Marc Stears
@mds49.bsky.social
Political theorist, author, speechwriter, campaigner. Director UCL Policy Lab.
Reposted by Marc Stears
“Place is where trust is built or broken. So, place must be our orienting principle.”
It was a pleasure to welcome @joshsimonsmp.bsky.social to Britain Renewed 2026 with @futuregovforum.bsky.social to discuss how we can drive a new era in public service reform.
It was a pleasure to welcome @joshsimonsmp.bsky.social to Britain Renewed 2026 with @futuregovforum.bsky.social to discuss how we can drive a new era in public service reform.
December 3, 2025 at 11:28 AM
“Place is where trust is built or broken. So, place must be our orienting principle.”
It was a pleasure to welcome @joshsimonsmp.bsky.social to Britain Renewed 2026 with @futuregovforum.bsky.social to discuss how we can drive a new era in public service reform.
It was a pleasure to welcome @joshsimonsmp.bsky.social to Britain Renewed 2026 with @futuregovforum.bsky.social to discuss how we can drive a new era in public service reform.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Fancy reading an unashamedly unfinished history of relational public services? @nick80.bsky.social asked his Linkedin network if such a thing existed. @simonparker.bsky.social, @antlerboy.com and I had a go, drawing on 200 comments on Nicks post. Its a fascinating story
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
A Hundred Origin Stories – an Unfinished History of Relational Public Services
Simon Parker, Becca Dove and Benjamin Taylor explore the history of relational public services, ahead of Britian Renewed 2026, a major one-day conference exploring a more place-based approach to public service reform.
www.ucl.ac.uk
December 1, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Fancy reading an unashamedly unfinished history of relational public services? @nick80.bsky.social asked his Linkedin network if such a thing existed. @simonparker.bsky.social, @antlerboy.com and I had a go, drawing on 200 comments on Nicks post. Its a fascinating story
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
Reposted by Marc Stears
I'm really delighted to announce that- in a restructure of the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s senior team - I've appointed @gemmatetlow.bsky.social to the new role of Executive Director of Research & Innovation & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to the new role of Executive Director of Impact & Influence
December 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I'm really delighted to announce that- in a restructure of the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s senior team - I've appointed @gemmatetlow.bsky.social to the new role of Executive Director of Research & Innovation & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to the new role of Executive Director of Impact & Influence
Reposted by Marc Stears
If the Chancellor had told the OBR what the Home Secretary says here is a firm commitment of the government, she would need > £7.5 billion of tax rises or spending cuts to afford to lift the two child limit. The fiscal forecast is based on not cutting immigration further & it drifting up to > 300k
December 1, 2025 at 1:12 PM
If the Chancellor had told the OBR what the Home Secretary says here is a firm commitment of the government, she would need > £7.5 billion of tax rises or spending cuts to afford to lift the two child limit. The fiscal forecast is based on not cutting immigration further & it drifting up to > 300k
Reposted by Marc Stears
Praise where praise is due: scrapping the two-child benefit cap is an excellent move. And the most consequential of any of the measures announced today.
November 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Praise where praise is due: scrapping the two-child benefit cap is an excellent move. And the most consequential of any of the measures announced today.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Distributional analysis published alongside the Budget shows that the poorest will benefit most from the measures - particularly due to welfare and public service improvements.
Source: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Source: www.gov.uk/government/p...
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Distributional analysis published alongside the Budget shows that the poorest will benefit most from the measures - particularly due to welfare and public service improvements.
Source: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Source: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Marc Stears
New research shows that empowered local communities are most effective at responding to crises.
A new report from Lauren Andres @thebartlettucl.bsky.social and Jennifer Constantine takes lessons from COVID-19 for how we build resilience. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
A new report from Lauren Andres @thebartlettucl.bsky.social and Jennifer Constantine takes lessons from COVID-19 for how we build resilience. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
Local communities are shown to respond best in a crisis
From Crisis to Resilience: Radical Transformations for Food Security, Health and Social Justice shows that local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were effective in supporting resilience and tackling food insecurity.
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
New research shows that empowered local communities are most effective at responding to crises.
A new report from Lauren Andres @thebartlettucl.bsky.social and Jennifer Constantine takes lessons from COVID-19 for how we build resilience. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
A new report from Lauren Andres @thebartlettucl.bsky.social and Jennifer Constantine takes lessons from COVID-19 for how we build resilience. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
Reposted by Marc Stears
Question on Monday
Is it now your principle that every Ukranian refugee in Britain should leave, must leave once it is safe + that they will all be made to leave?
Is it now your principle that every Ukranian refugee in Britain should leave, must leave once it is safe + that they will all be made to leave?
November 15, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Question on Monday
Is it now your principle that every Ukranian refugee in Britain should leave, must leave once it is safe + that they will all be made to leave?
Is it now your principle that every Ukranian refugee in Britain should leave, must leave once it is safe + that they will all be made to leave?
