Amanda Martin MP has welcomed the Government’s new national plan, Protecting What Matters, which sets out a long-term strategy to strengthen social cohesion, restore pride in communities and protect the country from those who seek to divide it.
The plan outlines how the Government will work with local communities, schools, faith groups and organisations to build stronger, more confident communities across the UK. It recognises that social cohesion is central to national resilience and security at a time of increasing global instability and rising social tensions.
The strategy focuses on three key pillars: Confident Communities, Cohesive Communities and Resilient Communities.
Measures under the plan include major investment through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will deliver £5.8 billion to nearly 300 communities across the country, alongside support for youth services, sports programmes, community-led school partnerships and local media. Paulsgrove and Landport in Portsmouth will both receive £20million in Pride in Place funding over the next 10 years.
The strategy also includes new action to strengthen integration and promote shared values, including improved citizenship education, expanded English language provision, and greater support for faith and belief groups that play a vital role in local communities.
In addition, the plan sets out new steps to tackle hate and extremism, including stronger action against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility, better oversight of extremist activity in institutions, and measures to address online harms.
Amanda Martin MP said: “Britain has always been strongest when we stand together. Across our communities there are countless people who quietly give their time and energy to make their neighbourhoods better places to live – from volunteers and community groups to faith organisations and local charities.
The Government’s Protecting What Matters plan recognises the importance of that work and backs communities with the support and investment they need to thrive. By investing in local areas, strengthening integration and tackling hate and extremism, we can build a more confident, cohesive and resilient country.
I look forward to working with local organisations and residents to ensure our community benefits from this plan and continues to be a place where people look out for one another.”
The Government has emphasised that the plan is a starting point rather than a finished programme, with continued engagement planned with communities, local authorities and civil society organisations to help shape future policy and strengthen social cohesion across the country.
Amanda Martin MP is encouraging local community groups, schools and faith organisations to engage with the initiative and share their ideas on how the programme can support communities locally.
