David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, has emphasised the crucial role of place and belonging in politics, warning that politicians and activists risk irrelevance if they fail to address these themes. Speaking at the Global Progress Action summit in London, Lammy shared personal reflections on growing up in a West Indian household adorned with royal memorabilia and flags, which instilled in him a profound sense of national pride. He contrasted this with experiences of exclusion and fear faced due to ethno-nationalist groups like the National Front skinheads, underscoring the importance of "owning that flag" as a symbol of inclusive patriotism rather than allowing it to be co-opted by divisive ideologies.

Lammy’s comments came as the UK government announced a landmark £5 billion 'Pride in Place' programme aimed at revitalising high streets, parks, and public spaces across the country. The initiative grants unprecedented powers to local communities, enabling residents to shape regeneration efforts tailored to their needs, from reclaiming derelict shops and preserving libraries to controlling the proliferation of betting and vape shops. A key aspect of the programme is its transfer of governance from central authorities to local ones, reflecting a fundamental shift towards empowering communities.

The funding strategy supports a broad range of projects designed to foster resilient, integrated communities. For instance, £292 million has already been allocated to Scottish neighbourhoods, targeting high street revitalisation, heritage preservation, housing, jobs, and health improvements. Similarly, Greater Manchester is set to receive up to £130.5 million directed towards community-led regeneration projects, including improvements to leisure centres and parks.

The 'Pride in Place' programme aims to support 339 neighbourhoods across Great Britain, distributing up to £20 million over ten years to each selected area. This targeted approach is designed to bolster local pride and a sense of belonging, which Lammy identifies as essential to national identity and social cohesion. Senior Labour figures plan to outline further plans for “New Towns” at their upcoming Liverpool conference, which may complement these government efforts by proposing new models for community building and urban development.

Local government representatives have broadly welcomed the programme. The Local Government Association, for example, praised the initiative for giving councils the autonomy necessary to address their distinct economic and social challenges. Councillor Arooj Shah highlighted the importance of allocating funds fairly and flexibly so that revitalisation efforts can adapt to both urban and rural community needs.

Lammy’s remarks explicitly draw attention to the cultural and political dimensions of place-making. He cautions against ceding patriotic symbols and narratives to the political right, particularly those associated with ethno-nationalism, urging the centre-left to reclaim these spaces to promote a broader, inclusive vision of national identity. This framing situates the 'Pride in Place' programme not only as an economic and social investment but as a critical component in fostering shared belonging and countering divisive ideologies.

The combination of Lammy’s call for an inclusive nationalism with the government’s multi-billion-pound community empowerment programme marks a significant moment in UK politics and social policy. It highlights a convergence around the importance of local identity, pride, and active citizenship as foundations for rebuilding both physical spaces and communal ties in the nation's most deprived areas.

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Source: Noah Wire Services