Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
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 […]
By Ken Clark Filed Under: Featured, Whitehall Watch Posted:
It was recently proposed that countries with high immigration could specify the ideal mix of people and cultures allowed across their borders. It is a thesis that has, unsurprisingly, split opinion and caused much debate. But whatever one thinks of this approach, the type and volume of immigrants the UK electorate would prefer is a […]
While the recent hike in energy prices has made headlines, issues around the UK water supply get rather less attention. Breaching the UK’s impregnable ‘innovation barrier’ – to fix leaking pipes and tackle climate change – is one big challenge, writes Dr Andrew Balmer. Another is to prompt policymakers to be brave enough to ensure […]
The breadth of the University’s expertise and influence on public policy will be showcased during a special week-long series of events running from 28 October till 1 November 2013, otherwise known as Manchester Policy Week. These events will include seminars and workshops run by expert researchers across the University, complemented by keynote events featuring high-profile figures […]
By Rachel Gibson Filed Under: Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
The question of whether Web 2.0 technologies work in ‘getting out the vote’ is one that remains the subject of some debate. Professor Rachel Gibson, who is leading research into the impact on the electorate, suggests that while online has its place, traditional methods still remain powerfully persuasive. This post is an adapted version of […]
By Colin Talbot Filed Under: Westminster Watch, Whitehall Watch Posted:
“The last government defeat over estimates was in 1921 … nowadays any amendment would be tantamount to a vote of no confidence.” (Whener, 2010: p8). Could we see, in March 2015, the first example of a real conflict within Parliament on the Government’s Budget proposals, leading to a Washington-style impasse? There are several reasons to […]
By Anna Raphael Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Health Reforms in Central and Eastern Europe: Options, obstacles, limited outcomes, James Warner Björkman and Juraj Nemec (editors). Eleven International Publishing. June 2013. This title offers timely insight into the emerging patterns in health reforms in Central and Eastern European countries since the fall of the Berlin Wall, writes Anna Raphael. Authors present conclusions that […]
By David Gadd Filed Under: Featured Posted:
The government is set to use the forthcoming International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to announce new measures to tackle domestic violence. This is a prime opportunity to tackle this issue for an entire generation that must not be missed, argues Professor David Gadd. Genuine engagement with young people needs to start […]
By Stuart Butler Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
The beginning of the month marked the 50th anniversary of Harold Wilson’s iconic ‘white heat’ speech. Stuart Butler asks what we can learn about participation in European scientific and technological collaboration from decisions made by Wilson’s government. This post originally appeared on the Guardian’s Political Science Blog At the beginning of this year George Osborne […]
By Robert Chote Filed Under: Westminster Watch, Whitehall Watch Posted:
Recently in Manchester three key national figures discussed how to improve the scrutiny of how British government spends its money: Margaret Hodge MP (Lab), chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Bernard Jenkin MP (Con), chair of the Public Administration Select Committee (PASC); and Robert Chote, chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The session […]