The insanity of woke box ticking must be stopped

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

British police forces have spent £631 million on diversity and inclusion training since George Floyd's death in 2020, an amount comparable to funding 2,000 additional frontline officers annually. This spending has sparked debate over the effectiveness and prioritization of such initiatives amid concerns they may divert resources from core public services.

Since the death of George Floyd in 2020, British police forces have reportedly spent £631 million on diversity and inclusion training, a figure that has drawn scrutiny amid ongoing debates over the role and impact of such initiatives in the public sector. This spending equates, according to the Policy Exchange think-tank, to the budget required to fund an additional 2,000 frontline officers each year.

The surge in diversity training followed widespread global protests against racial injustice and police brutality, including high-profile demonstrations such as the Black Lives Matter movement. Political and cultural leaders, including then-Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, publicly supported the movement, with gestures like taking the knee becoming symbols of solidarity.

Supporters of diversity and inclusion efforts argue these initiatives are essential for tackling systemic inequalities and promoting fairness within public institutions. However, critics contend that the emphasis on political correctness within the public sector has led to excessive spending on what some describe as “woke” box-ticking exercises, potentially diverting resources from core services.

This criticism extends beyond policing, with concerns expressed about similar approaches in education and healthcare. For example, the National Health Service reportedly allocates tens of millions of pounds annually to roles and programs focused on diversity, inclusion, and related sensitivities. Opponents argue that this focus can sometimes come at the expense of service delivery and shift attention away from primary operational goals, such as patient care.

The debate also touches on broader cultural issues, including contentious topics related to gender identity and the use of sex-segregated spaces, which remain points of public discussion and disagreement.

As public sector organizations continue to balance efforts toward inclusivity with operational priorities, the question remains how to ensure effective use of taxpayer funds while addressing social equity and community trust. The recent figures have intensified calls from some quarters for a reassessment of diversity training programs and their impact on public services.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.