Using data from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study, Issue 3 of the GEDI Census briefing series explores national identity in England in 2021 and and transitions to Britishness. Specifically, the analysis examines the characteristics of people in England who reported any British identity in 2021, and the characteristics of people who reported no British identity in 2011 but did in 2021.

Key findings:

• The apparent rise in British-only identity is most likely explained by the response order change between the two censuses: English-only was listed first in 2011, British-only first in 2021.
• Minority ethnic groups almost universally identified with a British identity in 2021, with Bangladeshi and Pakistani groups showing the highest probabilities of reporting and transitioning to one.
• Longer UK residency, English language proficiency, higher occupational class and religion – particularly Muslim and Jewish – were associated with higher odds of reporting and transitioning to a British identity.

This work will be featured in the online launch event for the CeLSIUS policy briefing series on Thursday, 3rd December. Find out more about the event or register your attendance here.