The Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging in Multi-Ethnic Newham has spent the past year hearing from residents, community groups, institutions and businesses in the London borough, to understand how they feel about inclusion and belonging in one of the most diverse places in the UK. In its final report today the Commission – chaired by British Future’s Director Sunder Katwala – makes its recommendations to the Council and other local institutions in the borough.
It finds that most people in Newham see the borough’s diversity as part of everyday life – indeed as a source of strength and local pride. But in an area of rapid change, with new people regularly moving in and out of Newham, the report finds challenges too.
More work is needed to identify spaces and moments when people from different backgrounds in the borough can come together to connect. The Commission recommends the development of a calendar of community events, including Newham-wide annual community festival in the East Bank or Olympic Park, funded by local businesses and institutions – taking the place of the much-loved ‘Newham under the stars’ event.
Early contact with new arrivals, to help them understand the services and support available but also their responsibilities to their neighbourhood, is also recommended. Vigilance is required to monitor how wider events outside of Newham – from the UK’s polarised political debates to international conflicts – can stir up tension in such a multi-ethnic area. And a new ‘Newham Changemaker Network’, led by local foundations, is recommended, to train and support emerging leaders to champion inclusion and belonging across the borough.
The report identities opportunities for Newham to grasp these challenges and become a beacon of good practice on inclusion and belonging. It identifies an appetite among key institutions to do more to build inclusion.
The Commission identifies a central role for Newham Council to bring focused leadership and vision that joins up key institutions in the area around a shared action plan. At a time of stretched budgets, it also urges the council to protect the borough’s free, accessible and neutral community spaces, which are highly valued by residents: in particular its libraries, youth clubs and community centres.
The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said:
“The Commission’s report is a welcome contribution at a time when the national and global conversation around identity and migration is being weaponised to divide us. Newham stands as a powerful rebuttal. The Commission confirms what we see in our streets every day: that our diversity isn’t a ‘problem to be solved’, it is our greatest source of collective energy and hope.
“The findings are clear: our residents are fiercely proud of their neighbourhoods. They don’t just want to live alongside one another; they want a genuine, powerful stake in our borough’s future. They see our multi-ethnic heritage and diversity not as an abstract concept, but as the very fabric of their everyday lives.
“We know that inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of intentional, tireless work, requiring us to be honest about the systemic barriers that still exist and having the courage to dismantle them. Even as we navigate the immense and unprecedented budget pressures facing local government, our commitment to this work remains unshakable, and the financial challenges make it even more vital that we protect the ‘infrastructure of connection’ and empower our communities to lead the way.
“I welcome the challenge the Commission sets for us in their roadmap for social and economic justice. I say let’s get to work so that Newham remains a national beacon of belonging where every single resident has the power to shape our shared future.”
The Commission was chaired by Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, who said:
“As London’s most diverse borough, Newham should lead the way on inclusion – bringing new arrivals and long-standing residents together to build a shared pride and stronger community.
“Getting this right is important to people’s sense of safety, opportunity and voice. The Council has a key role to play in setting a vision which encourages local institutions and residents alike to play their part.”
Fahmida Nidhi, one of the Commissioners, said:
“As a South Asian young woman, who has lived my whole life in Newham, I’ve grown up surrounded by incredible diversity, cultures and shared traditions. That mix is one of Newham’s greatest strengths. For young people especially, feeling included and like they belong can shape their confidence, ambitions and wellbeing. When young people see their cultures respected and their voices heard, they feel part of something bigger. Initiatives that bring communities together help break down barriers and build friendships. I hope Newham continues creating spaces where all people feel valued, supported and able to flourish.”
The Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging in Multi-Ethnic Newham was established to gather residents’ views on how people can live well together in one of the UK’s most diverse boroughs. It examined how the council and local institutions can deliver inclusive, trusted and accessible services for all communities.
The Commission gathered evidence through surveys, focus groups and community events, with targeted engagement of under-represented groups, alongside roundtables and a call for evidence from local organisations. This evidence was reviewed by a group of expert and resident Commissioners –most from Newham –who developed recommendations for the council and partners.
Newham Council will now review the report and set out next steps in response to the recommendations.
