The new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Mary-Ann Stephenson, has drawn strong criticism from the Conservatives and Reform UK for her comments regarding the "demonisation of migrants." In an interview with PA Media, Stephenson stated that the demonization of migrants and the portrayal of migration as a significant risk to the country can negatively impact not only migrants but also ethnic minority UK citizens. This statement comes amidst a rise in anti-migrant rhetoric, particularly concerning asylum seekers arriving via small boats, which has been amplified in right-wing media and by political parties like Reform UK and the Conservatives.
Critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp, have denounced Stephenson's remarks. Philp called them a "disgrace" and accused "the left" of labeling opponents of mass immigration as racist. He further claimed that mass migration undermines social cohesion and cited an increase in sex crimes by foreign nationals. Stephenson, appointed by the Labour government, previously led the Women's Budget Group, an economic think tank. Her comments also touch upon the broader discussion of human rights and the UK's potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights, a stance supported by the Conservative party and Reform UK.