One London? Change and cohesion in three London boroughs

London is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world. It is a place of extraordinary cultural diversity and economic opportunity, attracting investment, tourism and migration from across the globe. While most Londoners welcome the opportunities this brings, change can also lead to insecurity and anxiety. When combined with inequalities in access to limited resources, these changes can breathe new life into all-too-familiar tensions and prejudices.

This short paper, commissioned by the Government Office for London, explores the nature of the contemporary challenges to community cohesion in London and sets out how local actors have responded to them.

The paper is based on research undertaken in three London boroughs that differ from one another in important respects: Barking and Dagenham, Hounslow and Southwark.