The State of Us, published one year on from the violent unrest of last summer, presents an authoritative picture of the state of cohesion and community strength in the UK.
The report, by British Future and the Belong Network, details a combination of social tensions and grievances, including polarisation and division, concerns about asylum and immigration, declining political trust and economic pessimism. The authors warn that unrest risks being reignited unless urgent action is taken. They also identify some strong foundations on which to build, including public confidence in cohesion at neighbourhood level and numerous examples of impactful work across the UK to empower communities, build shared identities and strengthen relationships between people from different backgrounds.
Research for the report incorporated the views of 177 UK organisations working on social cohesion and community development, through regional roundtables, as well as 113 written submissions of evidence. A nationally representative survey by Focaldata and eight focus groups in towns and cities across the UK, including in areas that experienced riots, assessed public opinion.
The research is a foundational input to the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, chaired by Sir Sajid Javid and Jon Cruddas.
Government pledges extra £100m to tackle people smuggling
Extra 300 officers to tackle smugglers behind small boat trips
Funding will go towards extra National Crime Agency officers as well as new technology and equipment.
www.bbc.com
Our @sundersays is reviewing the papers today from 9am on @BBCRadio4 Broadcasting House with @bbcpaddy
I have some good news for election nerds - "The British General Election of 2024" will be out this autumn, and if you're quick you can grab a 25% pre-order discount from Waterstone's by ordering your copy by 31st July, just enter code SUMMER25
ICYMI: British Future is recruiting for 3 posts:
1) Senior Researcher on a new race equity project;
2) Manager for new ‘South Asian Bridgers Forum’ to strengthen South Asian inter-faith/community solidarity;
3) Events and Parliamentary Networks Manager
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"The #Lionesses have strengthened an idea of England that can belong to everybody who calls this country home and who wants to identify with being part of it," writes @sundersays – reporting from a Katwala household celebrating England's victory in the Women's Euros [1/2]
"People are extremely angry."
A year on from the Southport riots, some parts of the UK are still "seething with anger", academic Dr Lisa Mackenzie says.
Sunder Kattwala, director of British Future, insists the long-term "underlying causes" of the riots haven't been dealt with.
"None of the conditions from last summer have gone away. Violence might not happen, but the absence of riots shouldn’t be anybody’s test for cohesion in our country.” Our @sundersays on @Channel4News last night on anti-migrant protests one year on from last summer's riots.
The Fourcast: Will UK anti-migrant protests explode into riots again? Jackie Long with Sunder Katwala, Lisa McKenzie and Imam Adam Kelwick. This is the full half hour podcast conversation, which was also excerpted on tonight's @Channel4News
Congratulations to our valiant @Lionesses! 🦁🦁🦁
A message from The King following the team’s victory at the Women’s Euros 2025.
#WEURO2025
Our @sundersays is speaking to @ShelaghFogarty @LBC at 2.05 about national pride and patriotism, following the Lionesses' historic victory last night.
Our Director @sundersays spoke to @LBCNews today about the role of the government in promoting cohesion within communities in regards to the protests in Epping.
