Luke Raikes
@lukeraikes.bsky.social
Deputy General Secretary at the Fabian Society | regional economies, devolution, productivity, industrial strategy, employment rights, employment support, transport, politics | Views are my own | 🏴
https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
Pinned
Luke Raikes
@lukeraikes.bsky.social
· Jun 6
Living standards declined under the last government, for the first time on record - according to our new analysis
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Manchester coming up time and again - as a place that is proving that local leadership drives regional growth.
Great questions and responses with @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @lucyrigby.bsky.social and @kiranstacey.bsky.social at the @thefabians.bsky.social new year conference
Great questions and responses with @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @lucyrigby.bsky.social and @kiranstacey.bsky.social at the @thefabians.bsky.social new year conference
January 24, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Manchester coming up time and again - as a place that is proving that local leadership drives regional growth.
Great questions and responses with @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @lucyrigby.bsky.social and @kiranstacey.bsky.social at the @thefabians.bsky.social new year conference
Great questions and responses with @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @lucyrigby.bsky.social and @kiranstacey.bsky.social at the @thefabians.bsky.social new year conference
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Introduced the Renewing Our Communities session @thefabians.bsky.social New Year Conference.
Spoke about the Housing Centre's work on affordability and building great places to live.
And it was great to hear from @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social + @sarahsackman.bsky.social
Spoke about the Housing Centre's work on affordability and building great places to live.
And it was great to hear from @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social + @sarahsackman.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Introduced the Renewing Our Communities session @thefabians.bsky.social New Year Conference.
Spoke about the Housing Centre's work on affordability and building great places to live.
And it was great to hear from @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social + @sarahsackman.bsky.social
Spoke about the Housing Centre's work on affordability and building great places to live.
And it was great to hear from @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social + @sarahsackman.bsky.social
Great to hear @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social put real, meaningful devolution at the heart of the regional growth agenda at the @thefabians.bsky.social conference today - with @kiranstacey.bsky.social and @lucyrigby.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Great to hear @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social put real, meaningful devolution at the heart of the regional growth agenda at the @thefabians.bsky.social conference today - with @kiranstacey.bsky.social and @lucyrigby.bsky.social
Great to hear @lucyrigby.bsky.social champion a strategic and active industrial strategy focused on regional growth.
A real step change from previous governments.
A real step change from previous governments.
Economic secretary to the Treasury @lucyrigby.bsky.social says talents evenly distributed, opportunity isn’t - denying people opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Unlocking that’s only way to restore balanced growth - and faith in the state and politics itself.
Unlocking that’s only way to restore balanced growth - and faith in the state and politics itself.
January 24, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Great to hear @lucyrigby.bsky.social champion a strategic and active industrial strategy focused on regional growth.
A real step change from previous governments.
A real step change from previous governments.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Now a session on renewing regional economies is getting underway with @lucyrigby.bsky.social @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @kiranstacey.bsky.social and @lukeraikes.bsky.social.
Luke of @thefabians.bsky.social highlights how this government’s abandoned past ‘fatalistic’ attitudes towards many areas
Luke of @thefabians.bsky.social highlights how this government’s abandoned past ‘fatalistic’ attitudes towards many areas
January 24, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Now a session on renewing regional economies is getting underway with @lucyrigby.bsky.social @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @kiranstacey.bsky.social and @lukeraikes.bsky.social.
Luke of @thefabians.bsky.social highlights how this government’s abandoned past ‘fatalistic’ attitudes towards many areas
Luke of @thefabians.bsky.social highlights how this government’s abandoned past ‘fatalistic’ attitudes towards many areas
What can we learn about devolution from other countries?
I've written for the MJ here, drawing on our collection of essays below: www.themj.co.uk/looking-abro...
I've written for the MJ here, drawing on our collection of essays below: www.themj.co.uk/looking-abro...
January 23, 2026 at 4:48 PM
What can we learn about devolution from other countries?
I've written for the MJ here, drawing on our collection of essays below: www.themj.co.uk/looking-abro...
I've written for the MJ here, drawing on our collection of essays below: www.themj.co.uk/looking-abro...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
🇪🇺 What can Europe teach us about devolution?
By international standards, the UK is highly centralised, causing regional inequality in productivity, income and health.
This collection of essays looks to our European neighbours to explore what works and what doesn’t 🧵
By international standards, the UK is highly centralised, causing regional inequality in productivity, income and health.
This collection of essays looks to our European neighbours to explore what works and what doesn’t 🧵
January 22, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
🇪🇺 What can Europe teach us about devolution?
By international standards, the UK is highly centralised, causing regional inequality in productivity, income and health.
