As usual, this was also an opportunity to bring together our Editorial Board and the wider 'Social Policy and Society' community. ... by the way, we are currently recruiting for new Board Members, the deadline for nominations is June 16th - all details on: social-policy.org.uk/editorial-bo...

In short, a perfect illustration of the inherent complexity and ambiguity of social policy. (Also, how invigorating to engage in these discussions and at least temporarily, for 2 hours, escape the troubled world of UK higher education.)

Beyond that a fascinating discussion of the multiple factors that explain why the chosen policy options have been chosen. Ranging from electoral strategy in response to public attitudes and ideological factors to structural constraints emerging from global economic conditions and path dependencies.

Tensions between Labour’s focus on ‘fiscal credibility’ and its wider ambitions for ‘national renewal’; focus on incremental changes over more radical reform ambitions; questions regarding the likelihood of success in achieving its aims.

It was a great session, with sharp and insightful contributions on diverse social policy areas (thanks to representatives from @socialpolicyuk.bsky.social policy groups) and a productive discussion afterwards. A few key themes emerged in my view: 👇

Thanks, Ruth

Thanks, Mariana