What would make the UK a better place to live? A new project aims to find out

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. What would make the UK a better place to live? A new project aims to find out17 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleNavtej JohalMidlands correspondent Watch: People in Nottingham tell the what kind of country they want to live inPeople across the UK are being urged to share their vision for how their community and country's future should look, as part of a major new research project. The National Conversation is being launched with voice notes submitted by high-profile figures, including former footballer Gary Lineker, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup.

Participants will be asked to complete a survey carried out by researchers from the University of Oxford and leave a 60-second voice note. AI models will then be used to analyse thousands of responses to "map what could bring us together". The project will run until the end of August and the responses will be used in a report, due to be published later this year.

The Details

It is being led by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, which describes itself as a non-partisan initiative responding to the "converging crises of social disconnection and division". Former Conservative Chancellor Sir Sajid Javid, who co-chairs the Commission, said unless the country could "regain a shared sense of what unites us… we risk being torn apart by our differences. That vision won't come from politicians - it can only come from the public.

"Former Labour Policy Coordinator Jon Cruddas, who also co-chairs the Commission, said the National Conversation was "at the heart of how we rebuild a shared vision of our country. "People are being asked in their voice notes to include what they think unites us, divides us, and what might bring us closer together. The National Conversation is supported by organisations including the NHS, TikTok, the UK Muslim Network, the Church Urban Fund and English Football League in the Community.

'Everyone gets along'Jack wants to see people "learn to love each other"At Castle Gym in the centre of Nottingham, young adults tell the about what they want from the future. Jack Hudson, a 20-year-old electrician, says he wants the UK to be a country where "everyone gets along with each other". "I know it's not feasible because no one really gets on with each other all the time, but just one where we can learn to love each other and just get on.

What Experts Say

"IT worker Reece Lees, 28, wants to be part of a country "we're all proud to live in". He says the most important factors for him are "opportunity and safety" - adding it seems a "common" feeling that people want to move abroad. He would like people to be able to "grow up and have opportunities within your own country".

Dagy wants to see people smiling and "off their phones"Dagy, a 21-year-old architecture student, originally from Poland, says social media has worsened divisions in society by making people "lose empathy for others".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.