Former Reform UK deputy chairman Ben Habib and ex-LabourList editor Peter Edwards were embroiled in a fiery clash on GB News about DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity) hires.
They were debating ITV’s decision to advertise a job working on its flagship political show, Peston, to “individuals from a group that is under-represented in the creative industries”.
Habib argued that the colour of your skin should not matter when trying to get a job.
“I wish we didn’t practice DEI”, he said.
Ben Habib and Peter Edwards locked horns on GB News
GB NEWS
“I will tell you why it’s divisive. It literally puts a protected status around minority ethnicities.
“When you create a protected status around people and promote them and business are required to employ them ahead of white people, it becomes nothing less than discrimination against the majority of people in this country.
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“DEI is divisive and damaging to the social fabric of this country. It’s damaging to our economy and our defences.
“Even the RAF was looking to hire people from diverse backgrounds to fly jets as opposed to white people.
“I don’t care about the colour of your skin. I want you to be able to do the job you’re here for.”
Edwards hit back: “I have been an employer too. I have never seen anything where employers are forced to do this.”
ITV are looking for a candidate from a group 'that is under-represented'
GB NEWS
He was angrily shut down almost immediately by Habib, who fumed: “You know nothing, Peter”, before the ex-LabourList editor was urged to finish his point.
“The law does not force companies to employ someone from a particular race”, he said.
“Some companies may choose to do that. Some adverts encourage people but I am a bit worried we’re creating this.”
Habib then accused Edwards of “not having a clue”, saying “section 172 of the Companies Act” has made it incumbent on businesses to ensure DEI hires are made.
“It has been instituted through regulation across the UK”, he said.
“Many regulator bodies, including the FCA, require the businesses they regulate to use DEI as a means of delivering social justice in their communities.”