Reposted by Marc Stears
The whole of the HMRC Board got me to present to them about the opportunities and risks of AI about 18 months ago and my main messages were be very careful with high stakes decision making and remember the Horizon Post Office scandal which was about governance and accountability…
Somebody at HMRC needs to be canned for this idiotic ‘fraud-detection’ idea. And I fear future use of AI in welfare cases might well produce this kind of story regularly (as they have in Nevada for example).
UK woman who booked Oslo flight but did not fly loses child benefit ‘because she emigrated’
Exclusive: HMRC told Lisa Morris-Almond there was no record of her return to UK, but she did not take the trip
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The whole of the HMRC Board got me to present to them about the opportunities and risks of AI about 18 months ago and my main messages were be very careful with high stakes decision making and remember the Horizon Post Office scandal which was about governance and accountability…
Reposted by Marc Stears
Our universities can save us from America's political division
New research shows Britain is proud of its institutions’ ability to foster disagreement
By James Baggaley
New research shows Britain is proud of its institutions’ ability to foster disagreement
By James Baggaley
Our universities can save us from America's political division
New research shows Britain is proud of its institutions' ability to foster disagreement
www.newstatesman.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Our universities can save us from America's political division
New research shows Britain is proud of its institutions’ ability to foster disagreement
By James Baggaley
New research shows Britain is proud of its institutions’ ability to foster disagreement
By James Baggaley
Reposted by Marc Stears
Our new report with @uclpolicylab.bsky.social, Shared Institutions, is a deep dive of public opinion on universities. At a top level Britons feel positively about our universities impact on the UK & their local area. But emerging divides show the sector can’t take public opinion for granted
October 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Our new report with @uclpolicylab.bsky.social, Shared Institutions, is a deep dive of public opinion on universities. At a top level Britons feel positively about our universities impact on the UK & their local area. But emerging divides show the sector can’t take public opinion for granted
Reposted by Marc Stears
Our new report Shared Institutions with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social explores the public's view of universities.
We find universities encapsulate the challenges facing a range of Britain's institutions. Strong support remains, but gaps are emerging among reform voters. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
We find universities encapsulate the challenges facing a range of Britain's institutions. Strong support remains, but gaps are emerging among reform voters. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
In a polarised Britain, universities remain a source of local and national pride
A new report by the UCL Policy Lab and More in Common reveals that at a time of growing political divides, universities are a source of national success and local pride. However, universities and othe...
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 30, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Our new report Shared Institutions with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social explores the public's view of universities.
We find universities encapsulate the challenges facing a range of Britain's institutions. Strong support remains, but gaps are emerging among reform voters. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
We find universities encapsulate the challenges facing a range of Britain's institutions. Strong support remains, but gaps are emerging among reform voters. www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
Love this new video from @johnharris1969.bsky.social - perfectly captures the beautiful spirit of a town I know so well from childhood. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Welsh town that saw off Nigel Farage – video
In last week's byelection in the Welsh constituency of Caerphilly, Reform UK were the hot favourites, and the focus of huge attention. But as John Harris and John Domokos saw close-up, a Reform win fa...
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Love this new video from @johnharris1969.bsky.social - perfectly captures the beautiful spirit of a town I know so well from childhood. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Marc Stears
The education system is failing too many working-class pupils, but we can turn it around.
Jonathan Slater, Former Perm Sect at the Department for Education on BBC Radio 4 Today, discussing a new report from the UCL Policy Lab on how we can improve standards for poorer pupils.
Jonathan Slater, Former Perm Sect at the Department for Education on BBC Radio 4 Today, discussing a new report from the UCL Policy Lab on how we can improve standards for poorer pupils.
October 27, 2025 at 9:49 AM
The education system is failing too many working-class pupils, but we can turn it around.
Jonathan Slater, Former Perm Sect at the Department for Education on BBC Radio 4 Today, discussing a new report from the UCL Policy Lab on how we can improve standards for poorer pupils.
Jonathan Slater, Former Perm Sect at the Department for Education on BBC Radio 4 Today, discussing a new report from the UCL Policy Lab on how we can improve standards for poorer pupils.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Not close in the end
Caerphilly Senedd By-Election Result:
🌼 PLC: 47.4% (+19.0)
➡️ REF: 36.0% (+34.2)
🌹 LAB: 11.0% (-34.9)
🌳 CON: 2.0% (-15.3)
🌍 GRN: 1.5% (New)
🔶 LDM: 1.5% (-1.2)
🐉 GWL: 0.3% (New)
💷 UKIP: 0.2% (New)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2021.
🌼 PLC: 47.4% (+19.0)
➡️ REF: 36.0% (+34.2)
🌹 LAB: 11.0% (-34.9)
🌳 CON: 2.0% (-15.3)
🌍 GRN: 1.5% (New)
🔶 LDM: 1.5% (-1.2)
🐉 GWL: 0.3% (New)
💷 UKIP: 0.2% (New)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2021.
