Britain's Segregation Problem: A Nation of Strangers Amidst the Hype on Immigration

Strategic Insights -

As the UK government and opposition leaders trade blows over immigration, a crucial area of agreement has been overlooked: the importance of integration. Yet, Britain's long-standing segregation problem - exacerbated by economic divides and regional disparities - remains unaddressed. Research shows that 44% of Britons feel like strangers to those around them, while 81% of adults agree that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get along well.

Key Takeaways:

  • Britain has deep spatial inequalities, with the UK (particularly England) ranking among the OECD countries with the deepest differences in incomes and between regions.
  • These disparities have been increasing for over three decades, with 44% of Britons saying they sometimes feel like strangers to those around them.
  • The wealthy tend to distance themselves from other Britons, minimizing taxes, choosing private schools and healthcare, and living in enclaves behind electric gates and entry phones.
  • Despite efforts to create a more cohesive country, the government rarely tells elites to integrate more with the rest of society.
  • Integration is often reserved for immigrants, rather than other Britons with separatist tendencies, such as white voters who move out to the suburbs.

Statistics:

  • 44% of Britons say they sometimes feel like strangers to those around them (More in Common research).
  • 81% of adults agree that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get along well (latest "community life survey").
  • The UK (particularly England) ranks among the OECD countries with the deepest spatial inequalities.
  • These disparities have been increasing for over three decades.

Sources:

  • The Economics Observatory
  • More in Common research
  • The Guardian (latest "community life survey" and Andy Beckett's column)