Better Together: Understanding the 2022 Violence in Leicester is the final report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the violence that took place in Leicester in 2022.

 Chaired by international human rights expert Professor Juan Méndez, the Inquiry examined the causes and impact of the violence and identified lessons for Leicester and other UK cities. The research, led by academics at SOAS, University of London and LSE, is the most comprehensive investigation into the events to date.

 The report found that the violence was unprecedented in the UK, deeply damaging to inter-community relations, and preventable with stronger leadership, early intervention, and sustained investment in community relations. It concludes that no single community was responsible and that members of Hindu and Muslim communities were both victims and perpetrators.

 The report covers: 

·      The escalation of tensions from May 2022 into major violence later that year

·      The role of social media misinformation and external ideological influences

·      The impact of economic and social deprivation, particularly on young people

·      Gaps in institutional responses, including policing and civic leadership

·      Examples of solidarity and the foundations for rebuilding trust across communities

The report provides extensive recommendations aimed at preventing future violence and strengthening community relations. These include investment in youth services and regeneration, improved community-led policing, action to counter misinformation, and clearer political leadership to promote a shared civic identity.

Please use this citation when referencing the report in academic, policy, media, or other publications: Bhatt, C., Puri, V., Fahad Kamal, S., Patel, S., Sinha, S., Abraham-Gonsalves, S., Grover, S., Magarrell, L., Méndez, J. E., & Sultan, N. (2026). Better Together: Understanding the 2022 Violence in Leicester. A report by the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the 2022 Leicester violence. SOAS University of London. ISBN: 978-1-916762-03-9.