Falkner Cleared of Misconduct Charges After Tumultuous Start as Equalities Chief
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Baroness Falkner faced an attempt to oust her as head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in 2023 over anonymous complaints against her leadership. After a lengthy investigation, she was cleared of wrongdoing.
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Falkner believes some officials were motivated by the EHRC's changing stance on issues like trans rights under her leadership. She endured high personal and financial costs defending herself.
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Falkner argues people in public roles face too-swift escalation of grievances into major disputes. She calls for reforms like insurance to cover legal costs.
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Falkner worries Britain is failing to integrate amid high immigration, with parallel communities emerging. She argues "new arrivals must live by our values" to protect democracy.
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Looking ahead, Falkner seeks a small budget increase for the EHRC and hopes to continue improving its functioning after her painful first years chairing it.