The British Government has put a number of laws in place to ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally. UK anti-discrimination laws are based on race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion and belief, and age.

Recognition of ethnic diversity is a feature of British policy abroad as well as at home. There can be no place for racism in world affairs. British policy in Europe, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations, and in bi-lateral relations with individual countries is to promote harmony between ethnic groups. Racism is not acceptable and should play no part in international relations in the 21st century. The Race Relations Act 1976 marked an important step in combating racial discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity. The Act forms the legal foundation of protection from racial discrimination in the fields of employment, education, training, housing and the provision of goods, facilities and services.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) - formed in October 2007 - champions equality and human rights for all, irrespective of age, sexual orientation, religion, race or gender. It has taken over the responsibilities of three organisations - the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). The EHRC has responsibility for England, Scotland and Wales while the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland performs the same role in Northern Ireland.

Social Exclusion Unit
The Social Exclusion Unit was set up by the Government in December 1997 to coordinate and improve government action to reduce social exclusion. Race is a specific remit of the Unit, which is working to ensure that no groups are excluded from government policy and practice. The work of the SEU forms part of the government's strategic approach to tackling social exclusion including all Whitehall departments and many external partners.

Equal Opportunities and Legislation
The economic and domestic lives of women have changed considerably over time, and women have taken an increasingly important role in the labor market. In 1971, 56% of women of working age, compared with 91% of men, were economically active in the UK. By spring 2002 the rate for women had increased to 73% of women of working age, while the rate for men had declined to 84%. The number of women in the UK labor force increased from 10 million in 1971 to nearly 13 million in spring 2002.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975, which applies in Great Britain, makes discrimination between men and women unlawful in employment, education, training and the provision of housing, goods, facilities and services. Discrimination in employment against married people and discriminatory job recruitment advertisements are also unlawful. Under the Equal Pay Act 1970, women and men are entitled to equal pay when doing work that is the same, or broadly similar, work which is rated as equivalent, or work which is of equal value. Parallel legislation on sex discrimination and equal pay applies in Northern Ireland.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), set up under the 1975 Act in Great Britain, is an independent statutory body which has the powers to:

• work towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sex or marriage;
• promote equality of opportunity between men and women;
• review, and propose amendments to, the Sex Discrimination Act and the Equal Pay Act; and
• provide legal advice and assistance to individuals who have been discriminated against.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland tackles discrimination and promotes gender equality in Northern Ireland. The remit of this Commission also includes race, religion and political beliefs, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability and people with dependents.