UK Launches Independent Commission to Heal Divided Communities After Summer Riots

In a major step toward rebuilding trust and unity, the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion will hold its first official meeting today. The commission was established in the wake of last summer’s nationwide unrest, which followed the Southport stabbings and spread across the UK.

The cross-party panel is co-led by former Conservative Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid and Labour MP Jon Cruddas. Their mission: to confront the “cracks in our foundation,” a phrase used by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer when addressing the root causes of the 2024 riots.

What Sparked the Commission?

The riots that broke out last year were triggered by false rumors on social media regarding the Southport stabbing suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana. The misinformation fueled violent incidents, including attacks on mosques and hotels sheltering asylum seekers.

Sir Keir Starmer condemned the riots as “far-right thuggery”, and growing unrest in parts of Northern Ireland, some reportedly racially motivated, added further urgency to the government’s response.

Who’s on the Commission?

The commission includes a diverse group of influential figures:

The panel includes voices from all four UK nations, different faiths, and a wide range of professions. It’s facilitated by the Together Coalition, founded by Brendan Cox.

Key Objectives

• Launch a national conversation this autumn to gather public insights on community belonging and division.

• Offer evidence-based recommendations to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

• Examine the role of social media, misinformation, and institutional responses in social unrest.

Support & Independence

Though not a government initiative, the commission is being supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

A government spokesperson stated: “We are supportive of the work the Together Coalition is undertaking and look forward to following the commission’s progress.”

Sir Sajid Javid said previous governments had only acted when “tensions spilled over,” failing to address underlying causes. The commission hopes to break that cycle.