The Green Party's victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election is described as a turning point that exposes deepening divisions within the United Kingdom. The campaign was marked by appeals to religious and ethnic identity, with critics arguing that such tactics undermine a shared national identity and weaken democratic cohesion. The result is portrayed as a significant setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party.

The article accuses the Greens of running a sectarian campaign focused heavily on opposition to Israel and support for expanded immigration, including targeted outreach to Muslim voters through campaign materials in Urdu. Critics claim this approach fostered resentment and encouraged identity-based politics rather than appealing to voters as citizens with shared civic values. Labour is also faulted for previously using similar tactics and for promoting narratives that cast Britain in a negative light.

The author argues that democracies depend on common allegiance and warns that encouraging separate group identities risks long-term political fragmentation. The piece calls on mainstream parties to appeal to British Muslims primarily as British citizens and to reaffirm principles such as equality before the law, free speech and parliamentary democracy as the foundation for national unity.