Overview

• The State of Us report by British Future and the Belong Network labels the UK a “powder keg” of tensions left unresolved a year after far-right riots sparked by misinformation about the Southport murders.
• It highlights mismanagement of immigration, cost-of-living pressures, online extremism, rising inequality and declining trust in institutions as key drivers of societal division.
• Survey data show around one in three adults—some 15 million people—rarely or never meet individuals from different backgrounds, undermining cross-community bonds.
• Researchers warn that profit-driven social media algorithms continue to amplify hate speech and deepen alienation in local areas.
• Public consultations will begin this autumn as the commission seeks cross-party backing for urgent, evidence-backed interventions to strengthen cohesion before another potentially volatile summer.