Former Conservative MP Sajid Javid warns of increasing division in the UK. He points to a rise in online debates questioning the identity of non-white politicians.
In February 2026, Rishi Sunak described himself as “British, English and British Asian”, after Konstantin Kisin suggested he was not English due to his brown skin and Hindu faith. Sunak, the first British Asian Prime Minister, warns of a risk that Britain “slips back” towards more overt forms of racism.
Javid says online discussions about such topics highlight concerns over social cohesion. He links this trend to how people now consume news, particularly through social media environments shaped by algorithms and echo chambers.
Asked if he was surprised by the debate, Javid said: “In a way, yes, because no one was asking questions like that even a decade ago… Take Rishi as an example. He became Prime Minister of our country, and someone dares question whether he’s British or not? Obviously, it’s complete nonsense.”
Javid also urged ministers to take further steps to protect progress made since the racism he experienced growing up in 1970s Bristol.
Since leaving Parliament in 2024, Javid has taken on a role heading The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion with Jon Cruddas. He emphasized that division in the UK is rising, as it is in many countries.