From ‘point of care’ or ‘at-home’ testing to the development of community diagnostic hubs, great strides have been made in improving access to diagnostics across the NHS in recent years. So how do we maximise early detection as a means of improving outcomes for major conditions such as dementia or cancer? And how important will boosting the use of diagnostics be for improving NHS performance overall?
A sense of optimism accompanied the publication of a first-of-its-kind Long Term Workforce Plan for the NHS in its 75th year, so how can the Government now ensure it delivers on its vision to double medical school places and to expand opportunity in under-staffed specialties and geographies?
Housing is a policy area saturated with areas, but which interventions would realistically help ease the housing crisis in the short and medium term? This event will showcase the best thinking on how to deliver the new homes that the UK desperately needs.
Maths is fundamental to our success – as individuals, and as a nation. The Prime Minister has put maths at the centre of his ambitions for education: this event will examine how we can revolutionise maths teaching from ages 11 to 18, to develop maths excellence in children of all backgrounds.
There are few more important issues to be tackled on our high streets than the crime epidemic faced by retailers. The panel will discuss how these offences are often perpetrated by individuals linked to Organised Crime Groups, yet rarely taken seriously by the police or wider criminal justice system, leading, in effect, to decriminalisation.
As a nation we have the potential to be a global digital powerhouse. This event will discuss frontier technology such as robotics, AI and Web3 and explore what we need to do on talent, R&D, and regulation to remain at the cutting edge. Our progress in such fields will be critical to our economic success.
The UK is a world leader in terrorism reinsurance, which allows it to mitigate terrorism risk in an increasingly volatile business environment. But what steps can it take to become a leader in cyber risk? This panel will discuss the applicability of the UK’s traditional and terrorism risk lessons to the cyber field.
Further speakers to be announced
Polls show Labour is more trusted than the Conservatives on immigration. The Small Boats crisis is central to this – but voters are also conflicted on legal migration, wanting the benefit of foreign care workers but mistrusting demographic change and pressure on housing. Where next for immigration policy?
Over one hundred million working days are lost each year to ill health and long-term sickness has reached record levels. So what can be done to turn things around? This event will consider the role that workplaces can play in tackling economic inactivity and driving improved health outcomes.
AUKUS is one of the most significant allied initiatives in modern history, delivering a mutual uplift of defence capabilities and helping the UK, the US and Australia to fast-track the most vital technologies of the future. This event will explore the sharpening Indo-Pacific security environment, and what’s needed to ensure the project’s success.
The Ukraine War has demonstrated the crucial need for defence innovation, particularly as the Ukrainian Armed Forces marry cutting-edge British, American, and allied technologies with a vibrant tech ecosystem. Moreover, the UK’s defence industrial system must be modified to meet the output demanded in a major power conflict that resembles what is ongoing in Ukraine. How can the UK leverage advanced technologies and, through a culture of innovation, both improve its military lethality and bolster its support for Ukrainian and European security? What steps can industry, MoD, the services, and British allies and partners take to encourage a culture of innovation within and around the British Armed Forces, and the British defence industrial system more broadly?
The UK needs to raise over £1 trillion to achieve our energy security and net zero objectives by 2050, but we face fierce global competition for climate investment. How can Westminster develop a truly long-term planning horizon to deliver certainty and confidence to attract prospective investors?
Three years since declaring ambitions for 24 GW of nuclear generating capacity by 2050 – with major advances in the sector by peers and rivals alike – the UK has not secured a final investment decision on any new nuclear projects. What has been missing from our strategy, and how can Great British Nuclear (GBN) overcome these procurement challenges?
Degree apprenticeships are the great success story of our time – combining the prestige of the traditional degree with practical on-the-job experience. But demand still massively outstrips supply. How can we make degree apprenticeships a genuine alternative for all those who desire them?
This panel will examine how the Government can make the most of the opportunities presented by the Edinburgh Reforms, taking into consideration factors such as how Solvency II will support the green transition, how to use the power of financial services to benefit the real-world economy, and how pension assets might be put to the good of society.
The COVID pandemic demonstrated the fundamental importance of good data in government decision-making. Yet in every area, from economics to crime to education, the data available – and how it is presented – shapes our understanding and the policy options available. How can we mobilise data to ensure Government makes the best decisions possible?
Recent pressures on the health service have reinforced the interdependence of the NHS and care sector. This event will consider how the Government can deliver on the promise of integrated care to better meet the evolving health needs of an ageing population.
The UK insurance industry is one of the world’s most important and innovative, with UK brokers placing over £85 billion of gross written premium. Insurers also enable individuals and businesses to take risks and drive economic growth. This panel will consider how the industry promotes a culture of entrepreneurship and what the Government can do to help.
A ‘Balloon Debate’ to determine the Guiding Light of Conservatism. Our panel of high-profile Conservative figures will each take the part of a respected Conservative historical figure, making the case to the audience as to why their character should not be thrown from the balloon!
With cutting waiting lists a Prime Ministerial priority and the NHS certain to be a key issue for voters at the election, improving health and care outcomes will be vital for the Government. But are their plans enough to meet public expectations? Policy Exchange is pleased to host the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP in conversation with Iain Dale.
