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Community Cohesion
03 March 2026
Lead MP
John Slinger
Rugby
Lab
Responding Minister
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Tags
Asylum & RefugeesTaxationEmploymentForeign AffairsAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsMental HealthLocal Government
Word Count: 13256
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
John Slinger raised concerns about community cohesion in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Slinger asked the Minister to update the House on the work being done by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to address issues related to community cohesion. Savage calls on the Government to fund local groups, support community ownership of energy, land, and assets, invest in youth services and intergenerational spaces, involve community voices in planning decisions, restore trust in environmental regulation, and devolve power to local communities. Leigh Ingham asks the Government to take steps to ensure that towns like Stafford are supported with real investment and opportunity, rather than becoming targets for those who seek to inflame resentment and prejudice for political gain. Khan asks the Minister to address the funding issue for Birmingham Perry Barr, arguing that the constituency should receive Pride in Place funding given its high levels of deprivation.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
John Slinger is concerned about the deteriorating sense of community cohesion in the UK, particularly in Rugby, where he represents. He highlighted the impact of technology and social media on human interaction, citing that 83% of the population now lives in urban areas, leading to a sense of alienation. He also expressed worry about the misuse of flags and the impact of divisive rhetoric from figures like Elon Musk and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, noting that these have left constituents feeling scared and intimidated. Roz Savage is concerned about the weakening of community cohesion in the UK, citing rising mistrust, loneliness, and anger. She highlights the negative impacts of infrastructure failures and unmanaged growth, and the erosion of trust in public services and the voting system. She mentions the example of Stronger South Cotswolds, an initiative in her constituency aimed at fostering connection and resilience through four pillars: food and farming, health and wellbeing, flood resilience and water issues, and community energy and nature conservation. She notes the importance of local legends and community initiatives in delivering services and fostering relationships across different backgrounds. Leigh Ingham is concerned about the impact of economic pressures and global tensions on community cohesion in Stafford. She recalls the 2001 race riots in Burnley and emphasises the importance of community cohesion as the difference between a town that can pull together during tough times and one that fractures. She highlights the importance of public trust, dialogue, and leadership in maintaining cohesion, and cites the third-worst cuts to youth services in Staffordshire as an example of the economic pressures faced by the community. Ayoub Khan is concerned about the damaging impact of political language and misinformation on community cohesion in Birmingham. He mentions the bin strikes and the Maccabi Tel Aviv saga, where legitimate concerns were smeared as extremism. Khan highlights the importance of the Hillsborough law for transparency and honesty in public life. He also points out the neglect and deprivation faced by his constituency, Birmingham Perry Barr, which has been left behind in Pride in Place funding despite high levels of deprivation.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
I ask the Minister why Birmingham Perry Barr, which is at the centre of Birmingham and has the highest level of deprivation, is not receiving any Pride in Place funding. I question why the residents of this area feel left out.
Baggy Shanker
Lab Co-op
Derby South
Baggy Shanker thanked his hon. Friend for the debate and recognised the work of the Derby County Community Trust in integrating communities. He highlighted the charity's provision of meals and mental health support to men in need, emphasising the importance of such initiatives.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Calvin Bailey thanked his hon. Friend for securing the debate and discussed the abuse of patriotism and national symbols by racists and the far right. He praised the work of British Future and Hope not Hate and local partners such as the Leyton Orient Trust in fostering community cohesion through diversity.
Danny Beales
Lab
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Mr Beales highlighted the issue of social cohesion in his constituency, mentioning instances of hate crime and racial abuse. He called for local councils to take responsibility for promoting community cohesion and addressed concerns over the use of flags to promote division. He also stressed the need to tackle online misinformation and support community organisations, noting that these groups often face cuts and struggle to access funding.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
David Simmonds praised the proactive local leadership in his diverse but cohesive constituency, highlighting interfaith networks and community events that celebrate heritage. He also noted the challenges faced during 9/11 and the COVID era, when local councils supported stranded travellers and provided essential services. Simmonds emphasised the importance of freedom and the rule of law, and the need for common understanding across different communities. He raised concerns about the impact of rising taxes on high streets and the loss of jobs in hospitality and retail sectors. Simmonds questioned the Minister about the asylum funding situation for local government and the consequences of the Government's Chagos deal.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Gregory Campbell emphasised the need to balance different opinions and ensure progress for everyone despite their differences, both in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
Helen Maguire
Lib Dem
Epsom and Ewell
Helen Maguire discussed a recent iftar celebration at the Epsom Islamic Centre, highlighting the centre's community spirit but also the vandalism and abuse it faced last October. She questioned the hon. Member about supporting communities against hatred and violence.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon discussed community cohesion in Northern Ireland, highlighting the region's history of charity and fostering, and emphasised the importance of mutual respect, economic regeneration, and dealing honestly with the past. He praised the work of community leaders like Davy Mac who exemplify the move towards a more inclusive and respectful community.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Kim Johnson thanked her hon. Friend for the debate and highlighted the importance of community cohesion in Liverpool Riverside, a city with established diverse communities. She mentioned the polarising impact of Tommy Robinson's galvanisation of 100,000 people in London and recommended attending Together Alliance's celebration of diversity on 28 March.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Leigh Ingham argued that the Conservative Government's cuts to youth services and youth justice have led to a hollowing-out of state institutions that matter to communities. He pointed out that Staffordshire county council saw the third worst cuts to youth services in the country and that youth services in his constituency had never been worse.
Poole
Neil Duncan-Jordan highlighted the detrimental effects of income inequality on social trust and community cohesion, referencing the book "The Spirit Level" by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson. He argued that increasing inequality leads to social isolation, higher crime rates, reduced social mobility, and less effective democratic institutions. Duncan-Jordan called for the Government to enact the socio-economic duty in the Equality Act 2010 to prevent public sector decisions from exacerbating poverty, and stressed the economic benefits of reducing inequality, which could save the UK up to £128 billion annually.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Richard Graham paid tribute to the interfaith forum in Rugby and commended the Benn Partnership for its work in the community.
Zöe Franklin
Lib Dem
Guildford
Ms Franklin highlighted the challenges facing communities in the UK, including funding cuts to local authorities and community organisations, which have led to the closure of youth services and community centres. She also addressed the rise in hate incidents and the importance of faith communities in fostering community cohesion. She called for the Government to support faith covenants and local partnerships and asked when the community cohesion strategy would be published and which Department would lead the work.
Government Response
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Government Response
Emphasised the importance of social cohesion, acknowledged the rising tide of hate and division, and discussed the government's response including the Pride in Place programme to empower local communities to invest in their priorities. Highlighted three key strands of the government's approach: building confident communities, strengthening integration for migrants, and tackling extremism online and in communities. Announced further rollout of Pride in Place funding to 40 areas considering deprivation and cohesion, and outlined the government's commitment to supporting local authorities in closing asylum hotels and providing accommodation in a community-consented manner.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.