Rebecca Montacute
@beckymontacute.bsky.social
Research Director @smfthinktank.bsky.social, prev @suttontrust.bsky.social. Policy expert on educational inequality/social mobility.
Trustee at @inquest-org.bsky.social. Mental health campaigner in memory of mum. Views own. linktr.ee/beckymontacute
Trustee at @inquest-org.bsky.social. Mental health campaigner in memory of mum. Views own. linktr.ee/beckymontacute
Pinned
People have lost faith that traditional politics can deliver. With the centre faltering, this is exactly when new ideas are needed most.
✍️Read @beckymontacute.bsky.social's first blog as our Research Director.👇
buff.ly/W6tREhK
✍️Read @beckymontacute.bsky.social's first blog as our Research Director.👇
buff.ly/W6tREhK
Populist politics on both sides of the political spectrum offer easy answers, but the issues facing Britain in 2025 do not have easy solutions - why we need new people and new ideas in the centre of British politics now more than ever ⤵️
Since joining @smfthinktank.bsky.social and learning more about gambling I've honestly been shocked by how little attention the industry and its associated harms has had up to now. Increasing taxes on the most harmful forms of gambling should be a no brainer -
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Labour could win the culture war over bookies
The vision of old boys thumbing the Racing Post and chatting over cups of tea is a lost one
www.newstatesman.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Since joining @smfthinktank.bsky.social and learning more about gambling I've honestly been shocked by how little attention the industry and its associated harms has had up to now. Increasing taxes on the most harmful forms of gambling should be a no brainer -
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Absolutely huge well done to the amazing @danihpayne.bsky.social who just won Researcher of the Year! 🎉
Huge congratulations to @danihpayne.bsky.social for winning the Smart Thinking Awards' Researcher of the Year!🎉
Team SMF is so proud of Dani, and we know she'll continue to make a big impact in the world of education & social mobility.
Team SMF is so proud of Dani, and we know she'll continue to make a big impact in the world of education & social mobility.
November 12, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Absolutely huge well done to the amazing @danihpayne.bsky.social who just won Researcher of the Year! 🎉
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
Not in attendance, but very pleased to be nominated for Report of the Year at tonight's @smartthinking.bsky.social #SmartThinkingAwards for our Opportunity Index report, with @beckymontacute.bsky.social and @ericaholtwhite.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Not in attendance, but very pleased to be nominated for Report of the Year at tonight's @smartthinking.bsky.social #SmartThinkingAwards for our Opportunity Index report, with @beckymontacute.bsky.social and @ericaholtwhite.bsky.social
🎉🎉🎉
We're so proud that our own @danihpayne.bsky.social is a finalist for the Smart Thinking Awards' Researcher of the Year!🎉
Dani is our fantastic Head of Education and Social Mobility - working to find policy solutions to make sure everyone has the best start in life.
Dani is our fantastic Head of Education and Social Mobility - working to find policy solutions to make sure everyone has the best start in life.
November 11, 2025 at 9:39 PM
🎉🎉🎉
The BBC is such an important asset to the UK - it's not perfect - but it is so, so vital we have it.
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The BBC is such an important asset to the UK - it's not perfect - but it is so, so vital we have it.
The UK government's Social Mobility Commission are now on bluesky - do give them a follow ⤵️
🎓 We need to break the vicious circle in disadvantaged regions of low productivity, low investment and low skills.
👉 Read more in our latest report https://bit.ly/3KOMWh2
👉 Read more in our latest report https://bit.ly/3KOMWh2
November 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The UK government's Social Mobility Commission are now on bluesky - do give them a follow ⤵️
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
Will Labour tackle some of the long-term challenges facing the British economy?
In The i, @theobertram.bsky.social argues now is the time for the gov't to engage in innovative policymaking.
buff.ly/etsKEs6
In The i, @theobertram.bsky.social argues now is the time for the gov't to engage in innovative policymaking.
buff.ly/etsKEs6
Nigel Farage has given Rachel Reeves cover to scrap the triple lock
Economic stability does not have to mean sticking to the status quo
inews.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Will Labour tackle some of the long-term challenges facing the British economy?
