Newcastle University’s Jane Robinson Joins Cross-Party Commission to Strengthen UK Community Bonds

Newcastle University’s Jane Robinson Joins Cross-Party Commission to Strengthen UK Community Bonds

(IN BRIEF) Professor Jane Robinson of Newcastle University has joined the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, a cross-party panel convened after the Southport disturbances to tackle social fragmentation in the UK. Co-chaired by Sir Sajid Javid and Jon Cruddas, the 19-member group spans politics, academia, civil society, business, media, and faith. Over the coming year, they will analyze evidence, engage directly with citizens through a national conversation, and develop long-term, evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen community connections and address underlying causes of division nationwide.

(PRESS RELEASE) NEWCASTLE, 25-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Newcastle University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement & Place, Professor Jane Robinson, has been appointed to the newly established Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, tasked with forging a more connected sense of community across the UK. Launched in response to the Southport-related unrest and backed by cross-party support, the Commission brings together 19 members from politics, academia, civil society, business, media, and faith to diagnose the drivers of social fragmentation and propose evidence-based solutions.

Co-chaired by Sir Sajid Javid and Jon Cruddas, the panel includes voices such as Lord Bilimoria, Professor Luke Bretherton, David Halpern, Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, and Caroline Lucas. Once fully constituted, the Commission will represent all four UK nations. Its work will be informed by an initial evidence-gathering phase conducted by British Future and Belong, and by a forthcoming national conversation to capture public insights on belonging and division.

“I am deeply honoured to contribute to this timely national Commission,” said Professor Robinson. “Tackling the complex, deep-rooted challenges we face requires drawing on diverse perspectives and our shared commitment to social justice. I look forward to leveraging Newcastle University’s expertise to help craft long-term, impactful recommendations.”

Sir Sajid Javid commented, “Previous governments have too often reacted downstream rather than addressing root causes. This Commission will take the long view—proposing radical policies and building a cross-society consensus on how we want to live together.” Jon Cruddas added, “Our mandate is to listen directly to people across the UK and translate their experiences into practical, systemic solutions.”

Over the next year, commissioners will convene to explore structural drivers of cohesion and division, test ideas, and shape policy proposals. The national conversation, launching this autumn, will ensure that recommendations reflect the lived realities of communities throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Commission is supported administratively by the /together initiative, whose co-founder Brendan Cox emphasized the existential importance of restoring community bonds for the health of UK democracy.

Media Contact:

Telephone: (0191) 208 6000

SOURCE: Newcastle University