This collection of essays looks to our European neighbours to explore what works and what doesn’t 🧵
By international standards, the UK is highly centralised, causing regional inequality in productivity, income and health.
This collection of essays looks to our European neighbours to explore what works and what doesn’t 🧵
January 22, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
My latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social is about building desirable homes that last and meet the changing needs of the country. This means two things:
1) Every home must be accessible and adaptable
2) A Future Homes Standard that cuts energy bills
labourlist.org/2026/01/hous...
1) Every home must be accessible and adaptable
2) A Future Homes Standard that cuts energy bills
labourlist.org/2026/01/hous...
Ben Cooper column: 'On housing, Labour should build a lasting legacy' - LabourList
Government’s reforms mean thousands more homes being built across England. Their quality will be a testament to our values.
labourlist.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:51 AM
My latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social is about building desirable homes that last and meet the changing needs of the country. This means two things:
1) Every home must be accessible and adaptable
2) A Future Homes Standard that cuts energy bills
labourlist.org/2026/01/hous...
1) Every home must be accessible and adaptable
2) A Future Homes Standard that cuts energy bills
labourlist.org/2026/01/hous...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Today, @thefabians.bsky.social and the Fabian Housing Centre are publishing Beyond Numbers: Building Great Places to Live.
This edited collection looks at how to build attractive, high-quality homes in flourishing communities.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
This edited collection looks at how to build attractive, high-quality homes in flourishing communities.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Beyond numbers | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Today, @thefabians.bsky.social and the Fabian Housing Centre are publishing Beyond Numbers: Building Great Places to Live.
This edited collection looks at how to build attractive, high-quality homes in flourishing communities.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
This edited collection looks at how to build attractive, high-quality homes in flourishing communities.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
What do people in England think about their local area? In this short report I take a look at surveys we conducted with @yougov.co.uk in 2022, 2024 and 2025 to gain some insights...
Some key findings...
Some key findings...
Perspectives on Place: what the English think about their local area
www.southampton.ac.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:21 AM
What do people in England think about their local area? In this short report I take a look at surveys we conducted with @yougov.co.uk in 2022, 2024 and 2025 to gain some insights...
Some key findings...
Some key findings...
Want to know what rural voters really care about and what should the government do?
@thefabians.bsky.social have got you covered
Here’s our recent set of essays, led by
@bencooper1995.bsky.social discussing rural priorities: housing, buses, tourism, energy and more
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
@thefabians.bsky.social have got you covered
Here’s our recent set of essays, led by
@bencooper1995.bsky.social discussing rural priorities: housing, buses, tourism, energy and more
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Rural futures | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Want to know what rural voters really care about and what should the government do?
@thefabians.bsky.social have got you covered
Here’s our recent set of essays, led by
@bencooper1995.bsky.social discussing rural priorities: housing, buses, tourism, energy and more
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
@thefabians.bsky.social have got you covered
Here’s our recent set of essays, led by
@bencooper1995.bsky.social discussing rural priorities: housing, buses, tourism, energy and more
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The passing of the Employment Rights Bill is a major achievement.
It will shift the balance of power at work, and improve job quality and security for millions.
Congratulations to all those who made this happen, including Angela Rayner, @katedeardenmp.bsky.social & @justinmadders.bsky.social
It will shift the balance of power at work, and improve job quality and security for millions.
Congratulations to all those who made this happen, including Angela Rayner, @katedeardenmp.bsky.social & @justinmadders.bsky.social
December 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The passing of the Employment Rights Bill is a major achievement.
It will shift the balance of power at work, and improve job quality and security for millions.
Congratulations to all those who made this happen, including Angela Rayner, @katedeardenmp.bsky.social & @justinmadders.bsky.social
It will shift the balance of power at work, and improve job quality and security for millions.
Congratulations to all those who made this happen, including Angela Rayner, @katedeardenmp.bsky.social & @justinmadders.bsky.social
A fantastic achievement that will improve rights for many.
In the new year, we'll be looking at next steps.
But for now, a lot of people who have worked incredibly hard on this can finally celebrate.
In the new year, we'll be looking at next steps.
But for now, a lot of people who have worked incredibly hard on this can finally celebrate.
BREAKING: Labour's landmark Employment Rights Bill has PASSED both Houses of Parliament. Its new rights will be transformational.
This is a massive step forward in delivering Labour's New Deal for Working People - passed by a Labour Government, delivered with the labour movement. Let's celebrate 🎉
This is a massive step forward in delivering Labour's New Deal for Working People - passed by a Labour Government, delivered with the labour movement. Let's celebrate 🎉
December 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM
A fantastic achievement that will improve rights for many.
In the new year, we'll be looking at next steps.
