Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Minister Esther McVey clash over the issue of civil servants wearing rainbow lanyards, highlighting differing views on political symbolism and efficiency within the British government.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps publicly disagreed with fellow minister Esther McVey on the issue of civil servants wearing rainbow lanyards. McVey, dubbed the “common sense minister,” advocated for a standardized lanyard design and condemned the practice of civil servants wearing lanyards that could symbolize personal or political views. She argued that such practices contribute to the politicization of Whitehall, the central district in London where much of the British civil service is based. McVey also announced plans to end spending on external equality, diversity, and inclusion contracts without ministerial approval, as well as ceasing the creation of related jobs outside human resources.
In contrast, during an interview on Times Radio, Shapps expressed his indifference towards the type of lanyard civil servants wear, emphasizing that his priority remains on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil Service. He particularly mentioned the need to cut down the number of civil servants to pre-pandemic levels and boost defense spending. Shapps’ comments brought to light differing views within the government on handling civil service operations and the so-called “war on woke,” as the Conservatives prepare for a general election later in the year.
