Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) from companies such as Ancestry and 23andMe has significantly impacted the dialogue around gamete (sperm and egg) donor conception. In the UK where the anonymity of donors is theoretically protected until a donor-conceived person turns 18, the growing use of DTCGT has prompted the regulator of reproductive technologies, the Human Fertilisation […]
How can “Great British Nuclear” make a great difference?
The announcement of Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a long awaited positive step. GBN clearly now faces a monumental workload and a range of challenges as it sets the ground for new nuclear build in the UK. In this article, Professor Adrian Bull emphasises the need to engage with development companies rather than just ‘starting […]
Graphene as a regional-global innovation model
A new national policy report has identified the graphene innovation ecosystem at Manchester as a regional hub for international partnership and investment. In this article, James Baker explores how this success demonstrates that research and development (R&D) investment into specialist regional clusters like Graphene@Manchester provides national government with an excellent return on investment as they […]
Location, location, location: finding sites for nuclear power plants
Expanding nuclear power should be a key priority as the government aims to cut its carbon emissions. However, finding suitable sites to accommodate the proposed plants raises new questions. In this article, based on the Dalton Nuclear Institute’s position paper, Siting implications of nuclear energy, Professor Adrian Bull gives his view on how policymakers can […]
Time for some low key fireworks?
Ahead of the first Budget under May’s government, and the first since the Brexit vote, Policy@Manchester Co-Director Professor Andy Westwood sets the scene and shares his predictions on the Chancellor’s approach to the year’s spending priorities. We need some action from the Budget, even if the fireworks are likely to be more low key this […]
The Treasury in the 21st century: still one of the great offices of state or a hollowed-out, echo chamber?
In light of Lord Kerslake’s independent review, ‘Rethinking the Treasury’, and with the looming Spring Budget one day away, Professor Dave Richards considers where next for the Treasury. The review advocates a return to the Treasury’s core functions of controlling and co-ordinating public finance and overseeing the macro-economy Now is the time to break from […]
What can devo do for women?
Political devolution is well on it’s way in Greater Manchester, with the health and social care budget having been devolved last April and with the imminent election of the Metro Mayor in May. However, there have been criticisms over how representative those making the devolution deals are of the communities they make decisions for. In the […]
Post-Brexit Trade Policy: Negotiating Country-by-Country Deals and its Discontents
As Britain prepares to exit the European Union and as news outlets, think tanks and policy experts try to work out the Government’s strategy and priorities for their exiting agreement and plans post-Brexit, trade policy continues to be a key theme. With the new US administration making clear their country-by-country approach to trade deals, Dr […]
Grand Brexit Strategies – Can Whitehall Cope? A Potted-History of [Not] Joining Government Up
Brexit is a political challenge on an unprecedented scale. The process of exiting the European Union impacts every government department, and requires a level of co-ordination that UK governments have rarely managed to achieve. Here, the University of Manchester’s Dave Richards and the University of York’s Martin Smith survey the size of the challenge facing […]
Policy Week: How Much Evidence is ‘Enough’ Prior to Policy Implementation?
The New Researcher Network hosted a breakfast session during Policy Week to investigate how much evidence is ‘enough’ prior to policy implementation and how to strike the balance between ‘ideal evidence’ and pragmatic decision making. The event was chaired by Dr Kieron Flanagan, whilst Dr Julian Simpson of the University of Manchester and Dr Kathryn […]
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