BME National: Political Engagement Must Not Undermine Inclusion

6 September 2026

BME National has called on the housing sector to adopt a clear, values-led approach to political engagement following debate around the decision to invite a senior Reform UK representative to speak at the Housing Community Summit starting tomorrow in Liverpool. The summit is a joint event hosted by the National Housing Federation (NHF) and the Chartered Institute of Housing.

BME National recognises the importance of engaging with all political parties that may shape future housing policy. However, it has raised concerns about the impact and symbolism of providing platforms to individuals whose rhetoric and policy positions are viewed by many communities as contrary to the principles of diversity, inclusion and undermine community cohesion.

Barrington Billings, Chair of BME National, said:

‘We know that political engagement is an essential part of influencing policy and advocating for the communities we serve. However, engagement must always be balanced against our responsibility to uphold the values that define social housing. There is an important distinction between speaking to political parties and providing them with a prominent platform at a flagship sector event.’

BME National has welcomed the constructive dialogue that has taken place thus far with the NHF and acknowledges assurances that the event session will be independently chaired, robustly scrutinised and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Nevertheless, the organisation says that concerns raised by Black and minority ethnic leaders, residents and communities should not be dismissed.

BME National has reaffirmed its opposition to policies or public narratives that undermine equality, stigmatise minority communities or weaken social cohesion. It argues that housing organisations have a responsibility not only to influence political debate but also to maintain the confidence, dignity and sense of belonging of the diverse communities they serve.

Barrington Billings added: ‘Our challenge is to engage with political debate without normalising discrimination and divisive rhetoric, to uphold meaningful scrutiny, and to ensure that equality, dignity and belonging remain central to the purpose of social housing.’

BME National is calling on sector bodies to work together to develop a shared framework for future engagement with political organisations where there may be tensions with the values of landlords.

Barrington Billings

Chair, BME National

barrington.billings@bmenational.co.uk