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mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Mile End Institute
@mileendinstitute.bsky.social
2.6K followers 100 following 70 posts
The Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London brings together politicians, policymakers, researchers, students and the public to discuss the major challenges facing British politics, policymaking and public life.
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colmpm.bsky.social
As Patrick Diamond and I wrote a few days ago for @renewaljournal.bsky.social.....

renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that some government advisors are reportedly arguing for keeping to the letter of the manifesto pledge as much as possible. They advocate a ‘smorgasbord’ of smaller tax rises to make up the missing ‘headroom’. Yet, the obvious danger is that cobbling together a ragtag of tax hikes will alienate vocal interest groups, absorb government attention, and only just create sufficient fiscal headroom. To reduce the risk of another tax rising Budget in 2026, more ambition is required. In contrast, direct taxes reliably raise significant revenue. Estimates vary but a 2p increase in the basic rate alone would yield up to £20 billion by 2028-29. Even if Labour also cut National Insurance for lower earners on grounds of intergenerational fairness, as recent reports strongly suggest they will, they could raise up to £11bn a year.
November 14, 2025 at 12:22 PM
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karlpike.bsky.social
The consequences of Labour’s manifesto tax pledge continue to be significant. Real shame there wasn’t enough debate about it, particularly within the party. That it was a key pledge, though, is impossible to ignore: journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
A pledge from Labour’s most senior politicians, including the Prime Minister - a pledge repeated since taking office - cannot be easily broken. The political consequences could be dire.
November 14, 2025 at 7:53 AM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Essential reading from our brilliant Deputy Director @colmpm.bsky.social and former Director Patrick Diamond in @renewaljournal.bsky.social.

Ahead of the Budget, they argue that Rachel Reeves must argue more forcefully that "taxes are *the* essential down payment we all pay for a fairer society".
colmpm.bsky.social Colm Murphy @colmpm.bsky.social · 6d
Breaking the tax pledge is the right call...and politically sulphurous. Reeves must argue, far more forcefully, that taxes are *the* essential downpayment we all pay for a fairer society.

Patrick Diamond and I wrote for @renewaljournal.bsky.social. Key points in 🧵 👇

renewal.org.uk/blog/if-labo...
If Labour want a fairer society, they must argue for it
Labour must make the political argument: taxes are the critical downpayment we all pay to live in a fairer society.  It now seems all but certain that direct taxes will rise in the forthcoming Budget...
renewal.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:50 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
What are the origins of devolution? What can we learn from the '70s? How long should we wait between referendums?

In @dodspolintel.bsky.social's latest collaboration with @qmulsse.bsky.social, @drjoshwells.bsky.social talks to Tom Chidwick about his forthcoming book, Now or Never!
shorturl.at/93ISv
“A Motorway Without an Exit”: In conversation with Tom Chidwick on devolution, division and the future of British politics | Dods Political Intelligence
In this wide-ranging conversation, Tom Chidwick, the political historian and Manager of the Mile End Institute, speaks with Josh Wells about the unfinished story of British devolution and the constitu...
www.dodspoliticalintelligence.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:51 AM
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robertsaunders.bsky.social
Do we still live in Thatcher's Britain?

I was joined at the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social by Gillian Shephard, Simone Finn and @philipjcowley.bsky.social to discuss the Thatcher legacy, 100 years after her birth.

The full video is available here.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLJK...
Still "Thatcher's Britain"? The Thatcher Legacy, 1925-2025
YouTube video by Mile End Institute
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Last week, inspired by @ldfreedman.bsky.social's "Hennessy Lecture", we explored the foreign and domestic policy implications of Britain's support for Ukraine.

