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.
New net migration figures are published by ONS this month (27 Nov). Join our lunchtime webinar that afternoon for expert analysis of what the figures mean for the politics and policy of immigration - with @alanmanning4 @MarleyAMorris + our team [1/2]
"To let people get stuck in jobs that don’t use their potential is a waste — not just for them, but for the economy as a whole." Good piece from @sarahoconnor_ on migrants' progression at work, quoting our @Heather_Rolfe
via @FT
Why the job ladder matters for migrants
Obstacles in progressing are important both for people and for the economy
www.ft.com
We’re delighted to be shortlisted for @SmartThinktank’s inaugural Think Tank of the Year Award 2025!
Proud to be recognised for our research, impact and contribution to the UK policy debate.
#SmartThinkingAwards #ThinkTankOfTheYear
Our @sundersays is on the @BBCRadio4 Today Debate with Amol Rajan tonight at 8pm, discussing “Has the UK given up on freedom of speech?”
Our @sundersays column for @easterneye this week on the Gaza peace deal, efforts to bolster UK community relations after the Manchester attack, and book-burning free speech advocates {1/2]
How can we help make workplaces fair and inclusive? At Labour & Conservative conferences, British Future (with @kpmguk) brought together politicians, business leaders & experts to explore how to unlock opportunity for all. Read more below [1/2]
Moment of reflection planned one week on from Manchester synagogue attack
Moment of reflection planned one week on from Manchester synagogue attack
Communities across the UK are being encouraged to hold vigils, light candles, or have moments of silence.
www.independent.co.uk
"Are you representing an organisation here?", I asked a Muslim attendee. “I’m here as a Mancunian mate,’ he replied. “That’s what I’m representing.”
Our Avaes Mohammad's reflections from Friday's vigil in Manchester following the appalling Synagogue attack. [1/2]
The new 'Pride in Place' programme "fires the starting gun in Labour’s race to address the sense of national decline fuelling polarisation & populism," writes our @jakepuddle – but ministers should be wary of presenting it as a silver bullet to heal divides. [1/2]
Profile in @guardian today of our Director @sundersays, talking about British Future's work and immigration, race, prejudice, flags and patriotism – and why he's still optimistic about Britain
