Sir Sajid Javid has warned that Britain risks being 'torn apart by our differences' and is in 'real peril' as he launched a new research project aimed at fostering national unity. The former Conservative home secretary urged the public to share their vision for a cohesive country through a 'national conversation' initiative.
The project, run by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, was established in the wake of the 2024 summer riots. It invites participants to complete a survey and record a 60-second voice note, which will be analysed by artificial intelligence at Oxford University to identify steps to bring people together.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Sir Sajid said the commission wanted to hear from everyone, including those who attended recent protests. His comments came after tens of thousands of people took part in two major demonstrations in central London over the weekend, requiring a £4.5 million police operation.
Referring to far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who led the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally, Sir Sajid described him as 'an extremist in many ways' but stressed the need to understand why people attend such marches. He also called on political leaders to 'lessen tensions' and avoid 'divisive' rhetoric, citing the recent attack on a Jewish community in Golders Green as a stark reminder.
The former communities secretary noted that a previous integration report by Baroness Louise Casey was sidelined after the Brexit vote, but expressed hope that cross-party work could now address both Islamophobia and antisemitism. Despite challenges, he described Britain as 'the most successful multiracial democracy on earth'.