Feat. @drjamesstrong.bsky.social, @elkeschwarz.bsky.social, Patrick Porter and @evieaspinall.bsky.social⬇️

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUvQ...
"Whatever it takes": The Policy Implications of Supporting Ukraine
YouTube video by Mile End Institute
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:07 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Last month, the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social marked the centenary of Margaret Thatcher's birth by exploring why she continues to cast such a shadow across British politics and considering how her reputation has changed and what lessons - good or bad - might be drawn from her time in power.
Banner for the Mile End Institute's 'Still "Thatcher's Britain"?' event, held at Queen Mary University of London on 20 October 2025. It features the MEI's logo, the title of the event in white text and a photo of Margaret Thatcher speaking in front of the Union Flag.
November 4, 2025 at 3:15 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Great to see our Director, Dr Sofia Collignon, on the @hansardsociety.bsky.social's 'Parliament Matters' podcast this week!

You can listen to Sofia's contribution about tackling abuse of MPs on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
October 31, 2025 at 1:44 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
At lunchtime today, we'll be exploring the policy implications of supporting Ukraine until the end, inspired by @ldfreedman.bsky.social's "Hennessy Lecture".

You can book your place to hear @evieaspinall.bsky.social, @patporter76.bsky.social, @elkeschwarz.bsky.social and @drjamesstrong.bsky.social🔽
bfpg.bsky.social British Foreign Policy Group @bfpg.bsky.social · 20d
Tomorrow, 28th October at 12:00, tune in to the Mile End Institute's webinar to hear BFPG Director, Evie Aspinall, and fellow panellists discussing Britain's role in Ukraine, and the implications for UK foreign and domestic policy.

Sign up here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
October 28, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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robertsaunders.bsky.social
We'll be joined by

@evieaspinall.bsky.social (Director, the British Foreign Policy Group)

@patporter76.bsky.social (Chair of International Security & Strategy, Birmingham)

@elkeschwarz.bsky.social (Professor of Political Theory, QMUL)

@drjamesstrong.bsky.social (Reader in British Politics, QMUL)
October 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
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robertsaunders.bsky.social
"‘Whatever It Takes?’ The Policy Implications of Supporting Ukraine".

What does supporting Ukraine mean in practice?

What are the implications for national security, tax policy, EU relations, energy security & more?

28 Oct 12:00 at @mileendinstitute.bsky.social.
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
October 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by Mile End Institute
profjanegreen.bsky.social
This is really interesting by Matthew Barnfield and colleagues. Our research shows Labour is losing more support among its 2024 voters who feel financially insecure, which - together - suggests voters leaving Labour cant *afford* to wait for ‘jam tomorrow’.
October 20, 2025 at 9:20 AM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Tonight, we will be marking the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth by asking why she continues to cast such a shadow across British politics.

A handful of tickets are still available, for members of the public and @qmulsse.bsky.social staff and students, so please do join us if you can!
robertsaunders.bsky.social Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · Oct 17
Is Thatcher now more myth than history?

What endures of her legacy? What's been dismantled?

Is it time for Conservatives to move past the Thatcher era?

Discuss all this at the MEI on Monday, with Gillian Shephard, Simone Finn, @philipjcowley.bsky.social & me!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/still-that...
Still “Thatcher’s Britain”? The Thatcher Legacy, 1925-2025
Join the Mile End Institute to explore why Margaret Thatcher continues to cast such a shadow across British politics!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:06 AM
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mbarnfield.bsky.social
Great to speak to @greenmirandahere.bsky.social for today's FT Inside Politics about the latest finding from our politics of (im)patience project, w/ @karlpike.bsky.social and @philipjcowley.bsky.social.

www.ft.com/content/e984...
Labour sheds support from impatient Britons
Research shows party losing voters who want results now, with women more likely to prioritise short-term gains
www.ft.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Reposted by Mile End Institute
tonymcn64.bsky.social
“I want it now, I want it now
Not the promises of what tomorrow brings”

Impatient to read more from the excellent research here from @mbarnfield.bsky.social @karlpike.bsky.social and @philipjcowley.bsky.social - wonderful colleagues from
@qmulsse.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 9:42 AM
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mybisa.bsky.social
Announcing our #BISA2026 conference keynote as leading scholar Professor Kimberly Hutchings @qmpoliticsir.bsky.social 🎉

