Culture

 

British Queen celebrates

 

The UK government has launched a new action plan aimed at rebuilding stronger, more united communities across the country, with fresh measures designed to

combat extremism, reduce hate crime, and promote a shared sense of national identity.

The initiative, titled “Protecting What Matters,” sets out the first steps toward creating a more connected, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom. Ministers say the plan is intended to reinforce community bonds so that neighbours support one another and citizens share a renewed sense of pride, belonging, and common values.

Officials say the strategy responds to decades of rapid social and economic change that have placed pressure on community cohesion. Technological shifts, demographic changes, the decline of traditional industries, rising living costs, and cuts to local services have reshaped many communities. At the same time, the government warns that hostile actors—including some from overseas—have attempted to exploit these challenges by spreading division, extremist ideology, and misinformation.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed will tell the House of Commons:    "Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom. This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us".

Tackling hate crime and extremism

The announcement comes as new figures show hate crime continuing to rise across the UK. Jewish communities remain disproportionately targeted, according to official statistics.

To address antisemitism, the government has pledged record funding to improve security at synagogues and Jewish schools, increase efforts to counter antisemitic extremism, and introduce workplace training to raise awareness and prevent discrimination.

At the same time, ministers acknowledged that anti-Muslim hate crime has also reached record levels, with nearly half of reported religious hate crimes directed at Muslims. Many victims report fearing attacks based on their appearance or perceived background.

In response, the government will adopt a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility. Officials say the definition will clarify what constitutes prejudice, discrimination, and hatred toward Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim, while still protecting freedom of speech.

A new Special Representative on Anti-Muslim Hostility will also be appointed to improve understanding, reporting, and responses to such incidents.

New measures to promote integration

Alongside efforts to counter hate crime, the government has outlined several initiatives designed to strengthen integration and encourage interaction between different communities.

Key measures include:

- Stronger action against extremism, including expanded powers to shut down charities that promote extremist views and enhanced capabilities to prevent hate preachers from entering the UK. The government will also publish an annual State of Extremism report.

- Clearer expectations for integration for those settling in the UK, with a focus on learning English, participating in local communities, and respecting shared values. Ministers will also explore whether new technologies can improve English language learning.

- £500,000 for community-led school linking programmes**, enabling children from different backgrounds to meet, build friendships, and develop mutual understanding.

- Stricter oversight of home education, including the creation of the first mandatory register of children not attending school to ensure all young people benefit from shared learning experiences and values.

Investing in local communities

The new strategy builds on the government’s wider £5.8 billion “Pride in Place” programme, which supports hundreds of local projects across the country. The scheme aims to give communities greater control over regeneration and local development, allowing residents to shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

Ministers say the combined measures are intended not only to address extremism and hate but also to strengthen the everyday connections that bring communities together.

“Protecting What Matters” is being presented as the foundation for a long-term effort to rebuild trust, unity, and resilience across the United Kingdom.

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