James Graham and Ian McKellen release film on English identity
Ahead of England's first World Cup knockout match, a short film 'Love Letter to England' explores what it means to be English. It is part of the UK-wide National Conversation initiative collecting public views on belonging and the country's future.
Award-winning playwright James Graham and actor Ian McKellen have released a short film titled 'Love Letter to England', delving into English identity. The film premiered during the World Cup, just before England's first knockout game.
The project is part of the National Conversation, a UK-wide initiative launched last month. Members of the public are invited to leave 60-second voice notes sharing their thoughts on supporting the England team, what it means to belong, and the kind of country they wish to live in. It is part of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, co-chaired by former Conservative minister Sajid Javid and former Labour MP and policy chief Jon Cruddas.
Graham said that 'the social bonds and the things that connect us, or traditionally have connected us, are fraying and breaking'—a trend that has been ongoing for a long time. He highlighted the loss of physical public spaces, such as high streets and town centres, which has contributed to loneliness and alienation affecting both older and younger generations. 'Young people are the loneliest generation we've ever had,' he remarked.
The commission, convened by the charity Together Coalition co-founded by Brendan Cox (widower of murdered MP Jo Cox), aims to develop a shared vision for the country's future amid deep political and social divisions. Graham praised the initiative for being grassroots-driven, based on people's lived experiences in their communities.
Graham noted that events like the World Cup create 'collective effervescence'—a brief feeling of being part of the same story. He acknowledged discomfort around Englishness for some, due to exclusionary attempts by certain groups, but urged progressives not to abandon English symbols.
Recent polling shows that the number of people believing 'Britishness' is something you are born with has nearly doubled in two years. A significant proportion of Reform UK supporters consider being white an important national characteristic and believe Britain has become too ethnically diverse. In contrast, Rishi Sunak, while giving evidence to the commission, described himself as 'British, English and British Asian'.
Graham observed a strong pride in locality among many contributors—people identifying as Yorkshiremen or from Sutton Coldfield—but also a sense of diminished national pride. He called for listening to what people miss and what younger generations want to replace lost community traditions like brass bands and coal choirs.
