Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Andrew James Filed Under: Featured Posted:
The announcement that defence company BAE Systems is to cut 1,775 jobs at its naval warship yards in Portsmouth and in Scotland will come as a huge blow to those workers, their families and their local communities. But, writes Andrew James, it also prompts questions about the nature of the defence industry in the United Kingdom, […]
By Alan Morris Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Until recently, many people have considered scrutiny in Welsh local government as the ‘poor cousin’ of the local democracy, writes Alan Morris. It’s had a turbulent few years and some members of the local government community have questioned its value. However, he argues that the recognition of scrutiny’s important role seems to be about to […]
By Julia Segar Filed Under: Featured Posted:
Dr Julia Segar was one of those out in force during Manchester Policy Week to hear Durham University’s Professor David Hunter and Manchester’s own Professor Steve Harrison ponder whether optimism or pessimism should prevail in the light of recent changes to the way public health is organised. The recent healthcare reforms have seen public health […]
By Siavush Randjbardaemi Filed Under: Featured Posted:
Frenzied negotiations in Geneva on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme have come to nothing despite early hopes for progress. Fingers are pointing at France for the failure of the talks but that may not be entirely fair, writes Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi. The Geneva meeting began as a preplanned, routine get together for senior diplomats […]
By Danielle Griffiths Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
Dr Danielle Griffiths, along with colleagues Dr Amel Alghrani and Professor Margot Brazier, argue that existing law and regulation of surrogacy in the UK offers little guidance, is out of touch with reality, and needs overhauling as a matter of some urgency The surrogacy industry in India is booming. It has been estimated that Britain is […]
By Steve Kelman Filed Under: Featured Posted:
The issues currently plaguing the rollout of Obamacare in the United States are a stark illustratration of the problems that can arise when politicians and policymakers fail to fully consider management and implementation issues, writes Professor Steve Kelman. I have just returned from a month in Sweden, during which I have been following – albeit […]
By Sophie King Filed Under: Featured Posted:
This question above was one posed at an event during Manchester Policy Week, where outgoing Shadow Minister for International Development Ivan Lewis MP (right) debated Labour’s post-2015 development vision with Professor David Hulme (centre) from the University of Manchester. Dr Sophie King witnessed a fascinating discussion that focused largely on the need to develop an […]
By Ruth Lupton Filed Under: Featured Posted:
England’s education system is undergoing rapid change under Michael Gove, but little has been heard from Labour about its own plans. During Manchester Policy Week 2013, Professor Ruth Lupton took part in a debate on Labour’s achievements, and what it might do now. There was profound disagreement among the academics involved. But despite this, she argues […]
By Catriona Rooke Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
The use of electronic cigarettes in the UK continues to grow, posing complex challenges for regulators and public health policymakers alike. Current debates represent a struggle over whether e-cigs will ultimately be viewed as a trusted medicine, an everyday consumer product or a problematic recreational drug, writes Dr Catriona Rooke. In June the UK medicines […]
By Duncan Exley Filed Under: Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
During Manchester Policy Week, four leading UK thinktanks were invited to debate what government and the state might look like beyond the current period of austerity. Panellist Duncan Exley (pictured above) of the Equality Trust believes the practice of government will become increasingly difficult from 2015, due to the policies of previous governments and the […]