‘Tinderbox’ Britain rife with social division, report warns

The UK is a “powder keg” of social tensions which could easily ignite once again, a major report has warned a year after riots erupted across the country, sparked by the Southport knife attacks that killed three young girls.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN ALICJA HAGOPIAN

One in three adults, the equivalent of 15 million people, say they rarely or never meet people from different backgrounds, according to the findings of research into the nation’s community strength and cohesion.

It also found that up to seven in 10 have never met or interacted with local asylum seekers amid polarised debate on immigration, struggles with the cost of living and declining trust in politicians.

Sir Sajid Javid and former Labour MP Jon Cruddas, who are chairing the new Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, said the report shows “clear evidence” that societal bonds are under growing pressure. Without action, the “very basis of our democracy is at risk”, they warned. “This is leaving our society more fragmented, fragile, and less resilient to internal and external threats,” they said.

“At the same time, forces driving division are intensifying: political polarisation is deepening and trust in institutions is declining, while mounting economic pressures - particularly the cost of living crisis - are fuelling widespread frustration, intensified by a widespread belief that immigration policy is in chaos. These trends are inextricably entwined - narrowing the space for constructive dialogue and increasing the risk of further unrest and alienation.”

It comes after last summer when far-right riots broke out in towns and cities across the country, with hotels housing asylum seekers targeted.