Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Sharpe of Epsom 30 November (HL Deb, col 1274), whether the statement that "the UK is committed to the principle of non-discrimination on any grounds" is intended to encompass discrimination which goes beyond the protected characteristics set out in Part 2 of the Equality Act 2010; and if so, in what ways.

My noble friend’s answer takes into account the distinction between behaviour that places someone unjustifiably at a disadvantage compared to others because of a protected characteristic in the Equality Act 2010, which is potentially unlawful; and similar behaviour that places someone at a disadvantage on other grounds such as socio-economic background.