In The i, @theobertram.bsky.social argues now is the time for the gov't to engage in innovative policymaking.
buff.ly/etsKEs6
In The i, @theobertram.bsky.social argues now is the time for the gov't to engage in innovative policymaking.
buff.ly/etsKEs6
7-0 win at Ashton Gate today 🎉
November 9, 2025 at 5:44 PM
7-0 win at Ashton Gate today 🎉
South Downs way views today 😍
November 8, 2025 at 4:51 PM
South Downs way views today 😍
Great to see the Treasury Select Committee supporting higher taxes on the most harmful gambling products (including evidence submitted by @smfthinktank.bsky.social)
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
MPs urge Reeves to raise gambling taxes despite ‘scaremongering’ from firms
Treasury select committee calls for higher duties on most addictive forms, such as high-street slots and online games
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Great to see the Treasury Select Committee supporting higher taxes on the most harmful gambling products (including evidence submitted by @smfthinktank.bsky.social)
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
All in favour of shared spaces that get people out and about and it you’re going to burn money on gambling then yeah, better to do so with a friendly person on hand. But still some incredible “men’s mental health” lobbying against a gambling tax in the Sunday Times. www.thetimes.com/article/f115...
November 1, 2025 at 10:03 PM
All in favour of shared spaces that get people out and about and it you’re going to burn money on gambling then yeah, better to do so with a friendly person on hand. But still some incredible “men’s mental health” lobbying against a gambling tax in the Sunday Times. www.thetimes.com/article/f115...
Another holiday by rail, London to Antwerp in Belgium 🇧🇪
Just two trains, swapping in Brussels.
Antwerp train station is amazing 😍
Just two trains, swapping in Brussels.
Antwerp train station is amazing 😍
November 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Another holiday by rail, London to Antwerp in Belgium 🇧🇪
Just two trains, swapping in Brussels.
Antwerp train station is amazing 😍
Just two trains, swapping in Brussels.
Antwerp train station is amazing 😍
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
Labour has promised to revitalise Britain’s High Streets as part of its push for local economic growth.
But do the UK’s gambling rules mean our shopping parades are turning into gambling hotspots? 🎰
@jamiegollings.bsky.social @jranoyes.bsky.social & Jake Shepherd investigate in our latest report
But do the UK’s gambling rules mean our shopping parades are turning into gambling hotspots? 🎰
@jamiegollings.bsky.social @jranoyes.bsky.social & Jake Shepherd investigate in our latest report
October 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Labour has promised to revitalise Britain’s High Streets as part of its push for local economic growth.
But do the UK’s gambling rules mean our shopping parades are turning into gambling hotspots? 🎰
@jamiegollings.bsky.social @jranoyes.bsky.social & Jake Shepherd investigate in our latest report
But do the UK’s gambling rules mean our shopping parades are turning into gambling hotspots? 🎰
@jamiegollings.bsky.social @jranoyes.bsky.social & Jake Shepherd investigate in our latest report
A huge well done to the SMF team for this and all their hard work over the last year (I'm very lucky to have joined such a great team!)
🎉We're absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for the Smart Thinking Think Tank of the Year Award!🎉
It's fantastic to be recognised for our work to the UK policy landscape - and a credit to the fantastic team at the SMF
Keep your eyes peeled for the awards on the 12th November👀
It's fantastic to be recognised for our work to the UK policy landscape - and a credit to the fantastic team at the SMF
Keep your eyes peeled for the awards on the 12th November👀
October 29, 2025 at 11:28 AM
A huge well done to the SMF team for this and all their hard work over the last year (I'm very lucky to have joined such a great team!)
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
📽️ At the Treasury Select Committee, SMF Director @theobertram.bsky.social outlined our proposals to tax online gambling that causes societal harm, whilst protecting horseracing.
October 28, 2025 at 12:42 PM
📽️ At the Treasury Select Committee, SMF Director @theobertram.bsky.social outlined our proposals to tax online gambling that causes societal harm, whilst protecting horseracing.
There's been a lot of discussion on what leaving the ECHR would mean for immigration policy.
But it would also impact many areas of domestic policy too, which has had barely any discussion.
Fred Cowell lays out the potential impacts ⬇️
But it would also impact many areas of domestic policy too, which has had barely any discussion.
Fred Cowell lays out the potential impacts ⬇️
What would repealing the Human Rights Act and leaving the ECHR mean for domestic policy?🤔
In his first blog with the SMF, Dr Frederick Cowell of Birkbeck, University of London argues such changes cannot just been seen through the lens of immigration policy.
