Manchester Policy Blogs

The hidden emergency in England’s NHS ambulance service

By Leo Mccann Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Health and Social Care Posted: June 5, 2017

The recent terrorist attack in Manchester brought widespread praise for the response by the emergency services, not just from the public but from leaders of all political parties. But there are serious problems and failings within the NHS’s ambulance service, says The University of Manchester’s Professor Leo McCann, and we need deep-rooted policy change to […]

Putting an accent on things: The need to clarify speech expectations for British teachers

By Alex Baratta Filed Under: British Politics Posted: June 2, 2017

Dr Alex Baratta writes on the complexities of language, accents, and pronunciation in the classroom. Dr Baratta argues for the standardisation of some elements of pronunciation in teacher training as the best way to balance educational outcomes in learned ‘phonics’ with the protection and celebration of diversity through experience of a variety of accents. Currently, language […]

Research reveals people across Greater Manchester attach particular importance to ‘compassionate’ values

By Tom Crompton Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted: June 1, 2017

Greater Mancunians are more likely to think it is important to be honest, kind and care about social issues than the average UK citizen, yet underestimate the importance that fellow citizens of the city region place on these values. Commissioned before the terrorist attack on Manchester last week, the research offers further insight into the […]

General election 2017 – Is gender still on the agenda? How parties appeal to women voters.

By Claire Annesley and Francesca Gains Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion Posted: May 31, 2017

Claire Annesley, Professor of Politics at the University of Sussex and Francesca Gains, Professor of Public Policy and Head of Politics at The University of Manchester examine the main political parties’ manifestos to identify if gender is still on the agenda or has it be side-lined due to an election being fought in a political […]

ECOSTAR: the University-Business Alliance for Natural Capital

By Ron Chan Filed Under: Energy and Environment Posted: May 31, 2017

Doctor Ron Chan is Lecturer in Environmental Economics at The University of Manchester’s School of Social Sciences. Here, he introduces ‘ECOSTAR’ – an innovation and investment project that brings together universities, business, and the public sector to deliver ground-breaking, nature-based business initiatives. ECOSTAR promotes business ventures that can demonstrate a genuinely positive contribution to the […]

Re-making Greater Manchester Sustainably

By Joe Blakey Filed Under: British Politics, Devo, Urban Posted: May 30, 2017

Newly elected Metro-Mayor Andy Burnham has promised to declare an ‘accelerated ambition’ for Greater Manchester’s green credentials at a Mayor’s Green Summit later this year. But how might a more sustainable Greater Manchester take form? A workshop hosted by the Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) and the recently established Manchester Urban Institute (MUI) (both part of […]

Beyond the 2017 General Election: A Manifesto’s Guide to Old and New Politics

By Dave Richards and Patrick Diamond Filed Under: All posts, Brexit, British Politics Posted: May 30, 2017

Dave Richards, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Manchester and Patrick Diamond University Lecturer in Public Policy at Queen Mary, University of London examine the Conservative and Labour Parties manifestos, both past and present, as a framework to further understanding the new politics. Calls for a new politics are often in response to […]

What can we learn from Ian Paterson’s conviction for criminally harmful surgery?

By Alexandra Mullock Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted: May 25, 2017

Doctor Alexandra Mullock is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Law at The University of Manchester’s School of Law, and writes for us today on the legal background and future implications of Ian Paterson’s recent convictions for unnecessary and damaging surgeries. The Paterson case has significant implications for the principle that non-fatal surgical violations are exempt from […]

Tackling climate change requires direct market intervention

By Cameron Roberts Filed Under: Energy and Environment Posted: May 24, 2017

Cameron Roberts, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Sustainable Consumption Institute at The University of Manchester explains that in order to tackle climate change governments should not be afraid to intervene directly in the market. To avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we need to de-carbonise our economy. Sustainable technologies such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, […]

The Make do and Mend Expo: creating a dialogue on community provision

By Helen Holmes and Jen Gale Filed Under: All posts Posted: May 24, 2017

Dr Helen Holmes from The University of Manchester and Jen Gale renowned writer and blogger of My Make Do and Mend Life explain the importance of the The Make do and Mend Expo they are organising and how their work is tackling both social inequalities and also promoting sustainable resource use. The Makers, Make do […]