Emma Norris
@emmanorris.bsky.social
Director of Policy & Politics @ippr.org. Chair of Young Women’s Trust. Former deputy and now senior fellow @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Think tanker. Westminster watcher. Walthamstow resident. 🏳️🌈
Reposted by Emma Norris
Next week! @jimreedbbc.bsky.social sky.social is joining us at the IfG to discuss the lessons from the second Covid Inquiry report and what it means for how future governments approach crisis management.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
November 27, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Next week! @jimreedbbc.bsky.social sky.social is joining us at the IfG to discuss the lessons from the second Covid Inquiry report and what it means for how future governments approach crisis management.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Emma Norris
Today’s Budget fired the starting gun on a fairer tax system and improving living standards – with several measures we have called for now taken up. There’s more to do, but this is a significant step forward. Here are the IPPR policies that were adopted 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Today’s Budget fired the starting gun on a fairer tax system and improving living standards – with several measures we have called for now taken up. There’s more to do, but this is a significant step forward. Here are the IPPR policies that were adopted 🧵
Reposted by Emma Norris
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...
Today the government is lifting the 2-child limit – a major IPPR win that boosts incomes and improves opportunities for ~ 1.6m children.
Extra income in low-income families boosts health and attainment. By the end of the parliament, 450,000 fewer children will live in poverty.
A landmark moment.
Extra income in low-income families boosts health and attainment. By the end of the parliament, 450,000 fewer children will live in poverty.
A landmark moment.
"You cannot have a situation where, under a Labour government, child poverty numbers just go up and up and up" says Gordon Brown.
🎲 Our proposal to tax gambling companies to pay to cut the two-child limit is "surely the right thing to do" says the former PM and chancellor.
🎲 Our proposal to tax gambling companies to pay to cut the two-child limit is "surely the right thing to do" says the former PM and chancellor.
November 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Today the government is lifting the 2-child limit – a major IPPR win that boosts incomes and improves opportunities for ~ 1.6m children.
Extra income in low-income families boosts health and attainment. By the end of the parliament, 450,000 fewer children will live in poverty.
A landmark moment.
Extra income in low-income families boosts health and attainment. By the end of the parliament, 450,000 fewer children will live in poverty.
A landmark moment.
Reposted by Emma Norris
This Budget will show who the government is really for – and who it’s against. Our three tests:
1️⃣ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
2️⃣ Does it cut the cost of living?
3️⃣ Is it pro-growth and reassuring to markets?
📺 @carsjung.bsky.social on @gbnewsonline.bsky.social 👇
1️⃣ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
2️⃣ Does it cut the cost of living?
3️⃣ Is it pro-growth and reassuring to markets?
📺 @carsjung.bsky.social on @gbnewsonline.bsky.social 👇
November 26, 2025 at 10:16 AM
This Budget will show who the government is really for – and who it’s against. Our three tests:
1️⃣ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
2️⃣ Does it cut the cost of living?
3️⃣ Is it pro-growth and reassuring to markets?
📺 @carsjung.bsky.social on @gbnewsonline.bsky.social 👇
1️⃣ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
2️⃣ Does it cut the cost of living?
3️⃣ Is it pro-growth and reassuring to markets?
📺 @carsjung.bsky.social on @gbnewsonline.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Emma Norris
So much of UK politics seems as a weird tangled misreading of public opinion.
Shall we raise tax? Voters won’t like it. But need to deliver for voters and tax rises necessary to for that. Voters need to see change. But cant break promise, because voters. But is a U-turn even worse, because voters?
Shall we raise tax? Voters won’t like it. But need to deliver for voters and tax rises necessary to for that. Voters need to see change. But cant break promise, because voters. But is a U-turn even worse, because voters?
November 14, 2025 at 8:57 AM
So much of UK politics seems as a weird tangled misreading of public opinion.
Shall we raise tax? Voters won’t like it. But need to deliver for voters and tax rises necessary to for that. Voters need to see change. But cant break promise, because voters. But is a U-turn even worse, because voters?
Shall we raise tax? Voters won’t like it. But need to deliver for voters and tax rises necessary to for that. Voters need to see change. But cant break promise, because voters. But is a U-turn even worse, because voters?
Reposted by Emma Norris
Ahead of Budget, where do voters stand on tax and the dilemmas facing government?
Big new @persuasionuk.bsky.social report out today on this.
TL;DR as risky as breaching the manifesto is for Lab - failing on public services, cost of living and child poverty is *far riskier* for Lab.
