Stopping the Small Boats: a “Plan B”
Policy ExchangeThis report outlines a plan of action to address the Channel crisis. Plan A would be an agreement with France to accept the return of migrants and asylum-seekers attempting to crossing the Channel in small boats. If such an agreement cannot be reached, Plan B would be to remove persons attempting to enter the UK on small boats to a location outside the UK – whether the Channel Islands, Sovereign Bases in Cyprus or Ascension Island – where their asylum claims would be considered. Economic migrants (failed asylum seekers) would be returned to their home country, or to some other state willing to receive them. Genuine refugees would be resettled in a safe state other than the UK. No person entering (or attempting to enter) the UK on a small boat from a safe country would be allowed to settle in the UK, even if a genuine refugee.
UK’s Defence Space Strategy in Context
Gabriel ElefteriuThis analysis by Gabriel Elefteriu notes that the UK’s first Defence Space Strategy is an excellent document with an assertive message. It maps out a coherent and logical path towards UK space power. But delivering a range of complex space capabilities quickly within tight budgets will be a major challenge for the MoD: real civil-military integration and a unified space decision & acquisition authority at the heart of Government is required. The Defence Space Portfolio is also an economic tool that can shape the industrial landscape, so the way the new Own-Collaborate-Access framework will be applied should be a matter of wider debate and geopolitical consideration as well.
A New Deal for Drivers
Ben SouthwoodAverage road speeds around the UK’s cities are painfully low, damaging economic growth and forcing people to endure long commutes or to miss out on the best jobs. In this report, Policy Exchange argues that road pricing could improve the lives of drivers as well as commanding public support.
How the Bank of England has failed to control inflation. And what should be done to reform it.
This week sees the Bank of England celebrate 25 years of independence. Quite rightly, the current rise in inflation has raised questions about whether it is time to reassess its remit and governance.
There has been a rise in inflation across western economies. That this is more than a UK issue should not divert attention from where the problem lies.
What does Macron’s re-election mean for Britain?
To the relief of the French and European establishment, Emmanuel Macron’s re-election makes him the first two-term French President in 20 years since Jacques Chirac. However, the 17-point margin of his victory over Marine Le Pen does not tell the whole story. Voter turnout was the lowest in a presidential run-off since 1969 and Le Pen increased her vote tally from 10.6 million in the second round in 2017 to 13.2 million this time around.
Public satisfaction with GP services is at a 25 year low. So what can be done to reverse the decline?
The publication of the most recent British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey last week reveals a significant decrease in public satisfaction with NHS services – from dentistry to accident and emergency, reflected across demographic groups. Perhaps the most striking result however was a significant decline in satisfaction with general practice.
Health Accountability
Proposals to strengthen ministerial accountability are long overdue, and will complement the changes underway to consolidate various arm’s length bodies into NHS England, said Robert Ede, Head of Health and Social Care at Policy Exchange, in an article for the Health Service Journal on the significance of this week’s Health and Care White Paper on legislative reform. Read his article re-published on the Policy Exchange website here.
Charging Up
The Energy & Environment Unit at Policy Exchange launched a paper warning that the installation of electric vehicle chargepoints would have to be five times faster during the 2020s to make the petrol and diesel vehicle ban workable. The report was authored by Ed Birkett, Senior Fellow and William Nicolle, Research Fellow at Policy Exchange. The release coincided with the Government’s announcement of £20m additional funding for EV charging infrastructure. Read coverage of the report in The Telegraph, Sky News, Bloomberg and BBC News. Read the report here.
UK Digital Identity
This week DCMS set out a new UK digital identity and attributes trust framework to make it easier and quicker for people to verify their identities using modern technology. The framework is in line with recommendations made in Policy Exchange’s 2020 report Verified, which featured a foreword from Matt Warman MP, Minister for Digital Infrastructure.
Upcoming Events
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Thursday, 20 January, 2022
11:00 - 12:00
The UK’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2050 will impact the whole economy. In this event, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities for small businesses as the economy transitions to lower-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, lower-carbon heating systems, and more sustainable supply chains.
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Monday, 10 January, 2022
18:30 - 19:30
Policy Exchange is delighted to announce, The Falklands 40 Margaret Thatcher Day Lecture, Delivered by Lord Moore of Etchingham, Visiting Scholar, Policy Exchange. With Vote of thanks by Hon Leona Roberts MLA, Member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, Chaired by Dean Godson. The lecture is held in association with the Falkland Islands Government and with a live link to Port Stanley.
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Tuesday, 23 November, 2021
18:00 - 19:00
Keynote speech by Paul Ormerod Economist and chair of the Rochdale Development Agency Chaired by David Goodhart (more…)
Venue: Policy Exchange
Address: