Marc Stears
@mds49.bsky.social
Political theorist, author, speechwriter, campaigner. Director UCL Policy Lab.
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
Reposted by Marc Stears
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Manchester for this year's Conservative Conference, for excellent, packed-out conversations - from the future of conservatism and public service reform, to how we can rebuild social cohesion.
October 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Manchester for this year's Conservative Conference, for excellent, packed-out conversations - from the future of conservatism and public service reform, to how we can rebuild social cohesion.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Not long left to get your tickets for #Locality25 Convention. Workshops include delivering the government’s ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’; building belonging in times of division; and community ownership across the world.
🎟️Tickets: https://locality.org.uk/events/locality-convention/tickets
🎟️Tickets: https://locality.org.uk/events/locality-convention/tickets
October 8, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Not long left to get your tickets for #Locality25 Convention. Workshops include delivering the government’s ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’; building belonging in times of division; and community ownership across the world.
🎟️Tickets: https://locality.org.uk/events/locality-convention/tickets
🎟️Tickets: https://locality.org.uk/events/locality-convention/tickets
Reposted by Marc Stears
Join us at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
Firs up on Monday ➡️ Conservative Thinking at the Crossroads: Where Next for the Right?
Firs up on Monday ➡️ Conservative Thinking at the Crossroads: Where Next for the Right?
October 5, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Join us at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
Firs up on Monday ➡️ Conservative Thinking at the Crossroads: Where Next for the Right?
Firs up on Monday ➡️ Conservative Thinking at the Crossroads: Where Next for the Right?
Reposted by Marc Stears
The new 10 Year Health Plan for England promises to shift more care from hospitals into the community, but history shows how hard this ambition is to deliver.
Our research explores lessons from Denmark and Ireland, two countries pursuing bold reforms to rebalance care.
Our research explores lessons from Denmark and Ireland, two countries pursuing bold reforms to rebalance care.
From hospital to community: International lessons on moving care closer to home
The new 10 Year Health Plan for England promises to shift more care from hospitals into the community, but history shows how hard this ambition is to deliver. This new report looks to Denmark and…
buff.ly
October 5, 2025 at 11:30 AM
The new 10 Year Health Plan for England promises to shift more care from hospitals into the community, but history shows how hard this ambition is to deliver.
Our research explores lessons from Denmark and Ireland, two countries pursuing bold reforms to rebalance care.
Our research explores lessons from Denmark and Ireland, two countries pursuing bold reforms to rebalance care.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Standing with my Jewish neighbours in the rain close to Heaton Park Shul. Antisemitism has been on the rise. When I go to Mass, there’s no security on the door. My kids don’t have drills to prepare for a possible attack. We can’t defeat hate with more hate, only with love, togetherness and action.
October 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Standing with my Jewish neighbours in the rain close to Heaton Park Shul. Antisemitism has been on the rise. When I go to Mass, there’s no security on the door. My kids don’t have drills to prepare for a possible attack. We can’t defeat hate with more hate, only with love, togetherness and action.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Congratulations to Dame Sarah Mullally DBE on her historic appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As Bishop of London for the past seven years, she has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to our city - I know she’ll continue this vital work in her new role.
As Bishop of London for the past seven years, she has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to our city - I know she’ll continue this vital work in her new role.
October 3, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Congratulations to Dame Sarah Mullally DBE on her historic appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As Bishop of London for the past seven years, she has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to our city - I know she’ll continue this vital work in her new role.
As Bishop of London for the past seven years, she has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to our city - I know she’ll continue this vital work in her new role.
Is community Labour’s new big idea? Our @uclpolicylab.bsky.social reflections from Labour Party conference here: www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
Standing up for the places and communities that we love
We reflect on lessons from the UCL Policy Lab programme and conversations at Labour Party Conference 2025.
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 2, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Is community Labour’s new big idea? Our @uclpolicylab.bsky.social reflections from Labour Party conference here: www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...