Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Simon Chin-Yee Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
Change is inevitable, but climate change is damaging. Simon Chin-Yee argues that as the COP21 discussions continue in Paris, we must adapt to limit the damage being caused by climate change. Mark Twain once said: “I’m all for progress, its change I object to.” What is it about human nature that makes us averse to […]
By Francis Livens Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
Professor Francis Livens continues his search for objectivity in the nuclear debate. As I explained in my previous blog, I recently debated nuclear energy with some opponents. I was concerned about whether their arguments were honest and true, so took time out to investigate them. I have already looked at nuclear waste, here I will […]
By Francis Livens Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
The case against nuclear power is weakened by simplistic arguments that don’t stand up to scrutiny, argues Professor Francis Livens. I was recently involved in a public debate on nuclear energy. One of my opponent’s arguments against nuclear power was that the UK has no way of dealing with its huge quantities of radioactive waste. […]
By Laia Becares Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
If we are to break cycles of deprivation and begin to redress inequalities in health between the white British and ethnic minority populations, policymakers should put more emphasis on structural disadvantage and experiences of racial discrimination, says Dr Laia Bécares. Studies have consistently shown that racial discrimination can lead to poor health, and that racism […]
By Jenny Hughes Filed Under: All posts, Featured Posted:
Public spending cuts to the arts damage society as much as the arts themselves, argues Jenny Hughes. In his book, Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea, Mark Blyth summarises an economic policy of austerity as “a morality play, one that has shifted the blame from the banks to the state. Austerity is the penance […]
By Natalie Bennett Filed Under: Devo, Featured Posted:
The Northern Powerhouse and local devolution do not go far enough in empowering local communities. We need proper bottom-up devolution, argues Green Party leader Natalie Bennett in the Cresc Annual Lecture. “We believe that the basic principle of Government should be … that power flows upwards from the people, and from their most local levels […]
By Juan Matthews Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
The future of the nuclear industry could lie with small reactors, argues Professor Juan Matthews. In the beginning, all reactors in nuclear power stations were small. Calder Hall, Britain’s first power station which went on-line in 1956, consisted of four reactors each generating just 50 MW of electricity. The next generation of Magnox reactors averaged […]
By Neil Pendleton Filed Under: Devo, Featured Posted:
Health and social care delivery needs to change substantially to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing society, argues Professor Neil Pendleton. Lifespan is increasing and we know that our health and social needs become more complex as we age. We also know this changing demographic is generating huge challenges for our health […]
By Colin Talbot Filed Under: Featured Posted:
Here Colin Talbot reacts to the terrorist atrocities in Paris. These are just some thoughts about the attacks in Paris. They’re not a thorough narrative or analysis, but things that have occurred to me as I have followed the story over the weekend. WHAT SORT OF ATTACK? It was clearly a highly organized, well-equipped and […]
By Mustafa Cirakli Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
Europe’s refugee crisis continues. The EU’s deal with Turkey may provide humanitarian assistance, respite for European leaders and a better dialogue with Turkey, argues Mustafa Cirakli. Turkey-EU membership talks formally began in 2005, but there has been little progress. In part this is because of opposition from several ‘core’ member states, notably France and Germany. […]