In a country that often feels like it’s fraying at the edges, you might be surprised to see just how often Britons manage to come together. Here are 22 ways the UK shows that unity isn’t dead – it’s just hiding in plain sight.
1. Enjoying a Sunny Day
Let’s kick off with something we can all agree on: when the sun finally makes an appearance in the UK, everyone comes out to play. Remember July 2022? The heatwave had parks, beaches, and pub gardens packed to the brim. Bournemouth Beach was swarming with people, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a bit of sunshine to unite us in our love for the outdoors.
2. Standing Against Racism
Now, here’s one we can’t ignore. In August 2024, after a week of violent disorder, thousands of people across the UK—from Cardiff to Glasgow—took to the streets to stand against racism. Sure, it took some ugly events to get there, but it’s a reminder that when the chips are down, people will stand up for what’s right.
3. Cheering on Sports Teams
Few things bring us together like a good old-fashioned win. England’s victory in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro was a perfect example. The whole country celebrated as if we’d won the World Cup, with millions glued to their screens and Wembley Stadium roaring. When it comes to sports, we’re all on the same team.
4. Supporting Healthcare Workers
Remember the “Clap for Carers” during the pandemic? Every Thursday evening, people across the UK stepped outside to applaud healthcare workers. It was a simple gesture, but for once, it felt like we were all in it together. Sure, clapping didn’t solve everything, but it showed that we hadn’t completely lost our sense of community.
5. Joining in Mourning
Tragedy has a way of bringing people together, even when it feels like nothing else can. Take the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021. Vigils popped up across the UK as people united in grief and called for safer streets. It was a powerful moment, showing that when it really matters, we can find common ground.
6. Enjoying National Events
National pride might seem like an old-fashioned idea, but when the Platinum Jubilee rolled around in June 2022, everyone got on board. Street parties, public gatherings, and a bit of royal fanfare reminded us that there’s still something to celebrate, even in these strange times.
7. Rallying Against Injustice
When George Floyd was murdered in the US, the ripples reached the UK. In June 2020, protests against racial injustice erupted across the country, with Bristol making headlines as protesters toppled the statue of Edward Colston. It was a stark reminder that people won’t stay silent in the face of systemic wrongs.
8. Standing with Labour Movements
You might not expect widespread support for strikes, but in the “summer of discontent” in 2022, that’s exactly what happened. People from all walks of life backed workers fighting for fair pay and conditions. Sometimes, the fight for fairness brings out the best in us.
9. Backing Environmental Causes
Climate change might feel like a daunting problem, but in April 2023, tens of thousands of people gathered in London for “The Big One,” a climate protest organized by Extinction Rebellion. It’s easy to be cynical about these things, but seeing so many people come together for the planet was a glimmer of hope.
10. Pub Culture as a Community Anchor
Even during the bleakest days of the COVID-19 lockdowns, pubs remained the heart of their communities. The Red Lion in Cricklade, for instance, adapted by offering takeaway meals and hosting online quiz nights. It’s proof that pubs are more than just watering holes—they’re where communities gather, even when we can’t be together in person.
11. Honouring Shared Histories
Every November, we pause for Remembrance Day, a moment that cuts through all the noise. In 2023, millions across the UK observed the two-minute silence, showing that no matter how much things change, our respect for those who served remains unshaken.
12. Rediscovering Community Spirit
The pandemic threw us all for a loop, but it also led to something unexpected: a resurgence in community spirit. A 2022 survey by the Co-op found that more people were getting to know their neighbours and feeling a stronger connection to their local area. It seems that when we’re forced to slow down, we might actually start caring about the people around us.
13. Facing Adversity Together
When Storm Dennis unleashed chaos in South Wales in 2020, communities didn’t just wait around for help—they jumped into action. Volunteers helped with clean-up efforts, proving that when disaster strikes, British communities still know how to rally.
14. Supporting Refugees
In March 2022, thousands marched through London in support of Ukrainian refugees. The invasion by Russia had shaken the world, but the UK’s response showed that we still have a heart, and when people need help, we’re willing to step up.
15. Celebrating Cultural Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival returned in full force in 2023, bringing over a million people together to celebrate Caribbean culture. For a weekend, at least, London’s streets were filled with joy, music, and a sense of unity that’s all too rare these days.
16. Community-Led Initiatives
Food banks aren’t something to be proud of, but the response to them is. Between April 2022 and March 2023, the Trussell Trust provided nearly 3 million emergency food parcels, thanks to community support. When the system fails, people step up for each other.
17. Digital Activism
Social media isn’t all bad, especially when it’s used for good. Marcus Rashford’s #FreeSchoolMeals campaign in 2020 is a prime example. His efforts to ensure kids didn’t go hungry during school holidays caught fire online and led to real change. It’s proof that sometimes, tweeting can actually make a difference.
18. Grassroots Movements Thriving
In Sheffield, the “Save Our Trees” campaign in 2023 showed what happens when locals decide enough is enough. Residents successfully stopped the council from cutting down thousands of street trees, proving that when people care, they can make change happen right in their own backyards.
19. Joining in on Snow Days
The “Beast from the East 2” brought a rare dose of snow to southern England in February 2021, and communities didn’t waste a moment. Snowball fights, sledging, and general frolicking ensued, reminding us that sometimes, all it takes is a bit of snow to bring out the kid in all of us.
20. Backing Local Traditions
The Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria is one of those local traditions that keeps going strong year after year. This annual celebration of Gypsy and Traveller culture draws thousands, showing that the UK’s diversity isn’t just in the big cities—it’s everywhere.
21. Engaging in Local Governance
Voter turnout isn’t usually something to write home about, but in the May 2023 local elections, more people showed up than expected. Maybe folks are finally realising that local governance actually matters, and that’s something we can all get behind.
22. Support for the NHS
The NHS might have its problems, but it’s still something we rally around. 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’s not a perfect system, but it’s ours, and we still believe in it.
A Shared Future
So there you have it — 22 ways the UK manages to pull together, even when it feels like the world is falling apart. Whether it’s through shared struggles, celebrations, or just a bit of rare British sunshine, there’s a thread of unity running through us all. We might be a bit cynical, but deep down, we know that when it matters, we’ve got each other’s backs.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Watcharisma.
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.