harm the working class. For people from ethnic minority backgrounds, more than half see DEI as a good thing, with 47% for LGBT+ and 35% for women. In total, 52% of the public still view DEI as a good thing, 25% are neutral, and 14% view it as bad. At the same time, Britons remain divided on whether DEI is a good use of corporate funds: 36% think it is a poor use of money, while 48% disagree.

The polling comes as DEI measures become a political talking point. In the United States, President Donald Trump signed executive orders banning DEI schemes for federal agencies and contractors, amid claims that such programs are discriminatory. In Britain, figures like Nigel Farage have criticized DEI and argued for curbing diversity roles, though some numbers cited regarding potential savings have been contested. Government spending on DEI schemes was 23 million pounds in 2022/23, according to Cabinet Office data.

The report's authors caution that the public has a cautious stance: while many see DEI as worthwhile in principle, there is concern about how it is implemented and about fairness for all groups. Luke Tryl, Executive Director of More in Common UK, says the public support for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work is strongest when it is anchored in British values of fairness, respect, and equal opportunity for everyone, and that perceptions of overly political or time-consuming practices can erode support. Tim Soutphommasane, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Oxford, notes that shifts in the global political landscape have influenced British sentiment and that DEI initiatives must be conducted in a way that is perceived as for everyone. Marc Stears, Director of UCL Policy Lab, says the public shows a moderate approach to questions of EDI and culture, emphasizing fairness and a rejection of ideological dogma while valuing everyday respect and learning across differences.

Overall, the largest segment of respondents believes DEI should continue at its current level rather than expanding or rolling back, the poll suggests. The findings point to a path forward in which policy and corporate programs emphasize fairness, respect, and genuine equal opportunity for all groups, rather than pursuing specific ideological or partisan objectives.