Key facts
- Playwright James Graham and actor Ian McKellen released a short film, 'Love Letter to England'.
- The film explores national identity and commonalities among English people.
- It is part of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion's 'National Conversation' initiative.
- The commission aims to develop a shared vision for the country's future.
- Graham believes social bonds are fraying, contributing to political and social division.
A short film titled 'Love Letter to England,' featuring actor Ian McKellen and created by playwright James Graham, has been released to explore what it means to be English. The film is part of the 'National Conversation' initiative, a project by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, which aims to foster a shared vision for the country amidst deep political and social divisions.
Graham, who previously wrote a play about Gareth Southgate's management of the England men's football team, stated that the social bonds connecting people are "fraying and breaking." He linked this to the decline of physical public spaces like town centers and noted that both older and younger generations are experiencing increased loneliness and alienation.
The National Conversation invites members of the public to share their views on belonging and their vision for the country through 60-second voice notes. The commission, co-chaired by former Conservative minister Sajid Javid and former Labour MP Jon Cruddas, will combine these submissions with academic research and expert evidence to formulate its findings.
Graham suggested that collective events like the World Cup can create a sense of shared experience, referred to as "collective effervescence." He also acknowledged that the concept of 'Englishness' can be uncomfortable for some due to past exclusionary practices, but urged progressives not to abandon it. Submissions have revealed a strong sense of pride in local identity and place.