It’s not enough to put equality into your speech, you need to put it in your legislation too

Equality formed a prominent part of Cameron’s speech yesterday. I waited with bated breath for the end of his section on equality, expecting an announcement of some sort – something bold to help make tangible, real progress on tackling discrimination and achieving equality.

As the applause died down, Cameron swiftly moved on to the next subject. This really does sum up the Conservative party on equality – all sound bites and no action.

Equality is not just a buzzword with which to pepper your speech when there is a camera around. Equality is a principle that must underpin all of your policies, informing your decisions and priorities on a day-to-day basis.

It wouldn’t be so ironic if the Conservative agenda had had no negative impact on equalities since they came to power, but we have seen a hugely disproportionate effect on women, disabled people and ethnic minorities since 2010.

The Conservatives have erected barriers to obtaining recourse against racial, pregnancy, disability and sex discrimination, as a result of the introduction of tribunal fees and cuts to legal aid.

Cuts to tax credits hit the low paid, often women, hard. Attacks on the benefits disabled people rely on will increase poverty.

Under this government we have witnessed the loss of specialist support for young people, for women from ethnic minority backgrounds fleeing domestic violence, and for specialist LGBT advice services.

Equalities funding for schools has been de-ring fenced, with reports that many free schools are not complying with equalities legislation. How can we shift attitudes and open up opportunity for all when there is such a blind spot on equalities in the places where children learn?

The Conservatives might talk the talk on equalities but they have repeatedly refused to consider, review or answer questions about the impact of their policies on women, those from ethnic minorities or disabled people.

So, to anyone listening to Cameron’s equalities rhetoric this week, don’t be fooled. If you are passionate about the equalities agenda and securing opportunity and rights for all, then scratch beneath the surface of Cameron’s speech and take a long, hard look at the policies and legislation that his government has introduced. Warm words aren’t enough when so many are losing out.

Kate Green MP is the Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities