Marc Stears
@mds49.bsky.social
Political theorist, author, speechwriter, campaigner. Director UCL Policy Lab.
The relationship with Donald Trump has killed the Starmer brand. Starmer came to office promising to respect voters, tell hard truths and prioritise substance over slogans and soundbites. By refusing to step out of line from Trumpian fantasy, he undermines each of those commitments.
January 4, 2026 at 12:38 PM
The relationship with Donald Trump has killed the Starmer brand. Starmer came to office promising to respect voters, tell hard truths and prioritise substance over slogans and soundbites. By refusing to step out of line from Trumpian fantasy, he undermines each of those commitments.
Reposted by Marc Stears
Marvellous column by @edwardluce.bsky.social on Trump’s new world order: “no obvious rules, does not respect allies, celebrates the jungle and is almost always about money”:
Trump now owns Venezuela
The US president has a growing appetite for military adventure
www.ft.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Marvellous column by @edwardluce.bsky.social on Trump’s new world order: “no obvious rules, does not respect allies, celebrates the jungle and is almost always about money”:
Reposted by Marc Stears
If rumblings about Special Needs changes are true,they'll place huge pressures on schools, in the absence of the necessary resources.Also, taking rights away & putting schools in the driving seat would be a retrogressive move: the Labourism of institutions rather than the empowerment of families 1/2
January 1, 2026 at 9:16 PM
If rumblings about Special Needs changes are true,they'll place huge pressures on schools, in the absence of the necessary resources.Also, taking rights away & putting schools in the driving seat would be a retrogressive move: the Labourism of institutions rather than the empowerment of families 1/2
Our best family tradition! The brilliant @hackneyempire.bsky.social panto on Christmas Eve. And this year’s was one of the best!
From ball gowns to big smiles, it’s been lovely welcoming generations of families back into our auditorium to experience the magic of Cinderella this festive season.
There’s still time for you & your family to enjoy this joyous celebration. www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/cinderella
📸 Mark Senior
There’s still time for you & your family to enjoy this joyous celebration. www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/cinderella
📸 Mark Senior
December 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Our best family tradition! The brilliant @hackneyempire.bsky.social panto on Christmas Eve. And this year’s was one of the best!
Reposted by Marc Stears
#OpenAccess from @poppublicsphere.bsky.social -
The Relational Method: How Community Organizing Can Reshape University Research - https://cup.org/4pIlRLX
- Amanda Tattersall & @mds49.bsky.social
#FirstView
The Relational Method: How Community Organizing Can Reshape University Research - https://cup.org/4pIlRLX
- Amanda Tattersall & @mds49.bsky.social
#FirstView
December 19, 2025 at 11:20 AM
#OpenAccess from @poppublicsphere.bsky.social -
The Relational Method: How Community Organizing Can Reshape University Research - https://cup.org/4pIlRLX
- Amanda Tattersall & @mds49.bsky.social
#FirstView
The Relational Method: How Community Organizing Can Reshape University Research - https://cup.org/4pIlRLX
- Amanda Tattersall & @mds49.bsky.social
#FirstView
Reposted by Marc Stears
NOW OUT ON FIRSTVIEW!!
The #Relational #Method: How #Community #Organizing Can Reshape #University #Research
By @amandatattersall.bsky.social & @mds49.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1017/S153...
The #Relational #Method: How #Community #Organizing Can Reshape #University #Research
By @amandatattersall.bsky.social & @mds49.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1017/S153...
December 19, 2025 at 8:40 AM
NOW OUT ON FIRSTVIEW!!
The #Relational #Method: How #Community #Organizing Can Reshape #University #Research
By @amandatattersall.bsky.social & @mds49.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1017/S153...
The #Relational #Method: How #Community #Organizing Can Reshape #University #Research
By @amandatattersall.bsky.social & @mds49.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1017/S153...
Reposted by Marc Stears
New Substack post from me... it's free, so subscribe if you fancy it
maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
Thank you for this year... and why 2026 will see huge battles about neurodiversity
The Maybe I'm Amazed Substack will be returning regularly, and with good reason
maybeimamazed.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM
New Substack post from me... it's free, so subscribe if you fancy it
maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/thank-you-...
Reposted by Marc Stears
ECHR Reform: A Danger of Contagion in Relation to Article 3
Veronika Fikfak from @uclspp.bsky.social on the propsed changes to the ECHR. ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/12/09/v...
Veronika Fikfak from @uclspp.bsky.social on the propsed changes to the ECHR. ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/12/09/v...
Veronika Fikfak: ECHR Reform: A Danger of Contagion in Relation to Article 3
On Wednesday 10 December, which is also Human Rights Day, Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe will meet in Strasbourg to discuss how the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) should …
ukconstitutionallaw.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:44 PM
ECHR Reform: A Danger of Contagion in Relation to Article 3
Veronika Fikfak from @uclspp.bsky.social on the propsed changes to the ECHR. ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/12/09/v...
Veronika Fikfak from @uclspp.bsky.social on the propsed changes to the ECHR. ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/12/09/v...
Reposted by Marc Stears
It's right to explore what's driving increased prevalence & what support people need. But as @johnharris1969.bsky.social says, in "a country in which questioning other people’s needs is almost becoming a national sport" the government risks stoking a toxic debate www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The right’s callous overdiagnosis bandwagon is rolling. Wes Streeting should not be on it | John Harris
Thankfully, we now know more about conditions such as autism and ADHD. The health secretary must not be part of this attempt to turn back the clock, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:29 PM
It's right to explore what's driving increased prevalence & what support people need. But as @johnharris1969.bsky.social says, in "a country in which questioning other people’s needs is almost becoming a national sport" the government risks stoking a toxic debate www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Marc Stears
For generations, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has brought light to the heart of London.
Thank you, Norway, for this gift of friendship since 1947.
Thank you, Norway, for this gift of friendship since 1947.
December 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM
For generations, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has brought light to the heart of London.
Thank you, Norway, for this gift of friendship since 1947.
Thank you, Norway, for this gift of friendship since 1947.
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