National Conversation: A Public Listening Initiative on Community and Cohesion in the UK

On 18 May 2026 the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion launched the National Conversation, a mass-listening exercise inviting residents of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to describe what their neighbourhood and country mean to them. Participants complete a ten-minute survey, record a 60-second voice note and join small-group discussions.

The National Conversation launches to test what still binds Britain together — Mogaz

A British Red Cross poll in April 2026 found 75 % of UK adults think Britain is divided and 72 % say division has increased over the past five years, underscoring a fraught political climate that the project aims to address.

The Guardian

The commission, convened by the Together Coalition co-founded by Brendan Cox, includes Sajid Javid, Jon Cruddas, Sara Khan, Andy Street, Laura Marks, Caroline Lucas and Tim Montgomerie. Previous evidence-gathering for the commission also involved Michael Gove, Mary Beard, Paul Johnson and David Cameron.

The National Conversation launches to test what still binds Britain together — Mogaz

Sajid Javid warned Britain is “in real peril” and that without a shared sense of common purpose it risks being torn apart by its differences, stressing that the vision must emerge from the public, not politicians. Jon Cruddas called rebuilding the nation’s social fabric “never more urgent,” arguing solutions lie in local communities rather than Westminster. The commission will combine survey data with academic research and expert testimony for a report due later in 2026.

Javid launches National Conversation as 75% say Britain is divided — The National Conversation

• “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.” — Sajid Javid, former Chancellor

Javid launches National Conversation as 75% say Britain is divided — The National Conversation

• “That vision won’t come from politicians – it can only come from the public. I’m a great believer in the wisdom of the public – we hope this conversation gives that wisdom voice.” — Sajid Javid

The Guardian

• “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. That’s why the National Conversation is at the heart of how we rebuild a shared vision of our country.” — Jon Cruddas, former Labour policy chief

The Guardian

• “the language people choose, the emotional register, the texture of how they actually talk about their communities.” — Prof Melinda Mills, Nuffield College

The National Conversation launches to test what still binds Britain together — Mogaz

The National Conversation closes at the end of August 2026. A comprehensive report that integrates public input with academic and expert analysis is expected later in the year, after which the commission may issue recommendations to strengthen social cohesion across the United Kingdom. The report will combine public insight with academic research and expert testimony.

The Guardian