🧵
Big new @persuasionuk.bsky.social report out today on this.
TL;DR as risky as breaching the manifesto is for Lab - failing on public services, cost of living and child poverty is *far riskier* for Lab.
🧵
October 29, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Ahead of Budget, where do voters stand on tax and the dilemmas facing government?
Big new @persuasionuk.bsky.social report out today on this.
TL;DR as risky as breaching the manifesto is for Lab - failing on public services, cost of living and child poverty is *far riskier* for Lab.
🧵
Big new @persuasionuk.bsky.social report out today on this.
TL;DR as risky as breaching the manifesto is for Lab - failing on public services, cost of living and child poverty is *far riskier* for Lab.
🧵
Ahead of the Budget, voters are sceptical of higher tax and doubt government delivery. But @ippr.org work with @persuasionuk.bsky.social suggests there is a way through: close loopholes and ensure those with the broadest shoulders contribute first, and take visible action to cut the cost of living.
💷| NEW BLOG: Voters are clear - those with the broadest shoulders must carry more of the load. It's time to close long-standing disparities in the tax system and cut everyday costs. Read the latest analysis from IPPR here: www.ippr.org/articles/tax...
October 29, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Ahead of the Budget, voters are sceptical of higher tax and doubt government delivery. But @ippr.org work with @persuasionuk.bsky.social suggests there is a way through: close loopholes and ensure those with the broadest shoulders contribute first, and take visible action to cut the cost of living.
Reposted by Emma Norris
The absolute bloody vandalism of austerity in one chart. Good analysis of the overall picture here.
October 15, 2025 at 6:48 PM
The absolute bloody vandalism of austerity in one chart. Good analysis of the overall picture here.
Reposted by Emma Norris
NEW: Part 1 of the brilliant @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Performance Tracker
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
English councils to remain poorer than in 2010 despite funding rise, says report
Exclusive: Impact of austerity cannot be undone by end of parliament despite above-inflation funding, analysis finds
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:40 PM
NEW: Part 1 of the brilliant @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Performance Tracker
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Emma Norris
Politics is not like selling biscuits, where the task is to find out what people like & flog it to them.
It's a moral activity. It's about arguing for the things you believe in. It's about *shaping* the "median voter".
Farage has moved the centre-ground of politics. His opponents can move it back.
It's a moral activity. It's about arguing for the things you believe in. It's about *shaping* the "median voter".
Farage has moved the centre-ground of politics. His opponents can move it back.
Crying racism only hurts Labour
Activists like it, but the median voter will feel attacked.
📊 @bwalker.uk
Activists like it, but the median voter will feel attacked.
📊 @bwalker.uk
Crying racism only hurts Labour
Activists like it, but the median voter will feel attacked.
www.newstatesman.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Politics is not like selling biscuits, where the task is to find out what people like & flog it to them.
It's a moral activity. It's about arguing for the things you believe in. It's about *shaping* the "median voter".
Farage has moved the centre-ground of politics. His opponents can move it back.
It's a moral activity. It's about arguing for the things you believe in. It's about *shaping* the "median voter".
Farage has moved the centre-ground of politics. His opponents can move it back.
Reposted by Emma Norris
Today's speech was easily the best Starmer has given.
For the first time since the election, he told a compelling - & optimistic - story about what the government is trying to do; charged that story with moral purpose; & drew clear battle lines with the Right.
A few quick thoughts & a challenge...
For the first time since the election, he told a compelling - & optimistic - story about what the government is trying to do; charged that story with moral purpose; & drew clear battle lines with the Right.
A few quick thoughts & a challenge...
September 30, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Today's speech was easily the best Starmer has given.
For the first time since the election, he told a compelling - & optimistic - story about what the government is trying to do; charged that story with moral purpose; & drew clear battle lines with the Right.
A few quick thoughts & a challenge...
For the first time since the election, he told a compelling - & optimistic - story about what the government is trying to do; charged that story with moral purpose; & drew clear battle lines with the Right.
A few quick thoughts & a challenge...
Enjoyed talking with @markpackuk.bsky.social @calummillerld.bsky.social @greenmirandahere.bsky.social this morning about how progressives can fight right-wing populism: root politics in place, listen to what really matters in people’s lives and show courage on reform when systems are failing.
IPPR's conference season kicks off at the Lib Dems with a fringe on populism, with:
- @markpackuk.bsky.social
- @calummillerld.bsky.social
- @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
- @emmanorris.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/e_PBCpz...
