Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Ed Cox Filed Under: Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
Should the Government’s new devolution settlement for Greater Manchester be welcomed? Ed Cox – who is set to speak in Manchester this Thursday about the regions – offers a clear ‘Yes’ vote. There can be little doubt that the agreement reached between the Chancellor and the leaders of the 10 local authorities that make up […]
By Thomas Elliott and Jayadev Vijayan Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted:
In recent decades, rapid progress in the development of quantum technologies has established their place as one of the next major technological frontiers. Future quantum technologies are expected to have a revolutionary impact on advanced materials, healthcare, finance and our national security, while also bringing with them substantial economic benefits. Previous UK governments have devoted […]
By Omolade Allen Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted:
In the UK, ethnic minority women face unique and compounding barriers to disclosing domestic violence and abuse and accessing support services. Here, Dr Omolade Allen provides critical insights into the lived experiences of ethnic minority women in the UK, the potential of faith-based organisations as support systems, and how policymakers can work with these organisations […]
By Cathy Atkinson, Sarah MacQuarrie and Amy Phillips Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Social Care, Urban Posted:
Policy dialogue around children, young people and education often focuses on either wellbeing or attainment. But play is a fundamental part of childhood and adolescence, recognised as fuelling learning, development and wellbeing. The establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play could mark a turning point by placing play higher on the political agenda […]
By Daniel Welch and Pawan Srikanth Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Environment Posted:
As the UK pursues its net zero goals by 2050, the transition toward a circular economy shapes practices of how resources are consumed – and how waste and resources are perceived. In this article, Pawan Srikanth and Dr Daniel Welch explore how legacy landfill sites across the UK offer pathways for the UK’s net zero […]
By Helen Zheng and Arijit De Filed Under: Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth Posted:
While electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to rise, EV ownership remains inaccessible to large portions of the population. Research by Helen Zheng and Arijit De addresses this by using geospatial analysis and agent-based simulations (ABSs) to identify priority areas for EV infrastructure in Greater Manchester (GM). In this article, they discuss how these steps will […]
By Cecilia Wong and Helen Zheng Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment Posted:
Changing social norms and the COVID-19 lockdowns have drastically shifted how we utilise the internet to conduct our daily lives, creating a rapid increase in home/hybrid working and online shopping. In this article, Professor Cecilia Wong and Dr Helen Zheng demonstrate how high quality, reliable and good coverage of telecommunication infrastructure has resulted in differential […]
By Adeyemi Adelekan and Maria Sharmina Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Renewables Posted:
The UK plastics policy landscape is undergoing major changes. While consultations stress the importance of avoiding harm to SMEs, policies often lack concrete measures against such harm. Research by the University of Manchester indicates that current and forthcoming plastics policies, shaped by these consultations, would affect stakeholders across the plastic supply chain differently, with SMEs […]
By Michael Hodson, Andrew McMeekin and Andy Lockhart Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Urban Posted:
Over the last 15 years, digital mobility platforms for ride hailing like Uber, bike sharing like Beryl, e-scooter rental like Lime and journey planning apps like Citymapper have become common in urban societies. They are often seen as ‘disrupting’ the organisation of existing public transport systems and creating competition. In this article from our On […]
In February 2024, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls urged the UK government to ‘do more to translate its political recognition of the scale of violence against women and girls into action’. In response, the Labour Party, now in government, declared its ‘landmark mission to halve violence against women and […]