In a remarkable display of bipartisanship, Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan and former Conservative MP Kriss Hopkins have found common ground in their efforts to tackle the rise of populism, racism, and community division. As trustees of the Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, one of the five partner charities of the Guardian’s 2025 charity appeal, the two politicians are working to support practical, grassroots voluntary projects that foster hope, tolerance, and trust.
Despite their contrasting political affiliations and backgrounds, Josan and Hopkins share a deep-rooted belief in the power of communities to resist the politics of division and hatred. Josan’s interest in this cause was sparked as a student at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he witnessed the presence of a member of the far-right British National Party (BNP) on campus. Meanwhile, Hopkins’ first encounter with racist extremism dates back to his childhood, when he witnessed a group of white youths verbally abusing a young person of Pakistani heritage.
Both Josan and Hopkins believe that when mainstream political parties fail to represent their communities and engage with them, it creates a vacuum that populist movements can exploit. “You’ve got to create environments where people can develop relationships, understand and respect each other,” says Hopkins, reflecting on the lack of interaction between predominantly Pakistani and white communities in parts of Bradford.
Through Hope Unlimited, the two trustees are providing grants to community projects, which Josan describes as “a little hub on the estate” – places where young people can gather, access employment support, and even run food banks. These initiatives, they believe, are crucial in times of crisis, as they provide a space for communities to come together and find solace.
Josan and Hopkins are resolute in their acceptance of different views, recognizing that diversity can manifest in various ways. “When I see people put flags on lamp-posts, I don’t automatically assume, ‘Oh, they’re racist’,” says Josan, who ensures that the union flag, the Black Country flag, and other symbols are rotated outside his constituency office.
The two politicians emphasize the importance of addressing the reasons behind people’s anger, while also upholding their values and representing the needs of those who are not “throwing things.” As Josan points out, “Our communities are full of people who want to do the best for the people around them.”
By bridging the political divide and working together to support community-led initiatives, Josan and Hopkins are setting an example of how cooperation and understanding can be powerful antidotes to the forces of division and hatred.