But for now, a lot of people who have worked incredibly hard on this can finally celebrate.
In the new year, we'll be looking at next steps.
But for now, a lot of people who have worked incredibly hard on this can finally celebrate.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
There is a need to address quality and accessibility if our housing stock is to meet the needs of an ageing society
The benefits are significant for NHS, cost of living and downsizing
Read Millie Brown from @ageingbetter.bsky.social and I for
@insidehousing.bsky.social on how we can do this 👇
The benefits are significant for NHS, cost of living and downsizing
Read Millie Brown from @ageingbetter.bsky.social and I for
@insidehousing.bsky.social on how we can do this 👇
December 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
There is a need to address quality and accessibility if our housing stock is to meet the needs of an ageing society
The benefits are significant for NHS, cost of living and downsizing
Read Millie Brown from @ageingbetter.bsky.social and I for
@insidehousing.bsky.social on how we can do this 👇
The benefits are significant for NHS, cost of living and downsizing
Read Millie Brown from @ageingbetter.bsky.social and I for
@insidehousing.bsky.social on how we can do this 👇
Reposted by Luke Raikes
My piece for LabourList setting out how the government can boost working conditions for the self-employed:
The government’s Employment Rights Bill will boost employee protections, but millions of self-employed workers risk being left behind. There are ways to stop this that won't cost the government much but would make a real difference says @lukeraikes.bsky.social of @thefabians.bsky.social
‘The government’s workers’ rights agenda must include self-employed people too’ – LabourList
The Employment Rights Bill will be one of this government’s most significant achievements, improving the rights of millions of employees. Trade unions fought hard for…
labourlist.org
December 11, 2025 at 1:04 PM
My piece for LabourList setting out how the government can boost working conditions for the self-employed:
Reposted by Luke Raikes
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
December 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
December 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
My piece for LabourList setting out how the government can boost working conditions for the self-employed:
The government’s Employment Rights Bill will boost employee protections, but millions of self-employed workers risk being left behind. There are ways to stop this that won't cost the government much but would make a real difference says @lukeraikes.bsky.social of @thefabians.bsky.social
‘The government’s workers’ rights agenda must include self-employed people too’ – LabourList
The Employment Rights Bill will be one of this government’s most significant achievements, improving the rights of millions of employees. Trade unions fought hard for…
labourlist.org
December 11, 2025 at 1:04 PM
My piece for LabourList setting out how the government can boost working conditions for the self-employed:
New paper out today:
📘 How do we provide income security for the self-employed?
In “Self-Care”, @lukeraikes.bsky.social sets out a plan to improve income security for self-employed workers.
🧵
In “Self-Care”, @lukeraikes.bsky.social sets out a plan to improve income security for self-employed workers.
🧵
December 11, 2025 at 10:55 AM
New paper out today:
Reposted by Luke Raikes
In his latest #ReithLecture, @rutgerbregman.com set out how the Fabian Society helped lay the foundations for social democracy and the welfare state.
From universal healthcare and public education to votes for women, the Fabians helped make the once unthinkable a reality.
From universal healthcare and public education to votes for women, the Fabians helped make the once unthinkable a reality.
December 9, 2025 at 12:41 PM
In his latest #ReithLecture, @rutgerbregman.com set out how the Fabian Society helped lay the foundations for social democracy and the welfare state.
From universal healthcare and public education to votes for women, the Fabians helped make the once unthinkable a reality.
From universal healthcare and public education to votes for women, the Fabians helped make the once unthinkable a reality.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The Sea Wall matters to Labour
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
December 1, 2025 at 10:14 AM
The Sea Wall matters to Labour
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Luke Raikes
📺 Fabian Thinking is coming!
Our new, regular, member exclusive event series bringing you the big stories, from top guests, straight to your home!
Our new, regular, member exclusive event series bringing you the big stories, from top guests, straight to your home!
November 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
📺 Fabian Thinking is coming!
Our new, regular, member exclusive event series bringing you the big stories, from top guests, straight to your home!
Our new, regular, member exclusive event series bringing you the big stories, from top guests, straight to your home!
Earlier this year, we argued that all budgets needed to pass the "living standards test".
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
November 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Earlier this year, we argued that all budgets needed to pass the "living standards test".
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
OK so it's not technically in the Budget itself, but an (overnight) Visitor Levy in England is a really good move - and something we've long been calling for!
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Visitor levy in England
This consultation seeks views on the design of a new Mayoral power to create visitor levies on overnight stays in England.
www.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 2:59 PM
OK so it's not technically in the Budget itself, but an (overnight) Visitor Levy in England is a really good move - and something we've long been calling for!
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...