After Brexit: Creating a Sense of Optimism and Togetherness

Post-Brexit, bringing a divided country together should be a priority for the UK government over the next few years and it needs to start as soon as possible.

It reminds us very much of the projects we work on where parts of an organisation, or indeed different organisations, are merged or amalgamated together. Emotions run high, tribal instincts kick in and, as we have seen over the last few years – it becomes divisive.

You can’t tell people what to think or how to feel, you need to engage them in a vision for a better future that gives them confidence, optimism and firm reasons to believe – based on fact, rather than spreading propaganda.

The government needs to create a positive narrative about Britain, for both UK citizens and for those in other parts of the world who may want to visit, invest or live and work.

A reminder of Britain’s values is needed: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs – including political beliefs; as well as celebrating all the things that make Britain ‘great’.

They need to create a shared experience where people can unite in celebration: a collective event or activity that generates a sense of family, community, togetherness and pride.

It needs to recreate the positivity and enthusiasm of the Summer of 2012 and the amazing feeling generated in the country that started with the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games.

All of the scepticism that preceded the Games - with some Londoners even deciding to leave the country while the Games took place because such a cynical narrative was allowed to gain traction - was swept aside and forgotten over the four-hour spectacle that made Britain proud and showcased the best of Britain to the world.

Enthusiasm is contagious and we must spread it around Britain.