- @markpackuk.bsky.social
- @calummillerld.bsky.social
- @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
- @emmanorris.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/e_PBCpz...
Lib Dem conference 2025 | The antidote to populism: Building the centre ground in a divided age
YouTube video by Institute for Public Policy Research
www.youtube.com
September 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Enjoyed talking with @markpackuk.bsky.social @calummillerld.bsky.social @greenmirandahere.bsky.social this morning about how progressives can fight right-wing populism: root politics in place, listen to what really matters in people’s lives and show courage on reform when systems are failing.
Reposted by Emma Norris
IPPR's conference season kicks off at the Lib Dems with a fringe on populism, with:
- @markpackuk.bsky.social
- @calummillerld.bsky.social
- @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
- @emmanorris.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/e_PBCpz...
- @markpackuk.bsky.social
- @calummillerld.bsky.social
- @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
- @emmanorris.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/e_PBCpz...
Lib Dem conference 2025 | The antidote to populism: Building the centre ground in a divided age
YouTube video by Institute for Public Policy Research
www.youtube.com
September 21, 2025 at 10:43 AM
IPPR's conference season kicks off at the Lib Dems with a fringe on populism, with:
- @markpackuk.bsky.social
- @calummillerld.bsky.social
- @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
- @emmanorris.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/e_PBCpz...
- @markpackuk.bsky.social
- @calummillerld.bsky.social
- @greenmirandahere.bsky.social
- @emmanorris.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/e_PBCpz...
Reposted by Emma Norris
My god.
This is homophobia pure and simple. The kinds of things I heard as a child; growing up in a gay household. I thought we were past this.
But they are out of step with the majority of people who support, know & care for families like mine.
This is homophobia pure and simple. The kinds of things I heard as a child; growing up in a gay household. I thought we were past this.
But they are out of step with the majority of people who support, know & care for families like mine.
Nigel Farage:
"Children who have two stable parents have a better chance in life... The most stable relationships, the ones that last the longest, tend to be between men & women... There's an awful lot of kids in the country not getting the kind of start... they deserve."
Farage has two ex-wives.
"Children who have two stable parents have a better chance in life... The most stable relationships, the ones that last the longest, tend to be between men & women... There's an awful lot of kids in the country not getting the kind of start... they deserve."
Farage has two ex-wives.
September 15, 2025 at 8:29 PM
My god.
This is homophobia pure and simple. The kinds of things I heard as a child; growing up in a gay household. I thought we were past this.
But they are out of step with the majority of people who support, know & care for families like mine.
This is homophobia pure and simple. The kinds of things I heard as a child; growing up in a gay household. I thought we were past this.
But they are out of step with the majority of people who support, know & care for families like mine.
Reposted by Emma Norris
Josh MacAlister, Liv Bailey and Georgia Gould going to DfE massively strengthens the department at a critical moment. A big positive from the reshuffle.
Some of Labour's brightest young MPs – Kanishka Narayan, Kate Dearden, Josh Simons, Josh McAlister – handed junior ministerial posts
September 7, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Josh MacAlister, Liv Bailey and Georgia Gould going to DfE massively strengthens the department at a critical moment. A big positive from the reshuffle.
Reposted by Emma Norris
NEW: UK taxpayers are losing £22 billion every year from losses at the Bank of England - the same as the entire Home Office annual budget. This is the result of a flawed implementation of the BoE's quantitative easing programme. We propose two steps to fix this leak. (1/4)
August 29, 2025 at 6:59 AM
NEW: UK taxpayers are losing £22 billion every year from losses at the Bank of England - the same as the entire Home Office annual budget. This is the result of a flawed implementation of the BoE's quantitative easing programme. We propose two steps to fix this leak. (1/4)
Reposted by Emma Norris
NEW REPORT: how does where you live and your background affect how you do at school?
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
Educational outcomes across England | Institute for Government
Examining the performance gaps in schools.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
August 20, 2025 at 9:29 AM
NEW REPORT: how does where you live and your background affect how you do at school?
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
Reposted by Emma Norris
Interesting @theguardian.com story about the govt trying to replicate the success of Blair's London Challenge to raise school standards outside London www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Ministers aim to export London’s academic success to England’s struggling schools
Exclusive: Bridget Phillipson says Rise scheme will use techniques from Blair government’s London Challenge
www.theguardian.com
August 16, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Interesting @theguardian.com story about the govt trying to replicate the success of Blair's London Challenge to raise school standards outside London www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Emma Norris
Just imagine a world in which streets were cleaner, high streets better maintained, crime was a bit lower, there were more good jobs, public transport was a bit more frequent, council tax bills didn't go up 5% every year, some new libraries and leisure centres open. These are things people notice.
