Recommendations

Participants advanced the following recommendations during the closing dialogue: 

Reframe the challenge 

Counter-extremism, social cohesion and democratic resilience should be treated as core national security priorities rather than peripheral policy concerns. Participants argued that democratic resilience should be integrated more fully into national preparedness and resilience frameworks. 

Reset government structures 

Participants called for clearer leadership and accountability from the centre of government. Contributors suggested that responsibility for coordinating a whole-of-government strategy should sit with either the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister. 

Consider the establishment of a new independent centre 

Participants proposed the creation of a new independent national centre to support coordination, evaluation, local implementation and evidence generation. The centre could work closely with government while maintaining operational independence and public credibility. 

Develop a national index 

Participants supported the development of a new national index capable of measuring extremism, social cohesion and democratic resilience across the UK. The index should integrate multiple forms of data and support both local and national decision-making. 

Strengthen democratic advocacy 

Participants argued that democratic institutions and values require more proactive advocacy. Contributors proposed supporting trusted voices, educators and community leaders capable of communicating compelling democratic narratives. 

Improve online resilience 

Participants supported stronger platform accountability, improved transparency and the development of healthier online environments. Contributors also emphasised the importance of improving public resilience to disinformation and extremist narratives. 

Strengthen local resilience and civic trust 

Participants highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust at the local level through stronger public services, civic participation, community engagement, and improved democratic literacy. Education was identified as particularly important, including greater emphasis on civic education, democratic values and critical engagement with online information. 

Conclusion 

Participants concluded that the UK faces a long-term challenge extending beyond terrorism and public order into the resilience of democratic institutions themselves. 

The mainstreaming of extremist narratives, declining institutional trust, fragmented information ecosystems and weakening social cohesion represent interconnected pressures requiring a fundamentally different strategic response. 

Participants agreed that future approaches must move beyond reactive and fragmented interventions towards a sustained whole-of-society strategy focused on resilience, trust and democratic renewal. 

The dialogue highlighted the importance of stronger leadership, better evidence, improved coordination and long-term investment in social cohesion and democratic resilience. 

Participants stressed that while the challenges facing democratic societies are significant, they are not irreversible. Rebuilding trust, strengthening communities and defending democratic values will require sustained political commitment, institutional reform and meaningful engagement across society. 

Matthew Godwin 

Wilton Park | April 2026