New from @Demos : Our research shows social divisions over Covid-19 now run deeper than Brexit. Read the whole report here: https://demos.co.uk/project/what-next-priorities-for-britain/

At the start of the pandemic, people felt unified. After years of division over Brexit, this terrible disease might at least bring us back together. ONS data suggest at the high point more than 60% believed it would. But that's gone. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/unityanddivisioningreatbritain/24aprilto28june2020

In our research, huge numbers of people are willing to use words like "hate" and "resent" about those who disagree with them, whether on masks, lockdown or social distancing.

There are lots of reasons why this is happening. We're exhausted - 45% report higher stress, 42% say their prospects for the future have deteriorated

The stakes are incredibly high: lives and livelihoods. We're told in government advertising that good actions will save lives. We're told not to kill granny. That creates - legitimately, perhaps - a heightened emotional atmosphere.

And of course millions have made huge personal sacrifices, so it's not a huge surprise they feel resentful towards those who appear to have carried on more or less as normal.

But I'd also lay blame on our politics, which now seems to default to culture war. Social media algorithms that drive us to more extreme content; over-empowered party memberships. We're addicted to the highs of tribal warfare, and consensus building seems too tame.

Our government secured power with a "divide and conquer" strategy. It's what they do best. Do they even know how to make friends and build alliances with those of differing opinions?

But at some point: we have to choose. Do we want to fall apart or come together? The current path will lead to more anger, more division, and less of the Prime Minister's favourite tipple: optimism.

Renew Normal, @demos' national conversation on life after Covid-19, is working with members of the public to identify the best way to rebuild our society after this crisis. Our work has identified eight issues on which the public wants change.

1. More access to green space.
2. More working from home (but not for everyone.)
3. Stronger communities and more opportunities for volunteering in public services.
4. Keeping improved access to online services (but please can you make the WiFi work).

5. Better treatment for low paid workers.
6. A crack down on misinformation.
7. Less reliance on trade for essential goods and services
8. More effort to tackle inequalities.

Over the coming months we'll be conducting open research with anyone and everyone who wants to get involved: to identify what our nation wants, and how we can deliver it.

A practical programme to deliver the changes people really want in their lives - this is the best hope we have for rebuilding a society that has been ravaged by the consequences of this dreadful disease.