Policy@Manchester Articles

Chernobyl anniversary: dealing with the fallout

By Francis Livens Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: April 26, 2016

Today marks the 30-year anniversary of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl. There are important lessons for governments to learn from the nuclear incidents of the past. The implications of their actions have significant and far-reaching consequences, says Francis Livens, as he reflects on his own experiences of the events during spring 1986. I find it […]

Are land-use policies jeopardising the UK’s resilience to climate change and population growth?

By Claire Hoolohan and Maria Sharmina Filed Under: All posts Posted: April 22, 2016

Land provides a wide range of goods and services to society. But with multiple demands placed on our land, both now and into the future, Claire Hoolohan and Maria Sharmina ask why are land-use policies failing to make the most of UK land? Land is an invaluable resource that sustains much of the UK economy […]

Why arts and cultural policy matter in the devolution debate

By Abigail Gilmore Filed Under: Devo, Urban Posted: April 20, 2016

Abi Gilmore looks at why policy-making for the arts and culture is important when considering the implementation and impact of the devolution agenda in Greater Manchester. Cultural policy is often an afterthought, frequently side-lined by other policy debates on health, housing and crime reduction. When decision-making for the arts makes the news, it is usually […]

Misleading, irresponsible and dangerous; why Phillips and co should apologise for ‘What British Muslims Really Think’

By Bridget Byrne and James Nazroo Filed Under: Ethnicity Posted: April 18, 2016

Britain’s former equalities chief Trevor Phillips created a swathe of headlines last week by declaring the nation is “in danger of sacrificing a generation of young British people to values that are antithetical to the beliefs of most of us”. But, argue Bridget Byrne and James Nazroo, this sweeping statement is based on misrepresentation of […]

The Panama Papers and the stumbling blocks to exposing secret activity

By Nick Lord Filed Under: All posts Posted: April 14, 2016

The unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files at the centre of the Panama Papers scandal has caused headlines around the world and a headache for many rich and powerful people, including our own Prime Minister. But what was surprising, argues Dr Nicholas Lord, was not just the sheer size of the leak, but that the […]

Inclusive Growth for UK Cities – new Manchester-based collaboration gets underway

By Ruth Lupton Filed Under: Inclusive Growth Posted: April 14, 2016

A new research team aims to make poverty reduction central to economic growth and devolution in Greater Manchester, and to provide analysis and insight on inclusive growth in GM and other UK cities. Ruth Lupton explains more about it and why it’s needed. The 15th April sees the launch of IGAU – a new independent […]

Patience is a virtue on the road to Devo

By Iain Deas Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted: April 6, 2016

Leeds was once lauded as an innovator in respect of city-regional governance. But, argues Iain Deas, while recent accounts have emphasised local disagreement about the geography of devolution deals, it is possible to interpret Yorkshire’s experience in a more positive light. Recent media coverage of devolution deals in Yorkshire has highlighted conflict around rival proposals […]

What are the real implications for equality in junior doctors’ new contracts?

By Jill Rubery Filed Under: All posts Posted: April 5, 2016

The government has just released its Equality Analysis of the contract it intends to impose on junior doctors. Its ‘tortured logic’ reveals much about what the government really thinks about gender equality and work and family life issues, argues Jill Rubery. If you delve into the 38-page document from the Department of Health, and work […]

Democracy and devolution: an agenda for the Greater Manchester mayor

By Francesca Gains Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted: April 5, 2016

There are democratic gains to be made from the election of a Greater Manchester mayor, argues Francesca Gains – but only if the right checks and balances are built in. On 5 May vast swathes of the country will go to the polls. Voters will elect a new mayor and assembly members in Greater London, […]

How Greater Manchester’s new mayor could use transport policy to get the city region moving

By Luke Raikes Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted: April 4, 2016

When the victorious Greater Manchester Mayor emerges next May, they will find themselves with significant transport powers – but strong leadership and beefed-up accountability will be needed to realise the full benefits, argues Luke Raikes. This time next year, Greater Manchester will be experiencing its first ever mayoral election campaign. This will be a significant […]