iCoCo asks us to save the date 23rd April for an event in central London –

At Ease With Each Other

“A major opportunity to discuss cohesion and integration in the UK; with Secretary of State Eric Pickles MP, Ben Page, David Goodhart, Ted Cantle and others.”

This follows the publication by the Department for Communities and Local Government of Creating the Conditions for Integration last month.  The document sets out the government’s approach to integration.  Discrimination and hate crime against Muslims and Jews are mentioned, as well as the positive role that the Faith-based Regeneration Network, the Near Neighbours Programme and the Inter Faith Network for the UK are playing.  The promotion of economic regeneration by local authorities is encouraged, with a caution against the implicit endorsement of divisive groups by engagement or the use of public buildings.

The document places an emphasis on the role of local community groups and ‘locally-led action’.  It says,

‘Our new approach is focused on how we create the conditions for integration to happen. Instead of large-scale, centrally led and funded programmes, we want to inspire and enable civil society and local areas to take action on integration issues that are important to them.’

Shall we discuss this at our next meeting?  Who might be interested to hear the views of local multifaith groups?  Who would you like to hear speak?