IPPR

Congratulations to Carys Roberts and Rachel Statham who have both been recruited into the Downing Street Policy Unit! We're sad to see them go, but delighted to announce that Harry Quilter-Pinner has been appointed interim executive director. https://lnkd.in/eUGqvpbb

New year, new you? We're currently recruiting for two new roles! - Digital and Media Officer - Researcher (international policy) Find out how to apply here 👇

Good to be at the Foreign’s Secretary’s speech earlier, about the FCDO’s work to deliver the Government’s plan for change. A few things struck me: 1. Long term, progressive strategy. He was clear that his objective was shaping a progressive 2035, not getting derailed by the constant stream of events. Similarly he emphasised the need to ‘relearn the Cold War manual’ - with a focus on long-term thinking. This is all very welcome, and hard to do given the constant onslaught of global developments. Hopefully the three reviews he has commissioned will help form the backbone of this long term view. 2. ‘No going back’. He was very clear that we are living in a new era. ‘We must stop the 1990s clouding our vision, the post Cold War peace is over’. ‘Things won’t get back to normal’. Alongside a zero based spending review, and the appointment of a new Perm Sec, it feels like we shouldn’t expect ‘business as usual’ from the FCDO in 2025. 3. Continued focus on the Global South and on tackling kleptocracy - the latter described with passion as his ‘personal mission’. The former all about respect and partnership - ‘no more lectures’. And a very clear link between getting this right, and wider geopolitics. ‘Failing the Global South only advantages Putin’. Russia was presented as the preeminent strategic threat throughout. 4. Engagement - and resources? He argued that we need a ‘whole new level of global engagement’ and that we must ‘put our money where our mouth is’. The latter was followed by a commitment to put in place a clear pathway to spend 2.5% on defence. The Foreign Secretary has travelled a lot, physically embodying enhanced engagement. This is again welcome, especially given the expectation of limited reshuffles. If the UK has a single Foreign Sec for the Parliament - with strong engagement and deepening relationships - we should derive real benefit. But backing engagement with resources is critical, and while defence spend is important, development and diplomacy are central too. Let’s see how the next few months of the spending review negotiations play out.

⏰ | NEW REPORT: Elections are the defining feature of modern democracy. But big money, low turnout & rising populism is putting it at risk. This new report sets out bold new policies to improve turnout and reduce inequality at UK general elections.

How can we build a transport system that's healthier, greener, and more inclusive? Our latest issue of the Progressive Review brings together leading voices to reimagine Britain’s transport for a sustainable future. Read it for free: https://lnkd.in/e9WTUSzi

👶 | NEW REPORT: The massive expansion of free childcare currently underway is at risk of not delivering for poorer and rural families. This paper from Jodie Reed & Jamie O'Halloran considers some of the key delivery challenges and reimagines childcare as a proper public service. https://lnkd.in/eVERaCuZ

The UK government is producing England’s first integrated national transport strategy. In this blog, Stephen Frost sets out seven tests to judge if the strategy seizes the opportunity to create a fairer, greener & healthier transport system. https://lnkd.in/eecVEKdV

💰 | Wealth is becoming the new work. The result is a society where life chances are increasingly determined by what you inherit, not what you do. In his new report, Tom Clark examines 'big wealth' and looks at the policy options. https://lnkd.in/e35xkQAm

👨⚕️| NEW REPORT: Addressing NHS productivity could unlock billions and help deliver a neighbourhood NHS. Our new report proposes a fresh approach based on democracy and decentralisation, breaking the cycle of past reforms. https://lnkd.in/g2R49bAp

📢 STAFF UPDATE: Following the brilliant conclusion of our Commission on Health and Prosperity, IPPR's Christopher Thomas has been asked to join the DHSC's new strategy unit on an 18-month secondment! A huge congratulations to Chris—taking his expertise to shape the future of health policy. While Chris is on secondment, we’re thrilled to welcome Charlotte Augst as an associate fellow. With her extensive knowledge of health policy, Charlotte will support IPPR during this transition. We can’t wait to work with her!