Increasingly convinced the cheapest way to address this is to reverse local government austerity. Returning English local authority budgets to 2010 levels would cost about £7bn. Factor in population and demographic change and you'd want maybe £15bn. Benefits could be seen quickly and felt widely.
"The truly unnerving thing about the fall of Rome (yes, I’m going there again, sorry) was that most Romans probably didn’t notice it had happened."
Morning all!
Morning all!
July 21, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Just imagine a world in which streets were cleaner, high streets better maintained, crime was a bit lower, there were more good jobs, public transport was a bit more frequent, council tax bills didn't go up 5% every year, some new libraries and leisure centres open. These are things people notice.
Reposted by Emma Norris
Story tonight about our joint open letter to The Times
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
![In their letter the think tanks describe the new rules as a "mistake", saying that
"effective government" relies on public servants hearing directly from businesses, charities and citizens to help them make better policy. They warned: "They should be able to explain government activity to those same groups. It the guidance] is causing confusion and a chilling effect on public discussion. The government should withdraw it."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:omxdpil26ujygcgfuel3otja/bafkreiayylan4f5f3sccymqebad2uhkr4tjc2lz7tf5lqynxkedurvcpeq@jpeg)
July 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Story tonight about our joint open letter to The Times
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
Reposted by Emma Norris
I am writing a policy pamphlet. Here are all the ways to demonstrate I don't really have a policy answer, that I need to avoid:
a. You call for a "national conversation or debate"
b. You suggest that what is needed is “a change in culture”
1/
a. You call for a "national conversation or debate"
b. You suggest that what is needed is “a change in culture”
1/
July 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
I am writing a policy pamphlet. Here are all the ways to demonstrate I don't really have a policy answer, that I need to avoid:
a. You call for a "national conversation or debate"
b. You suggest that what is needed is “a change in culture”
1/
a. You call for a "national conversation or debate"
b. You suggest that what is needed is “a change in culture”
1/
Reposted by Emma Norris
Excited to be hiring a Senior AI Research Fellow @ippr.org . With AI progressing rapidly, the economic and social impacts could be huge – from job disruption to misinformation. We design bold, sector-specific policies to ensure AI delivers public value.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
Senior Research Fellow, AI and the economy | IPPR
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society.
www.ippr.org
June 16, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Excited to be hiring a Senior AI Research Fellow @ippr.org . With AI progressing rapidly, the economic and social impacts could be huge – from job disruption to misinformation. We design bold, sector-specific policies to ensure AI delivers public value.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
Reposted by Emma Norris
If you missed our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk webinar this afternoon, with our take on the Spending Review, you can listen/watch back here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/2025-s...
with @njdavies.bsky.social @drbenpaxton.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social
with @njdavies.bsky.social @drbenpaxton.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social
What choices did the government make in the 2025 spending review? | Institute for Government
IfG experts provided instant analysis of what Rachel Reeves’s spending review means for public services, investment and the government’s missions.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
June 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
If you missed our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk webinar this afternoon, with our take on the Spending Review, you can listen/watch back here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/2025-s...
with @njdavies.bsky.social @drbenpaxton.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social
with @njdavies.bsky.social @drbenpaxton.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social
Reposted by Emma Norris
I wrote this about how to read and why.
Books remain the best technology ever invented to understand life and the world. There is no alternative.
Every book you read helps you build a richer picture of the entire world.
jmarriott.substack.com/p/how-i-read
Books remain the best technology ever invented to understand life and the world. There is no alternative.
Every book you read helps you build a richer picture of the entire world.
jmarriott.substack.com/p/how-i-read
How to read and why
I love reading and I love advice about how to read.
jmarriott.substack.com
June 7, 2025 at 9:20 AM
I wrote this about how to read and why.
Books remain the best technology ever invented to understand life and the world. There is no alternative.
Every book you read helps you build a richer picture of the entire world.
jmarriott.substack.com/p/how-i-read
Books remain the best technology ever invented to understand life and the world. There is no alternative.
Every book you read helps you build a richer picture of the entire world.
jmarriott.substack.com/p/how-i-read