Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Nissa Finney Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
How ethnic minorities fare compared to the White British varies according to where they live, writes Dr Nissa Finney. She argues that addressing ethnic inequalities is an important local concern. In Manchester, a quarter of ethnic minorities live in overcrowded housing compared to around one in ten of the White British population. The unemployment rate […]
By Francesca Gains and Vivien Lowndes Filed Under: Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
As Chancellor George Osborne finalises arrangements for devolved funding in the run-up to the Autumn Statement, Francesca Gains and Vivien Lowndes ask what can be learnt from the experience of Police and Crime Commissioners in their first two years. Two years ago, 41 directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners for England and Wales took office, […]
By Barbara Perry Filed Under: Featured Posted:
There is more evidence than needed to prove that many people with learning disabilities are treated badly and without respect in NHS-provided facilities, argues Barbara Perry. A campaign is seeking to provide people with learning disabilities, and their families, with stronger legal rights. Eighteen year old Connor Sparrowhawk was found dead in a bath at Slade […]
By Lindsey Garratt Filed Under: Ethnicity, Featured Posted:
The census allows people to identify as Irish only if they are also white. What about the growing number of ethnic minority Irish?, asks Lindsey Garratt. When I moved to the UK from the Republic of Ireland in August 2012, I filled in an application to privately rent a house. The form contained a question […]
By David Omand Filed Under: Featured Posted:
The internet is more than an enabling technology: it also enables criminals and terrorists to do evil in ways that were never before possible, explains Sir David Omand. The internet presents a range of challenges and threats that are new – for the individual, for businesses and for governments. Let us consider human activity today […]
Religion is being wrongly blamed for ‘driving’ global violence, but it is moderate religious voices who are best positioned to address the problem, argues Professor Kate Cooper. The recently published Global Terrorism Index 2013 is being reported as confirming that “religion has become the main driver of terrorism”, surpassing nationalist and other motives. But there […]
By Robert Watt Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is like a tea-pot – but a troublesome one, argues Robbie Watt. Known as ‘tee-tip’ for short, the proposed major international trade deal between the European Union and the United States is one that might determine the future shape of the global economy for decades. Backed up with commentary from academics, […]
By Gabriel Siles-Brügge Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
Trade negotiations are increasingly impinging on the way economies are regulated domestically, making it harder to ‘sell’ free trade, argues Dr Gabriel Siles-Brügge. ‘The European economy stands or falls on our ability to keep markets open, to open new markets, and to develop new areas where Europe’s inventors, investors, and entrepreneurs can trade’, said the […]
By Ewan Munro Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
Costas Simitis, a former Greek Prime Minister, has urged Europe’s political leaders to demonstrate solidarity and have a vision for Europe’s future, reports Ewan Munro. Given the traumatic nature of recent Greek political and economic history, and the extent of the demands placed on the Athens government by the Troika, it might have been expected […]
By Kirstin Kerr Filed Under: Featured Posted:
This year’s Manchester Policy Week witnessed a lively debate on how we can close the socio-economic attainment gap in education. Dr Kirstin Kerr heard some clear recommendations emerge. If there’s one thing the major political parties agree on, it is that the link between poverty and poor educational outcomes must be broken. Ever since Tony Blair set out his priorities […]