LocalGov editor, William Eichler, sat down with Kelly Fowler, the CEO of Belong, to discuss immigration, social cohesion, and whether the UK really had become an ‘island of strangers’.
In a recent declaration, Sir Keir Starmer warned that the UK risks becoming an ‘island of strangers.’ This assertion came just before the release of the Government’s immigration white paper, highlighting a pressing national concern amidst rising net migration figures, which exceeded 720,000 in the year leading up to June 2024. Starmer’s comments reflect a broader political landscape where issues of immigration and social cohesion have become central, especially in light of heightened tensions and debates arising after events like Brexit and various incidents of civil unrest.
The increasing focus on immigration in political discourse has strengthened certain parties, including Reform UK, which recently saw gains in local elections by emphasizing migration issues. The multi-faceted nature of social cohesion has become a topic of heated discussions, driven by not only immigration but also factors like terrorism and recent riots, such as the notable unrest in Southport.
To delve deeper into these complex societal dynamics, we turn to Belong, an independent network made up of over 100 organizations dedicated to improving community ties across the UK. Recently commissioned by both the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Local Government Association (LGA), Belong aims to create new guidance and training to promote community cohesion. Kelly Fowler, the CEO of Belong, sheds light on whether immigration is indeed turning the UK into an ‘island of strangers’.
During our discussion, Fowler acknowledges that immigration frequently emerges as a point of concern in conversations with various communities. “The question of immigration comes up time and again among communities,” she shares, emphasizing that while it’s essential to recognize these concerns, the reality is far more intricate than the dialogue often suggests.
Exploring beneath the surface of this heated debate reveals a more nuanced perspective. In conversations with community members, Fowler notes that many people are aware of and appreciative of the significant benefits that immigration has afforded the UK. For instance, when asked about the potential reduction of workers coming to the UK for crucial roles—such as those in social care or the NHS—most responses reflect strong support for maintaining these migration channels. “Once you start to really scratch the surface, then we can see there’s a lot more nuance there,” she says.
This insight is corroborated by recent research from British Future, which shows that a majority of the public does not favor a reduction in the influx of migrants across various professions. Findings indicate high levels of support for roles like doctors (77%), care home workers (71%), and other vital positions, reflecting a broader acknowledgement of the positive contributions that immigrants make to essential services.
Given this backdrop, what strategies can local authorities implement to enhance community cohesion? Belong provides a range of practical recommendations drawn from studies like After the Riots, which was developed in response to violent conflicts in Southport. Their guidelines advocate for cohesive place-based strategies and cross-sector partnerships aimed at shoring up communal ties between diverse groups. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of fostering inclusive dialogue and grassroots initiatives that encourage direct interaction among varied populations.
However, Fowler stresses that effective community-building efforts require adequate resources. “A relatively small amount of investment can make a big difference,” she explains, citing their Beyond Us and Them research, which revealed that areas prioritizing integration initiatives reported stronger community connections during the lockdown. “People are connecting and bridging across communities which means they’re breaking down barriers all the time,” she adds, underscoring the essential nature of relationships formed in these efforts.
Belong’s most impactful work appears in regions where local authorities have established tension monitoring systems and collaborative approaches among various sectors. “These groups, however formal or informal, are developing their own approaches to monitoring tensions locally,” Fowler highlights. “This can be crucial in preventing conflicts from escalating into violence; having these arrangements in place is becoming critical for local authorities.”
Fowler concludes with a balanced observation about the complexities surrounding immigration. “There are certainly concerns about immigration,” she notes, “but our research shows that people are concerned about a range of other issues too.” Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to fostering resilience and challenging negative perceptions. Local authorities, according to Fowler, hold the key to enhancing relationships among diverse groups and must harness every opportunity to strengthen community bonds.
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