politics
MI5 accused of ‘flagrant racism’ as white candidates told not to bother applying for summer internship
Jacob Rees Mogg calls to scrap the Equality Act 2010 over DEI
TL;DR
- MI5 and GCHQ are accused of 'flagrant racism' for excluding white candidates from their 2026/27 summer internship applications.
- The criteria require applicants to be from a 'black, Asian, mixed heritage or ethnic minority background' and also 'socially or economically disadvantaged'.
- Critics like Chris Philp and Nigel Farage condemn the policy as discriminatory and a misuse of taxpayer funds.
- The agencies defend the practice, citing a need to address underrepresentation within their workforce.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission states that 'positive action' is lawful if proportionate and clearly advertised.