A new initiative called the National Conversation is asking the public to share their vision of community and country, aiming to rebuild social cohesion amid warnings that Britain is at risk of being 'torn apart by differences'. The project is led by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, co-chaired by former Conservative chancellor Sajid Javid and former Labour policy chief Jon Cruddas.
The commission includes figures such as human rights activist Sara Khan, former West Midlands mayor Andy Street, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chair Laura Marks, former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, and Reform UK activist Tim Montgomerie. Convened by the Together Coalition, co-founded by Brendan Cox, widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, the project seeks to map a shared vision for the future amid a fractured political climate.
Key questions include what it means to be British, English, Scottish or Welsh, and what unites or divides the public. Participants are asked to complete a 10-minute survey and leave a 60-second voice note detailing their vision. Thousands of small group discussions will also take place across the country.
Professor Melinda Mills of Oxford University, who designed the survey, said AI has 'revolutionised' the ability to analyse voice notes for emotional register and language. Polling from the British Red Cross found 75% of UK adults believe Britain is divided, and 72% say it has become more divided over the last five years.
A report combining public insight with academic research will be published later this year. Playwright James Graham, who advised on the project's design, hopes it will be 'the first serious attempt' to set out a shared national vision. The National Conversation runs from 18 May to the end of August.