October 24, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Not close in the end
Reposted by Marc Stears
Stephen Bush on the extraordinary draft legislation which Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, Matt Vickers, Katie Lam and backbench colleagues have proposed in parliament
It is a proposal that would seek to deport around 5% of the resident population, including over a quarter of a million with ILR
It is a proposal that would seek to deport around 5% of the resident population, including over a quarter of a million with ILR
October 23, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Stephen Bush on the extraordinary draft legislation which Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, Matt Vickers, Katie Lam and backbench colleagues have proposed in parliament
It is a proposal that would seek to deport around 5% of the resident population, including over a quarter of a million with ILR
It is a proposal that would seek to deport around 5% of the resident population, including over a quarter of a million with ILR
Reposted by Marc Stears
Hadn’t, in truth, really absorbed the scale of what the Conservatives are proposing on ILR and immigration more broadly until this week’s Sunday Times interviews. Some thoughts on that in today’s note:
Tory deportation plan would upend Britain
Proposing such a radical bill with little public support is a gift to Nigel Farage
www.ft.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Hadn’t, in truth, really absorbed the scale of what the Conservatives are proposing on ILR and immigration more broadly until this week’s Sunday Times interviews. Some thoughts on that in today’s note:
Reposted by Marc Stears
Great piece from @drodrik.bsky.social which echoes themes in our report about net zero (above) - there is a need to take action at local levels for national and global issues to engage communities and make a tangible difference to people’s lives
on.ft.com/4ojhXIh
on.ft.com/4ojhXIh
We should seek local solutions to our global problems
Worn-out top-down approaches won’t help us build lasting shared prosperity
on.ft.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Great piece from @drodrik.bsky.social which echoes themes in our report about net zero (above) - there is a need to take action at local levels for national and global issues to engage communities and make a tangible difference to people’s lives
on.ft.com/4ojhXIh
on.ft.com/4ojhXIh
Reposted by Marc Stears
Interested in cities, places, connectivity, & planning? Applications are open for fully-funded UCL ESRC doctoral studentships through the UBEL partnership. The deadline is 10 November. See further details & eligibility criteria at ubel-dtp.ac.uk/postdoctoral... Contact [email protected]
October 13, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Interested in cities, places, connectivity, & planning? Applications are open for fully-funded UCL ESRC doctoral studentships through the UBEL partnership. The deadline is 10 November. See further details & eligibility criteria at ubel-dtp.ac.uk/postdoctoral... Contact [email protected]
Reposted by Marc Stears
My hero is a farmer, not a duck. Which will only make sense if you read this new piece by me, the start of a new substack which I am bravely calling How To Run A Country.
howtorunacountry.substack.com/p/its-the-de...
howtorunacountry.substack.com/p/its-the-de...
It’s the despair that’s going to kill us
Time to cheer up
howtorunacountry.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:05 AM
My hero is a farmer, not a duck. Which will only make sense if you read this new piece by me, the start of a new substack which I am bravely calling How To Run A Country.
howtorunacountry.substack.com/p/its-the-de...
howtorunacountry.substack.com/p/its-the-de...
Reposted by Marc Stears
Interesting and troubling report/thread here on vulnerability of scientific bodies to politicisation, something the public do not want and is not in there interest but could happen nonetheless if politicians with selective or hostile views on science and evidence were in charge
🧵🚨
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
Seven in ten Britons say it is important for top scientific institutions to be independent in exclusive new polling.
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Interesting and troubling report/thread here on vulnerability of scientific bodies to politicisation, something the public do not want and is not in there interest but could happen nonetheless if politicians with selective or hostile views on science and evidence were in charge
Reposted by Marc Stears
Congratulations to Maria Corina Machado, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize - her incredible optimism has already changed her country. I spoke to her, and wrote about her, at the beginning of this year:
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
The ‘Anthropological Change’ Happening in Venezuela
Maduro is still in place, but a pro-democracy movement is transforming the beleaguered country.
www.theatlantic.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Congratulations to Maria Corina Machado, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize - her incredible optimism has already changed her country. I spoke to her, and wrote about her, at the beginning of this year:
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
Reposted by Marc Stears
Happy World Mental Health Day - may you be free from stress, stigma or fear.
October 10, 2025 at 5:33 AM
Happy World Mental Health Day - may you be free from stress, stigma or fear.
Reposted by Marc Stears
At #Lab25 conference it was clear ministers are committed to investment at local level via the £5bn Pride in Place plan, but its delivery will be critical.
Read a new report by FGF & @localtrust.org.uk which has our recommendations for government 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/mis...
Read a new report by FGF & @localtrust.org.uk which has our recommendations for government 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/mis...
Mission Critical 04: Building a new relationship between people and the state - Future Governance Forum
Mission Critical 04: Building a new relationship between people and the state, proposes a framework for delivering a new relationship between people and the state to enable the delivery of the nationa...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 7:31 AM
At #Lab25 conference it was clear ministers are committed to investment at local level via the £5bn Pride in Place plan, but its delivery will be critical.
Read a new report by FGF & @localtrust.org.uk which has our recommendations for government 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/mis...
Read a new report by FGF & @localtrust.org.uk which has our recommendations for government 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/mis...
Wonderful and thoroughly deserved news! Congratulations @hahrie.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Wonderful and thoroughly deserved news! Congratulations @hahrie.bsky.social