A government-backed review has urged police forces across the United Kingdom to disengage from what it describes as “woke” culture wars and refocus their efforts on core duties such as preventing, detecting, and prosecuting crime. The report, published on July 6, 2026, highlights concerns over leadership failures, allegations of bias, and calls for a fundamental reset of police culture.
Co-chaired by Lord Blunkett, the former Labour home secretary, the review was commissioned by the College of Policing with support from the Home Office, following a series of high-profile policing scandals. These include the case of Sarah Everard, who was raped and murdered by a serving Metropolitan Police officer, as well as the murder of student Henry Nowak, which sparked renewed debate over claims of “two-tier” policing.
The report criticizes police leadership for instances of ineffective management, nepotism, inadequate training, and insufficient support for frontline officers. It calls on police leaders to be “resolute” in remaining impartial and resisting pressures to take sides on cultural or political issues. Lord Blunkett emphasized that there is “no room for culture wars or woke causes” within policing, stating that diverting attention to such matters is “entirely wrong.” He also referenced his prior statements opposing police involvement in politically charged actions such as taking the knee during public events.
Central to the report’s findings is the reaffirmation of “policing by consent,” a foundational principle for UK law enforcement. It stresses that officers must act without bias or favoritism toward any individual, regardless of their background or identity. The review specifically mentions the need to treat victims and perpetrators with equal respect and professionalism, dismissing approaches that suggest prioritizing “racial equity” by not being “colour blind.”
The case of Henry Nowak intensified discussions on perceived disparities in policing, particularly surrounding the initial police response that saw the victim handcuffed while he was dying. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, who is Sikh, had claimed racial abuse, complicating the situation and prompting internal police reviews of guidance related to race and fairness in treatment.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones acknowledged the challenges faced by police leaders, noting that existing structures hinder their ability to maximize workforce potential. She stressed the importance of consistent high-quality training, development, and leadership across all ranks, recognizing that current delivery has been uneven.
The report’s call for a cultural reset aims to restore public trust by ensuring that police focus squarely on law enforcement and community safety without becoming embroiled in divisive social debates.