When you think of London, what comes to mind?
For many Londoners, it’s not just the capital city of England—it’s a vibrant melting pot of cultures and diversity that sets it apart from the rest of the country.
Recent research reveals that people living in London feel a stronger connection to their city than to England as a whole.
Londoners Feel More Connected to Their City Than to England
A recent YouGov survey found that only 29% of London residents say they feel a very strong attachment to England. Meanwhile, 38% feel a stronger bond with London itself.
This shows a clear divide in identity, with many valuing the capital’s multicultural atmosphere over a broader national identity.
The poll also asked Londoners what makes their city special. Nearly one-third (30%) said it’s the city’s diversity and multiculturalism that truly define it.
Some people pointed to London’s iconic historical landmarks, but that was less common—just 11% mentioned those.
Surprisingly, only 8% said the famous London Underground was what made the city unique, despite it being the world’s oldest subway system.
The Bigger Picture: Regional Identities Across the UK
This survey was part of a wider investigation into how people across the UK feel about their local and national identities.
While Londoners leaned more towards city pride, residents in other regions showed different trends.
For example, people in the North East showed the strongest regional pride, with 48% saying they felt a very strong attachment to their area.
In contrast, other regions like the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, and South East showed that people felt more attached to England as a whole than their specific region.
What Makes Each Region Special?
When asked what made their region stand out, people gave a variety of answers.
In the North East and North West, about one in five said friendliness and a strong sense of community were their region’s defining traits.
Others highlighted natural beauty—rolling hills, countryside, and stunning scenery.
Down in the South West, the coastlines and beaches were top of mind, with 24% saying the sea and marine features were what made their home unique.
Similarly, in Yorkshire, Scotland, and Wales, many chose natural landscapes as the biggest regional highlight.
However, some people struggled to point out anything unique.
Around 6% of residents in London, the North East, and the South West felt there was nothing particularly distinctive about their area.
Confidence in Their Home Region
Most Brits seem to believe their own region is the best place to live.
Over 80% of people in the South West said their region was “a lot better” than anywhere else in the UK.
Scotland also showed strong regional pride, with 33% saying it was the best place to live.
In contrast, the East and West Midlands had much less confidence, with only 7% feeling their area was the best.
London’s satisfaction numbers were even more surprising: nearly a third of Londoners admitted they think their city might actually be the worst place to live in the UK—at least to some degree.
Identity and Migration: The Political Context
This conversation about identity comes amid heated debates on immigration and national unity.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently warned that without tighter immigration rules, Britain risks becoming “an island of strangers.”
His comments sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of echoing the divisive language from Enoch Powell’s 1968 “Rivers of Blood” speech, which lamented immigration’s impact on British identity.
Downing Street quickly denied any comparison between Starmer’s remarks and Powell’s, but a YouGov poll showed that 53% of people agreed with the PM’s concerns, and half thought his language was acceptable.
However, there was widespread skepticism about the government’s ability to actually reduce immigration.
Voices from Within: Concerns Over National Identity
Adding to the debate, former immigration minister and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick expressed fears that mass immigration and “woke culture” threaten England’s national identity.
Speaking last September, Jenrick said the country’s social fabric was starting to “fray” and criticized what he saw as a dismissive attitude from the metropolitan elite towards English identity.
What’s Next?
With strong feelings about identity swirling across regions and political leaders weighing in, the question remains: how will Britain navigate the balance between its diverse modern reality and its historical roots?
Whether regional pride grows stronger or national unity is restored, this debate is far from over.