Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Mark Robinson CEO Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
George Osborne confirmed his commitment to the Northern Powerhouse by prioritising it so strongly in the recent Budget. But, says Mark Robinson, the initiative is in desperate need of a figurehead or strategic leadership to take it to the next level and stop it fizzling out. Lord Adonis and the National Infrastructure Commission have […]
By Graham Haughton and Iain White Filed Under: All posts Posted:
The ferocious storms and heavy downpours at the end of 2015 contributed to one of the wettest months in the UK since records began. And with saturated soils and rain still falling in early 2016, the flood risk continues for many parts of the UK. Graham Haughton and Iain White argue that Government flood policy has […]
By Gabriel Siles-Brügge Filed Under: All posts, Brexit Posted:
While prominent left-wing critics of the EU argue that Britain can avoid the worst excesses of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership by leaving the EU, Dr Gabriel Siles-Brügge argues that a Brexit may actually be counterproductive. Stiglitz and the left ‘Brexiters’ ‘I think that the strictures imposed by TTIP [the Transatlantic Trade and Investment […]
By Laura Leay Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that caused nearly 20,000 deaths and triggered a major emergency at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station, Japan. In the days that followed, Japanese authorities evacuated around 100,000 people from the area as radiation was released into the atmosphere. But, asks Laura Leay, are policies around radiation […]
By Andy Westwood Filed Under: All posts Posted:
An amendment to charities’ freedom in how they use Government grants has set many hares running in higher education. But, asks Andy Westwood, what does it mean and do we need to panic? Hancock’s half hour Matthew Hancock, the Cabinet Office minister has introduced a new ‘anti advocacy’ clause to be inserted into all new […]
By Claire Hale Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Nowadays everywhere you look you will see women and girls wearing trousers: at work, at play, at formal and informal occasions. But many schools still impose skirt-only uniform codes for girls which Claire Hale says is gender discrimination and out of step with the modern world. The Queen has been seen in public wearing trousers. […]
By Jonathan Spencer Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Men, mainly young and single, make up the majority of migrants coming into Europe in the recent crisis. But the negative portrayal of young migrant men in popular debates does not tally with the picture that emerges when you interview them, says researcher Jon Spencer. Stereotypes Failing in education, demonstrating inappropriate sexual behaviour and having a […]
By Ralitza Dimova Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off today and this year we are being asked to organise a Fairtrade breakfast in support of the farmers who grow the food we have every morning, like coffee, tea, cocoa and bananas. Support for poor farmers is to be welcomed, but is Fairtrade getting it right asks Ralitza Dimova? I believe […]
By Clarissa Giebel Filed Under: All posts Posted:
One of the key objectives of the National Dementia Strategy is improving well-being, but carer burden and depression among isolated people living with dementia, is a major barrier. More social activities and improved carer support is greatly needed to deliver this important goal, argues Clarissa Giebel. Dementia affects over 850,000 in the UK alone. But […]
By Steve Furber Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
Research into new drugs for brain disease is being held back because of a lack of fundamental understanding and models of brain function argues Steve Furber, who explains why policy makers and researchers worldwide should make computer modelling part of the solution. Brain diseases cost the developed economies more than heart diseases, cancer and diabetes […]