Read the blog👇
buff.ly/ZcNt1fo
In his first blog with the SMF, Dr Frederick Cowell of Birkbeck, University of London argues such changes cannot just been seen through the lens of immigration policy.
Read the blog👇
buff.ly/ZcNt1fo
October 27, 2025 at 12:23 PM
There's been a lot of discussion on what leaving the ECHR would mean for immigration policy.
But it would also impact many areas of domestic policy too, which has had barely any discussion.
Fred Cowell lays out the potential impacts ⬇️
But it would also impact many areas of domestic policy too, which has had barely any discussion.
Fred Cowell lays out the potential impacts ⬇️
Gorgeous autumnal parkrun 🎃🍂
October 25, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Gorgeous autumnal parkrun 🎃🍂
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
As the UK bets its future on artificial intelligence, the data centre has been thrust into the spotlight.
But how can we make sure they can operate with the energy they need, whilst being environmentally sustainable?
Read @sam-rob.bsky.social's thoughts for Politics Home
buff.ly/YM2lscS
But how can we make sure they can operate with the energy they need, whilst being environmentally sustainable?
Read @sam-rob.bsky.social's thoughts for Politics Home
buff.ly/YM2lscS
Thirsty data centres need not bleed the UK dry, but transparency is key
As the UK bets its future on artificial intelligence, one piece of critical infrastructure has been thrust into the spotlight: the data centre
www.politicshome.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:12 AM
As the UK bets its future on artificial intelligence, the data centre has been thrust into the spotlight.
But how can we make sure they can operate with the energy they need, whilst being environmentally sustainable?
Read @sam-rob.bsky.social's thoughts for Politics Home
buff.ly/YM2lscS
But how can we make sure they can operate with the energy they need, whilst being environmentally sustainable?
Read @sam-rob.bsky.social's thoughts for Politics Home
buff.ly/YM2lscS
Reposted by Rebecca Montacute
What does the Post-16 White Paper mean for social mobility?
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
Now the dust has settled on the Post-16 Education White Paper, how likely are the plans to deliver on widening opportunity?
@beckymontacute.bsky.social & @danihpayne.bsky.social take a closer look at the details
buff.ly/Gvv3fAd
@beckymontacute.bsky.social & @danihpayne.bsky.social take a closer look at the details
buff.ly/Gvv3fAd
What does the post-16 white paper mean for social mobility?
Social mobility was at the heart of the Post-16 White Paper – but how likely are the plans to deliver widening opportunity?
www.smf.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
What does the Post-16 White Paper mean for social mobility?
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
What does the Post-16 White Paper mean for social mobility?
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
Now the dust has settled on the Post-16 Education White Paper, how likely are the plans to deliver on widening opportunity?
@beckymontacute.bsky.social & @danihpayne.bsky.social take a closer look at the details
buff.ly/Gvv3fAd
@beckymontacute.bsky.social & @danihpayne.bsky.social take a closer look at the details
buff.ly/Gvv3fAd
What does the post-16 white paper mean for social mobility?
Social mobility was at the heart of the Post-16 White Paper – but how likely are the plans to deliver widening opportunity?
www.smf.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
What does the Post-16 White Paper mean for social mobility?
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
@danihpayne.bsky.social and I have put together our initial assessment of yesterday's announcements ⬇️
Finally confirmation the maintenance grants will be additional (from the post-16 white paper)
October 21, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Finally confirmation the maintenance grants will be additional (from the post-16 white paper)
Constantly refreshing the DfE website to actually get the details of the post-16 white paper 😭 every time.
October 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Constantly refreshing the DfE website to actually get the details of the post-16 white paper 😭 every time.
We'll get more detail this afternoon, but some really promising initial info from the Post-16 Education and Skills white paper. V levels have the potential to combat lots of the issues with T levels...
The SMF welcomes the new V Level qualifications announced by the Government, as a way of making vocational training more accessable and improving social mobility.
Read @danihpayne.bsky.social's full analysis:
buff.ly/gQgB20H
Read @danihpayne.bsky.social's full analysis:
buff.ly/gQgB20H
October 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
We'll get more detail this afternoon, but some really promising initial info from the Post-16 Education and Skills white paper. V levels have the potential to combat lots of the issues with T levels...