Sir Sajid Javid has issued a stark warning that Britain is in 'real peril' and risks being 'torn apart by our differences' as he launched a new research project aimed at fostering national unity. The former Conservative home secretary is co-chairing the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, a cross-party group established after the 2024 summer riots.
National Conversation Initiative
The commission's 'national conversation' invites Britons to complete a survey and share a 60-second voice note expressing their views on what unites and divides the country. These responses will be analysed using artificial intelligence by researchers at Oxford University to identify steps that could bring communities together.
Speaking to the Press Association, Sir Sajid emphasised the urgency of the project: 'Our country is in real peril. Unless we can regain a shared sense of what unites us – of what we have in common – we risk being torn apart by our differences. That vision won't come from politicians – it can only come from the public.'
Context of Protests
The launch follows a weekend of major protests in central London, including the Unite the Kingdom rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally. Tens of thousands attended, with dozens arrested during a £4.5 million police operation.
Sir Sajid expressed concern about the appeal of extremist figures like Robinson, noting that over 100,000 people attended a previous march. He stressed the need to understand why people are drawn to such events: 'We've got to understand why people are turning up to these marches, what is concerning them most.'
Political Responsibility
The former minister called on political leaders to 'lessen tensions' and avoid divisive rhetoric, warning that inflammatory language can push extremists 'over the edge.' He cited the attack on a Jewish community in Golders Green as an example of the consequences of hatred, stating that no child should have to attend school with security guards.
Sir Sajid, who is British-Asian and experienced racism growing up in the 1970s, acknowledged that both Islamophobia and antisemitism are on the rise, which he described as 'equally unacceptable.' He urged politicians to 'reflect' before posting on social media, declining to comment specifically on recent controversies over public prayer.
Historical Context
As communities secretary under Theresa May, Sir Sajid oversaw a green paper on integration following Baroness Louise Casey's review. However, he lamented that the report's recommendations were overshadowed by the aftermath of the Brexit vote and subsequent political upheaval.
The commission aims to bring together people from all political backgrounds to explore ways to unite the UK. Polling from the British Red Cross indicates that 75% of British adults believe the country is divided, with 72% seeing more division than five years ago.
Next Steps
The national conversation runs from Monday to the end of August, with the commission expected to publish a report later this year outlining recommendations for building social cohesion. Co-chairman Jon Cruddas, a former Labour MP, stated: 'Rebuilding Britain's social fabric and sense of community has never been more urgent. But the answers don't lie in Westminster. They lie in communities up and down the country.'
Playwright James Graham, who advised on the project's design, noted that the initiative is a genuine attempt to amplify voices often drowned out by louder, more divisive rhetoric. The survey is available at www.thenationalconversation.org.uk.
