Strategic planning for green prosperity
This report from UK think tank IPPR argues that the objective should be to deliver high-quality housing that meets the needs of local communities and has the buy-in of local people. Land is a finite resource, and the demands made of it have only increased over time. Not only do we need to house and...
Next stop, better rail
This report from UK think tank Green Alliance looks at putting UK rail travel on track as a driver of sustainable growth across the UK. Improving the UK’s rail network will boost regional growth in the areas that need it most, improve travel options and cut greenhouse gas emissions. As the government creates Great British...
Harnessing the power of the atom
This report from UK think tank the Henry Jackson Society reconsiders our nuclear energy policies, both at home and abroad. Back in 1953, the future looked bright. At the United Nations General Assembly, President Eisenhower heralded a new era for humanity: the era of nuclear power. The energy source would be “a great boon, for...
How to power AI
This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation sets out how to ensure the UK's energy system can meet the power demands of the technological revolution. Data centres are hugely important for the UK’s AI ambitions. They provide the compute power that AI applications rely on. If the UK wants to succeed in...
Mind the gap
This report from UK think tank Green Alliance explores cutting the UK's transport climate impact. Transport, including road, aviation and shipping, is responsible for around a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. While big steps have been taken — like the planned 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel cars — policy is...
How should regulators balance competition, economic growth and other political priorities?
This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation explores whether there is a trade-off and, if so, how the tensions can be resolved. Some business leaders fear competition policy and regulation are jeopardising the government’s economic growth mission. Former CMA Strategy Director and Downing Street Special Adviser Stuart Hudson explores whether there is...
Devolution and urban regeneration: How can metro mayors transform England’s towns and cities?
This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government outlines what powers are available to metro mayors to drive regeneration. The regeneration of disused, deprived and deindustrialised urban areas across England will be crucial to the government’s ability to achieve its economic growth targets. It will also bring other benefits, like reducing regional inequality...
Restoration and resilience
This report from UK think tank Localis examines the critical challenges facing local authorities in the South East and advocates for targeted strategies that align with the region’s unique needs. The South East of England, often perceived as a beacon of affluence and economic success, presents a paradoxical challenge to policymakers. Beneath its reputation as...
The great grid gamble
This report from UK think tank the Centre for Policy Studies states that politicians need to be guided by the best available evidence when considering the future of Britain's energy system. Ed Miliband hailed a recent report from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) as vindicating his plan to decarbonise the grid by 2030. But...
Popular planning
This report from UK think tank the Adam Smith Institute proposes enhancing public engagement in the UK's planning system by adopting a model inspired by fantasy football. The Adam Smith Institute's report, "Popular Planning" by Paul Smith, proposes enhancing public engagement in the UK's planning system by adopting a model inspired by Fantasy Football. Currently,...