Two weeks on from the long-awaited publication of the Chilcot Report, what has it really told us and will it provide us with important lessons regarding the role of deception and propaganda in democracy? After analysing the report, Piers Robinson gives his verdict on whether Chilcot pulls any punches. Central to the criticism of […]
The Chilcot Report – an end to smoke and mirrors?
The long-awaited Chilcot Report, due to be published on 6 July, may offer more information on when the UK decided on going to war, as well as why it decided to do so. Piers Robinson, who has researched and published extensively on the 2003 Iraq War, says the stakes are high – and that it […]
Where next for education policy?
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 […]
Don’t blame religion for political conflicts, Mr Blair
Just because wars are justified by reference to religion doesn’t mean they are religious wars – organised religion can also bring people together to resolve conflicts, argues Prof Kate Cooper. As an ancient historian, I am surprised by the easy causality which commentators think they find between ‘religious motives’ and modern social conflict. Take the […]