Dear Professor Dame Ottoline,
Subject: Equality Act 2010 duties
The Commission has seen the public letter sent to you by the Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology dated 28 October, and your reply dated 30 October.
We note that both letters reference the Equality Act 2010 and the obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty. We agree that it is important to comply with the law and discharge those obligations sensitively, mindful also of obligations under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act covering freedom of expression. It is crucial that those who feel strongly are able to express those feelings lawfully and peacefully, without interference, but should do so responsibly, respecting the rights of others.
There is a complex balance of rights and duties here, and the Commission stands ready to advise UKRI in navigating these issues.
Yours sincerely,
Baroness Kishwer Falkner
Chairwoman
Equality and Human Rights Commission
