Deprivation and immigration straining cohesion, says Rayner

Angela Rayner has identified deprivation, time spent online and immigration as factors weaking social cohesion in the UK.

Presenting the findings of her year-long study, commissioned in the wake of a wave of riots across the UK sparked by the murder of three girls in Southport, the deputy prime minister told ministers they must confront people’s “real concerns” to rebuild trust.

Downing Street said the unreleased study will form the backbone of the Plan for Neighbourhoods, which promises to invest £1.5 billion in 75 of the “most deprived” areas across the UK over the next decade.

Her comments come ahead of the first anniversary the Southport attack on 29 July.

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