Despite what the headlines might have you believe, the UK isn’t all doom and gloom. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of headlines and hassles, but every now and then, something happens that reminds us we’re not as divided as we think. Here are 22 examples of how Britons still find moments of unity.
1. Joining in Mourning
Nothing brings the nation together quite like tragedy. When Sarah Everard was murdered in 2021, the country erupted in vigils, with people across the UK uniting in grief and a demand for justice. It’s a sad truth that sometimes, it takes a collective heartbreak to remind us of our shared humanity.
2. Standing Against Racism
In August 2024, anti-racism protesters hit the streets in cities like Cardiff and Glasgow. Sure, it took a week of violent disorder to spark these rallies, but thousands of people turned out to show that they wouldn’t stand for hate. It’s a reminder that when things get bad enough, people will push back.
3. Cheering on Sports Teams
England’s victory in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro was one of those rare moments when everyone seemed to forget their differences and just enjoy the win. Wembley Stadium was packed, and millions more watched from home, proving that if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the joy of a well-earned victory.
4. Supporting Healthcare Workers
The “Clap for Carers” during the pandemic was a weekly display of gratitude that brought people to their doorsteps to applaud healthcare workers. It was a rare moment of unity, though you have to wonder if the energy might’ve been better spent on making sure those workers had the resources they needed.
5. Enjoying National Events
The Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 was another of those occasions where the UK put its cynicism on hold. Street parties and public gatherings were held across the country, as everyone celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne. Because if there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s throwing a party for the monarchy.
6. Facing Adversity Together
When Storm Dennis brought severe flooding to South Wales in 2020, locals didn’t just sit around waiting for help. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work, proving that when the going gets tough, British communities will muck in—sometimes literally.
7. Standing With Labour Movements
The “summer of discontent” in 2022 saw strikes across various sectors, and surprisingly, there was a lot of public support for the workers. People seemed to recognise that fair pay and working conditions are worth fighting for—though it’s a shame it takes a strike to get anyone to notice.
8. Backing Environmental Causes
The environment is something that everyone can get behind—at least when it’s fashionable. In April 2023, tens of thousands gathered in London for “The Big One,” a climate protest organized by Extinction Rebellion. It’s great to see so many people care about the planet, but it makes you wonder why it takes a crisis to get us there.
9. Rallying Against Injustice
When George Floyd was murdered in the US, the shockwaves were felt across the pond. In Bristol, protesters made headlines by toppling the statue of Edward Colston, a noted slave trader. It was a bold statement against systemic racism, showing that sometimes, enough is enough.
10. Supporting Refugees
In March 2022, the UK showed it still has a heart when thousands marched in London to support Ukrainian refugees. The invasion by Russia sparked a wave of solidarity across the country, reminding us that we can still come together in the face of global crises.
11. Enjoying a Sunny Day
Ah, the great British summer—when it actually happens. During the heatwave of July 2022, everyone flocked to parks, beaches, and pub gardens to soak up the sun. Bournemouth Beach was packed because, let’s face it, we don’t get many chances to enjoy the warmth, and when we do, we make the most of it.
12. Rediscovering Community Spirit
The pandemic did a number on all of us, but it also brought some of us closer together. A 2022 survey by the Co-op found that community spirit had actually increased, with more people knowing their neighbours. Maybe being forced to stay home wasn’t all bad after all.
13. Honouring Shared Histories
Every November, the UK comes together to honour those who served in the armed forces on Remembrance Day. In 2023, millions observed the two-minute silence, proving that despite everything, there’s still a deep respect for the past.
14. Pub Culture as a Community Anchor
Even during the COVID-19 lockdowns, pubs found a way to stay at the heart of the community. The Red Lion in Cricklade offered takeaway meals and hosted online quiz nights, proving that pubs are more than just a place to get a pint—they’re the social glue holding many communities together.
15. Celebrating Cultural Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival in 2023 was back to its full pre-pandemic glory, drawing over a million people to celebrate Caribbean culture. It’s one of those rare times when London feels truly united, with people from all backgrounds coming together to party in the streets.
16. Community-Led Initiatives
The rise of food banks is a sad sign of the times, but it’s also a testament to the UK’s community spirit. The Trussell Trust provided nearly 3 million emergency food parcels between April 2022 and March 2023, showing that when times get tough, people step up to help those in need.
17. Digital Activism
Social media has its downsides, but it can also be a force for good. The #FreeSchoolMeals campaign, led by Marcus Rashford in 2020, is proof of that. Rashford’s efforts to extend free school meals united the country and pressured the government into action. It’s a reminder that sometimes, tweeting actually gets things done.
18. Celebrating Local Traditions
The Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria is one of those local traditions that brings people together. This annual event celebrates Gypsy and Traveller culture, drawing thousands of visitors. It’s a reminder that the UK’s diversity isn’t just in the cities—it’s everywhere.
19. Grassroots Movements Thriving
In Sheffield, the “Save Our Trees” campaign in 2023 was a big win for local activism. Residents united to stop the council from cutting down thousands of street trees, proving that grassroots movements can have real power—when enough people care.
20. Engaging in Local Governance
Voter turnout in the May 2023 local elections was higher than expected, showing that people are starting to take more of an interest in local governance. It’s about time—these are the decisions that actually affect our day-to-day lives.
21. Joining in on Snow Days
When the “Beast from the East 2” hit in February 2021, even the south of England got a taste of real winter. Communities came together for snowball fights and sledging, proving that sometimes it takes a bit of snow to get everyone out and about.
22. Support for the NHS
The NHS might be a mess, but it’s still a source of national pride. In 2022, people across the UK celebrated its 74th birthday with the NHS Big Tea, a fundraising event that raised money for NHS charities. It was a small gesture, but it showed that people still care deeply about the health service that’s there for them when they need it.
A United Kingdom
So there you have it — 22 ways the UK still manages to come together despite everything. Whether it’s in response to a crisis, a bit of good weather, or a shared cause, Britons prove time and again that unity is possible. We might be cynical, but deep down, we know that when it matters, we’re all in this together.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Loredana Sangiuliano.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.