Yesterday, Secretary of State Steve Reed announced the government’s new cohesion action plan, Protecting What Matters, outlining a comprehensive approach to building stronger, more cohesive communities across the country.
There has been widespread coverage of the announcement, with Press Association covering the Secretary of State’s oral statement in full. The piece also ran in the Independent. Steve Reed was quoted directly on the importance of English language for community cohesion, and his assurances that the new definition is designed to tackle hate crime while fully safeguarding freedom of speech.
The Times provided in-depth coverage of the strategy's broad scope, highlighting the range of areas it addresses — including immigration and integration, tackling extremism, education and local investment. The paper reported on plans to direct up to £5 billion in funding over the next decade to more than 200 communities, as well as the appointment of a new tsar to oversee implementation of the anti-Muslim hostility definition and advise schools, universities and public services.
The Guardian focused on Steve Reed's Commons statement, quoting him directly: "You can't tackle a problem if you can't describe it." The piece noted that the new three-paragraph definition has been carefully crafted to protect freedom of speech, and carried the welcome response from Professor Javed Khan, who described it as a "watershed moment."
The i Paper reported positively on the Government's plans to roll out Duolingo-style English language courses to migrant communities as part of the plan — a measure that speaks directly to the government's commitment to integration. The paper also carried an op-ed from Minister Fahnbulleh on the same page, which was additionally published in Hyphen.
The Daily Telegraph covered the evolving debate around the definition of anti-Muslim hostility in depth, noting the careful work of the expert working group chaired by Dominic Grieve and the safeguards included to protect legitimate criticism of religion. Steve Reed was quoted from his Commons statement, setting out the government's duty to act in the face of record hate crime levels while protecting free expression.
Middle East Eye provided detailed coverage of the new definition, quoting Steve Reed directly on the scale of the challenge and highlighting that protections extend to those perceived to be Muslim. The piece also covered broader elements of the plan, including the new annual state of extremism report.
Various stakeholders have since published their reactions to Protecting What Matters:
Shabir Randeree CBE, Chair of the British Muslim Trust, said:
“The definition published today is welcomed and should be a step forward that will help guide institutions that have too often been too slow or too weak in their responses to incidents a tolerant and respectful country like ours must never accept. The BMT looks forward to seeing the impact and implementation of the definition and we will not be afraid to raise our voice if we don’t see the positive change needed to keep Muslim communities safe and protected, as well as all victims of Anti-Muslim hate.
“At the same time, our work goes on. We will continue to put victims at the heart of our work, we will monitor and report on Anti-Muslim hate crimes and incidents – and we will continue to call for the protections and support required to ensure that British Muslims can live lives every bit as full and free from abuse as anyone else.”
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews:
"We welcome the new government plan to confront extremism and build social cohesion, including specific measures set out to tackle antisemitism wherever and however it manifests, and the commitment to address the sources of ideological extremism through which antisemitism is spreading. This new plan builds explicitly on proposals the Board of Deputies has brought to government with our communal colleagues and we will continue working with government to ensure they are fully implemented. In the context of different forms of rising prejudice, including against our British Muslim friends and neighbours facing record levels of anti-Muslim hatred, we also commit play our part to build a more cohesive Britain for people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds."
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:
‘Hostility against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslims is on the rise in the UK and we all have a duty to stand up against it. We are pleased that the new definition of anti-Muslim hostility, along with its supporting guidance, does this while explicitly protecting speech that is critical of religious ideas, in line with international human rights standards.'
Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
“The action plan is an important and timely recognition that cohesion, resilience and a shared sense of belonging cannot be left to chance.
“It sets out a serious attempt to move from analysis to action, combining place-based investment, clearer integration expectations, and stronger protection against hatred, extremism and division.”
“If delivered with care, local partnership and long-term commitment, the plan has the potential to strengthen trust, pride and social connection across our communities.”
Keith Black, Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, said:
"The deadly consequences of extremism are all too familiar for the Jewish community. We welcome the government’s announcement of long overdue measures to combat extremist ideologies and strengthen social cohesion across the country. It is encouraging that the government recognises this call to action as the beginning of a longer process. Delivering this agenda will require clear leadership and sustained resourcing across government so that British citizens, including the Jewish community, can live our lives and practise our faith without fear. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the government as this important work moves forward."
Danny Stone MBE, Chief Executive, Antisemitism Policy Trust:
“This action plan is a welcome step towards realising a vision of Britain that celebrates our liberal democratic principles, is patriotic but that is muscular in its defence of our values. The key now will be implementation, and I look forward to working with Ministers and others on ensuring this plan is fully enacted.”
https://mhclgmedia.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/10/coverage-of-cohesion-action-plan/
seen at 14:45, 10 March in MHCLG in the Media.