Sir Sajid Javid has warned that Britain is in "real peril" and risks being "torn apart by our differences" as he launched a major research project seeking public views on what unites the country. The former Conservative home secretary urged political leaders to avoid divisive language and called for a renewed focus on common ground.
National Conversation Initiative
The initiative, called the "national conversation," is run by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, a cross-party group established after the 2024 summer riots. Co-chaired by Sir Sajid and former Labour MP Jon Cruddas, the project invites Britons to complete a survey and share a 60-second voice note, which will be analysed by Oxford University researchers using artificial intelligence to map out steps for bringing people together.
Speaking to the Press Association, Sir Sajid said the commission wants to hear from everyone, including those who attend protests, about their concerns. He expressed concern over far-right activist Tommy Robinson's rallies, noting that understanding why people attend such marches is crucial. "It doesn't matter who you are, whether you're on a march or not on a march, anyone in any community can take part," he said.
Political Responsibility
Sir Sajid stressed that political leaders must "lessen tensions" and avoid divisive rhetoric. Reflecting on the attack in Golders Green, where someone tried to murder people because they were Jewish, he said: "That is not the kind of society that anyone wants to live in, and I think all politicians have a responsibility to lessen tensions." He added that both Islamophobia and antisemitism are on the rise, calling both "equally unacceptable."
When asked about the tone of political discourse on religion, Sir Sajid declined to comment on specific issues but advised politicians to "reflect" before posting on social media. This follows controversy over Tory shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy's description of public prayer at an Iftar event as an "act of domination and division."
Historical Context
While serving as communities secretary under Theresa May, Sir Sajid oversaw a green paper based on Baroness Louise Casey's review on community integration. However, he said the report was overshadowed by the aftermath of the Brexit vote and subsequent political upheaval. "That report landed soon after the Brexit vote, and as we can probably remember, Westminster got consumed in the aftermath of the Brexit vote... the whole thing got lost," he explained.
Despite the challenges, Sir Javid described Britain as "the most successful multiracial democracy on earth," though he acknowledged it was "a lot less welcoming to new arrivals" in the past. Polling by the British Red Cross indicates that 75% of British adults believe the country is divided, with 72% seeing more division than five years ago.
Commission's Work
The commission has heard from former prime ministers Rishi Sunak and Lord David Cameron, former cabinet minister Lord Michael Gove, and former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg. Although not officially government-sponsored, it has support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Co-chairman Jon Cruddas said: "Rebuilding Britain's social fabric and sense of community has never been more urgent. But the answers to this don't lie in Westminster. They lie in communities up and down the country."
Playwright James Graham, who advised on the design of the conversation, added: "Our society can feel very divided right now, and in a political climate that often seeks to divide us... here is a genuine, real attempt to correct that." The national conversation runs from Monday to the end of August, with the survey available online.
