British Future

"It’s such a waste for these individuals and it’s a waste for the UK" – The FT reports on British Future research into the challenges for many Hong Kongers in the UK finding work that matches their skills and experience (£) https://lnkd.in/gfZSD2zg

British Future is supporting a new, Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion this spring, which seeks to understand the challenges to cohesion in our society and how we can rebuild community connection. https://lnkd.in/eYGZjbeM

Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President this week threatens to embolden populist politicians worldwide, further hardening political and media debate about immigration and asylum. British Future is working with Frank Sharry, former lead advisor on immigration policy for the Kamala Harris presidential campaign, on a new initiative seeking to understand the lessons from America for Keir Starmer and other European leaders who need to challenge populism and hold the centre ground on immigration. This month we’ve held two events with Frank, including the in-person panel discussion ‘Lessons from America under Trump: How to challenge populism and hold the centre ground on immigration’. You can read a report from the event here: https://lnkd.in/eNtGErHG Frank was also interviewed by BBC News on the day of Trump’s inauguration, and published his ‘Five lessons from Trump’s US victory for the fight against anti-immigrant populism in the UK – and beyond’: https://lnkd.in/eNpdBM45 We’re looking forward to working more with Frank on this learning exchange project throughout the year, helping advise those in the UK and across Europe who want to understand more about what the Democrats’ experience in America can teach us for how to oppose populism on this side of the Atlantic. Do get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Bringing people together through community arts and creativity projects could help build more cohesive communities in the wake of this summer’s riots, according to new British Future research. The ‘Creating Connections’, report, published today by British Future supported by University of the Arts London, finds that 80% of people are interested in participating in arts and creative activities – while only 53% did so over the last year. Getting more people involved in community arts can help address the urgent need to bridge divides in our society, the research argues. Arts and creativity projects promote social mixing between people from different backgrounds, which experts say is crucial to breaking down fears and prejudices. Around half of those who have taken part in a creative arts activity over the last year said it helped them to meet people from different backgrounds. The report calls on the government to ensure that the role of the creative arts is part of a new, comprehensive strategy on social connection and community cohesion in response to this summer’s violent racist disorder. It also highlights the important role that cultural programmes linked to major events – like VE Day 80 next year and the UK hosting the Euros football tournament in 2028 – can play in bringing people together across the nation. You can read the report here: https://lnkd.in/eQr6mav6

'Experts and practitioners gather for ‘After the riots’ community cohesion summit' - Report from our social cohesion event with the Belong Network and /together https://lnkd.in/eW2qE8Pe

Ahead of the #USElection the Aspen Institute convened an event at the US Embassy in London to discuss the future of trust in democracy, with our Sunder Katwala and Polly Curtis, Aspen's Vivian Schiller & Tim Squirrel of ISD. https://lnkd.in/e3-rq8yg

‘From a childhood in Nigeria to Tory leader: the remarkable rise of Kemi Badenoch’ - our Sunder Katwala writes for the Observer on the identity politics of the new Conservative Party leader. https://lnkd.in/e3ysFBUK

110 years ago today, Khudadad Khan became the first Indian and first Muslim soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in WW1. Prominent voices from politics, faith and community relations are now calling for greater awareness of the service of Black and Asian servicemen in the world wars – including teaching this history in schools – to help tackle racism and prejudice. More here: https://lnkd.in/ehv38i-H

Hong Kongers who have moved to Britain are struggling to find work that matches their skills & qualifications, according to new research today from British Future and the Welcoming Commitee for Hong Kongers. Our researchers spoke to accountants employed in kitchens and IT specialists working in warehouses. This is making it harder for these new migrants – who want to stay and make their lives in the UK – to cope with high living costs, and also deprives the UK economy of their full skills: https://lnkd.in/esVE2uJB We're also publishing a new guide for employers, explaining who the UK's 150,000 recently-arrived Hong Kongers are, their employment rights under the British National (Overseas) visa, and advice for welcoming them into the workforce: https://lnkd.in/ew9zaaS7

Looking forward to being part of the British Future and London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Migration and Skills event at #LabourConference24 this Tuesday morning alongside the Immigration Minister. https://lnkd.in/eBizarNW If you have any thoughts on how #LabourParty can better align policies on migration for work with its skills agenda, and you are at conference, please do come along to give your thoughts - framed as a question obvs.