THE public is rejecting as divisive rhetoric hindering progress on critical issues, a YouGov poll for Oxfam revealed today. 

According to a poll of 2,111 people, 72 per cent believe that Britain is more divided than a decade ago.

Over 78 per cent of those surveyed believe divisions in society are affecting progress on poverty, 51 per cent agree divisions are affecting progress on climate change, and two-thirds said divisions are affecting progress on racial equality.

When thinking about how divided or united society is, 47 per cent said they feel “concerned” and 42 per cent feel “disheartened,” indicating a strong desire for unity. 

When asked to identify ways to unite the country, 32 per cent said politicians should limit the divisive language they use, and 35 per cent said having less divisive media organisations.

Oxfam chief executive Halima Begum said the survey shows  that individuals and communities want to come together, to unite in rejecting the contrived rhetoric of “them and us that’s been used to divide society for far too long.”

Ms Begum said she hoped the poll would invigorate the new government to “heal those divisions” by focusing on tackling critical issues.