This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government outlines how government could strengthen the process for developing immigration policy to better achieve its overall objectives.  The government’s work to set out its plan for immigration in a white paper is an opportunity to more strategically reassess how migration policies are developed. In 2019,...

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation examines populism through the prism of policy. As populism experiences a resurgence in the UK, and across much of the western world, the Social Market Foundation has undertaken research from a policy perspective to understand what populism is, what factors correlate to increased populist support...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at why reviews are commissioned and how they have been set up and run. This report looks at why reviews are commissioned and how they have been set up and run. It then makes recommendations for reviewers and officials on how to run a...

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation discusses using DB pension surpluses more productively. In late January, the Chancellor announced changes would be made to existing defined benefit (DB) pension regulations to allow surpluses from these schemes to be released. These assets could then be used for purposes including investment back into...

This report from UK think tank Re:State sets out policy ideas for a new kind of hyperlocal governance: a universal, capable, and empowered tier of Neighbourhood Councils. A wave of local government reorganisation and regional devolution is sweeping across England, fundamentally changing the face of the local State. And as this happens, the gap at...

This event from UK think tank Re:State makes the case for a government which is radically focused on the key policies to delivering its agenda. The State has become paralysed by a powerful force: Everythingism. Everythingism is the belief that every proposal, project or policy is a means for promoting every national objective, all at...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at how government can start closing the opportunity gap in early years education. The Starmer government has committed to five long-term missions, including to ‘break down barriers to opportunity’, and has set a target for 75% of five year-olds to be ‘school ready’ by...

This report from UK think tank the Constitution Unit provides a concise overview of the current situation and possible reforms in 31 areas. The Labour government came to power in 2024 proposing constitutional reforms in a number of areas. This followed a decade which often saw debates about constitutional topics arise. Some of the government's...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at making England’s ‘devolution revolution’ a reality. By May, over half of England’s population will live in an area covered by a metro mayor. The mayoral combined authorities (MCAs) they lead have already shown their capacity to take on responsibility for key local economic...

This report from UK think tank Re:State sets out a practical roadmap for realising the full potential of Strategic Authorities by evolving them to become more decisive, accountable, and capable. England’s devolution agenda is at a turning point. A new generation of Strategic Authorities is being rolled out across the country. They are intended to...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at how local leaders and central government can successfully navigate the challenges of ‘dual delivery’. The government has launched an ambitious programme of local government reorganisation that will bring remaining two-tier areas in line with the unitary authority system that operates across most English...

This report from UK think tank IPPR argues that AI needs to be directed towards societies’ goals, via ‘mission-based policies’. The upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris is an opportunity to show how we can harness artificial intelligence (AI) as a force for societal, economic, and environmental good. AI is fundamentally different from other technologies...

This report from UK think tank Green Alliance looks at how farmers are navigating the agricultural transition. England is over halfway through the transition from EU farm subsidies to new schemes focused on sustainable farming and public goods. While participation in the new schemes is rapidly growing, there are concerns that these schemes lack opportunities...

This report from UK think tank IPPR recommends tackling child poverty by reforming welfare payments and building more social housing. As the government seeks to develop a new child poverty strategy, it will need to grapple with housing – the single largest cost faced by families. As the government seeks to develop a new child...

This report from UK think tank RUSI looks at the Wagner Group from the perspective of its African and Middle Eastern clients. This Whitehall Report looks at the Wagner Group from the perspective of its African and Middle Eastern clients, focusing on four case studies: Mali, the Central African Republic, Mozambique and Syria. Why did...