A concerning shift in perspective has emerged in Britain, as a recent study reveals a rising tide of ethno-nationalist sentiments. The number of individuals who believe that 'Britishness' is an inherent trait, something you're born with, has nearly doubled in just two years. This alarming trend is a stark reminder of the power of divisive narratives and the potential consequences for societal cohesion.
While the majority of the public still upholds the idea of Britishness as rooted in shared values, a growing segment views it through the lens of ethnicity, birthplace, and ancestry. This shift in perception is a cause for concern, especially when considering the extreme views held by supporters of Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
The findings suggest that a significant portion of Farage's supporters believe that being white is an essential national characteristic and that Britain's ethnic diversity is a cause for concern. More than a third of Reform UK voters expressed a desire for a less diverse Britain in the future, with some even going as far as to suggest that having white skin is a prerequisite for being a good British citizen.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite these hard-right narratives gaining traction, popular opinion still leans towards a progressive vision of Britishness, one that is based on shared values rather than ethnicity or ancestry.
Parth Patel, an associate director at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), warns that right-wing politicians and activists are attempting to reshape how we perceive ourselves and each other. They advocate for a definition of national belonging rooted in ancient rights and historical claims, and worryingly, they are starting to influence the hearts and minds of some Britons.
The IPPR analysis reveals that supporters of all major parties, except Reform UK, view Britain as a civic community defined by shared values rather than an ethnic community defined by shared ancestry. When asked about the qualities of a good British citizen, the most popular responses focused on obeying the law, raising kind children, and working hard. Only a small minority emphasized the importance of sticking up for British-born people or having white skin.
When considering what would make them proud of Britain in the future, people prioritized good public services and quality of life, with far fewer prioritizing reductions in immigration or ethnic diversity.
The IPPR calls on Keir Starmer to build upon his speech at the Labour party conference, where he challenged ethno-nationalist views, and develop a program of national renewal based on a clear vision of Britain's future and the values that unite its people.
In his speech, the prime minister emphasized the fight against the hard right, stating that those who imply people cannot be English or British due to their skin color or who advocate for the deportation of long-term residents are enemies of national renewal.
Reform UK has faced criticism for its threat to deport hundreds of thousands of legally resident individuals by scrapping the main route to settlement. Similarly, Tory shadow minister Katie Lam was criticized for endorsing mass deportations to achieve cultural coherence, a stance later dismissed by the party's leader, Kemi Badenoch.
Senior politicians have warned of a surge in ethno-nationalist ideas, often propagated online. A far-right march organized by Tommy Robinson in Westminster attracted a significant number of attendees, further highlighting the need to address these divisive narratives.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a practicing Muslim born in Britain to Pakistani parents, emphasized her pride in being a citizen of a diverse country. She described Britain as a multifaith, multi-ethnic nation where people are free to live by their conscience while adhering to common rules for peaceful coexistence.
Kemi Badenoch, born in Britain to Nigerian parents, has also faced online ethno-nationalism, including racist tropes and accusations. She emphasized the need to reject these divisive narratives and focus on a shared, inclusive national project.
Nick Garland, an associate fellow at IPPR, stressed that the vast majority of the public still believes in a nation built on shared values and common interests, not birthplace or background. He urged the government and progressives to give voice to this belief by presenting a compelling alternative vision of the nation, one that looks forward and embraces diversity.
The fight over the definition of Britishness must be met with a united front that rejects division and embraces an inclusive, forward-looking national identity.
