Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
Extremist attacks have escalated in recent weeks – not just in Tunisia. Youths from Dewsbury and High Wycombe have reportedly died as a suicide bomber in Iraq and as a member of Al Shabaab in Kenya. Professor Kate Cooper offers a historian’s perspective on the attraction of violent extremism to idealistic youth. When young people […]
Competition is the basis of a healthy capitalist economy. The proposed Ladbrokes/Coral merger highlights the question of when regulators should permit reduced competition, explains John Pal. The mooted Ladbrokes acquisition of Coral is likely to bring the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) calling with an inquiry. A successful acquisition would lead to Ladbrokes controlling at […]
By Tanja Müller Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
With conflict raging in Calais between lorry drivers and would-be migrants to the UK, Tanja Müller asks what happened to European solidarity. World Refugee Day 2015, on 20 June, coincided with a huge anti-austerity demonstration in London. This was narrowly concerned with the specific politics on the British Isles – politics that seems to become […]
By David Hulme Filed Under: All posts, Featured Posted:
Professor David Hulme tackles the problem of rising global inequality. Over the past few years there has been a wealth of research demonstrating the perils of inequality – both in the rich world and in developing countries. Studies have shown that increasing levels of inequality bring greater social problems and can act as a brake […]
By Diane Coyle Filed Under: Devo, Featured Posted:
Manchester’s economy, and its population, is growing, But the decision to ‘pause’ the electrification of the Manchester-Leeds rail line underlines the reality that important decisions are still controlled nationally, explains Professor Diane Coyle. One of the most telling signs of a successful economy is when people vote with their feet and move there. As the […]
By John Broderick Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
As the decision on fracking at Little Plumpton in Lancashire is delayed, Dr John Broderick of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, part of Manchester Energy, considers whether a UK shale gas industry may turn out to be an anachronism. Whether the go-ahead for fracking in Lancashire is given or not, there is little […]
The NHS has much that it could learn from integrated mental health and primary care in the Caribbean, explains Dr Dawn Edge. The government has signalled that health and social care providers must move from ‘engagement’ to full ‘integration’. While the details are being worked out, there is some (albeit muted) disquiet that mental healthcare […]
By Omar Khan Filed Under: All posts, Ethnicity, Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
Omar Khan, Director of the Runnymede Trust, assesses the prospects for ethnic minorities under the new Conservative Government. The Prime Minister David Cameron’s commitments during the 2015 campaign will continue rather than reduce racial inequalities in the labour market. His underwhelming targets suggest we need better evidence, proper legislative scrutiny and public debate to make democracy […]
By Matteo Dembech Filed Under: All posts, Featured Posted:
Matteo Dembech of the World Health Organisation (WHO) blogs on how WHO is working to improve the health of migrants, including those trying to cross the Mediterranean this summer and how Governments in the EU can help. Seventy-three million migrants are estimated to live in the WHO European Region. Since 2011, particularly those countries closest […]
By David Walker Filed Under: Devo, Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
Just how good a deal is DevoManc? David Walker expresses scepticism. Here are two ways of framing DevoManc. The first is (somewhat breathless) localist enthusiasm. A principal city-region is being offered new power to shape spending and services in health and social care, infrastructure and transport. As important as substance is the theatre: a group […]