The title will be 'Violence and the Meaning of Peace’ and we are very excited! 🌟

Find out more 👉 buff.ly/c46i8zp

@simonrushton.bsky.social @visitbrighton.bsky.social
Kimberly Hutchings headshot
October 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
Next Monday, 20 October, we will be exploring Thatcher's legacy and her impact on British politics today. With former Thatcher minister Gillian Shephard, Conservative peer Simone Finn, @philipjcowley.bsky.social and @robertsaunders.bsky.social. All welcome!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/still-that...
October 13, 2025 at 8:46 AM
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nigelfletcher.bsky.social
As today is the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth, I think it’s obligatory to treat you to a succession of anecdotes about her.
Here goes:
#Thatcher100
October 13, 2025 at 7:38 AM
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philipjcowley.bsky.social
Me, on @markpackuk.bsky.social's polling podcast, taking about the book... Or: "50 gems from political science", as Mark puts it...

www.markpack.org.uk/175771/the-s...
50 gems from political science: Phil Cowley's new book
The Smallest Room in the House is Phil Cowley's latest book, collating 50 fun yet useful insights from political science.
www.markpack.org.uk
October 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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philipjcowley.bsky.social
Almost all of my good Thatcher stuff has been done with @whyoutloud.bsky.social, of which this was the first. Still one of the best things I've written - and we did it just in time, before too few of them were around. Hardly ever gets cited, but such is life.

www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Peasants' Uprising or Religious War? Re-examining the 1975 Conservative Leadership Contest | British Journal of Political Science | Cambridge Core
Peasants' Uprising or Religious War? Re-examining the 1975 Conservative Leadership Contest - Volume 30 Issue 4
www.cambridge.org
October 13, 2025 at 7:51 AM
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philipjcowley.bsky.social
A reminder: people say "guru" because it uses fewer characters than "charlatan". But still, do come along...
October 10, 2025 at 7:38 AM
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ukandeu.bsky.social
"The Conservatives have been in very deep holes before… But the big difference this time is that they face a threat on their right flank, which is something they have never had to face before."

@timbale.bsky.social on whether the Tories face an existential threat

👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivRL...
October 10, 2025 at 2:26 PM
mileendinstitute.bsky.social
It was an honour to welcome @ldfreedman.bsky.social to @qmul.bsky.social on Wednesday evening, to deliver our latest "Hennessy Lecture" on the West's commitment to Ukraine.

Thanks to everyone who came, all those who asked questions and especially Sir Lawrence himself for such a stimulating lecture.
A close-up of Sir Lawrence Freedman delivering the Hennessy Lecture at QMUL on 8 October 2025. Credit: Gary Schwarz. Sir Lawrence Freedman in conversation with Dr Robert Saunders at the Mile End Institute on 8 October 2025. Credit: Gary Schwarz. Photo of the audience watching Sir Lawrence Freedman in conversation with Dr Robert Saunders at the Mile End Institute on 8 October 2025. Credit: Gary Schwarz. Close-up of Sir Lawrence Freedman answering a question from the audience at the Mile End Institute on 8 October 2025. Credit: Gary Schwarz.
October 10, 2025 at 9:44 AM
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robertsaunders.bsky.social
Standing room only for @ldfreedman.bsky.social's superb "Hennessy Lecture" at the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social this evening, on "As long as it takes: What does it mean to commit to Ukraine's security?"

Really good questions from the audience, too. Thanks to everyone who came.
October 8, 2025 at 10:11 PM
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robertsaunders.bsky.social
We'll be exploring the Thatcher legacy & her impact on British politics today at the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social on 20 Oct.

With former Thatcher minister, Gillian Shephard; Conservative peer Simone Finn; legendary politics guru @philipjcowley.bsky.social & me.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/still-that...
Still “Thatcher’s Britain”? The Thatcher Legacy, 1925-2025
Join the Mile End Institute to explore why Margaret Thatcher continues to cast such a shadow across British politics!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 7:25 AM