Open Europe joins Policy Exchange

Will Heaven

Director of Policy and Communications (2018 - 2021)

Policy Exchange is delighted to announce that Open Europe’s team of experts – Stephen Booth, David Shiels, and Dominic Walsh – is joining us to lead the work of our Britain in the World Unit.

The exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union last Friday marked the beginning of an important new chapter for Britain. It also marked the end of the story for Open Europe, which will be closing. But more than ever, there is a vital need for high quality policy research on international trade and the myriad other opportunities for Britain after Brexit – and Policy Exchange’s new Britain in the World team will soon be publishing its latest research on these subjects.

Simon Wolfson, until now Open Europe’s Chairman, is returning to Policy Exchange’s Board of Trustees. He said: “I am delighted the expertise and insight that Open Europe has developed over the last 15 years will now help to shape Policy Exchange’s outstanding work. Policy Exchange has established itself as one of Britain’s foremost think tanks. As the UK reaches out to become a truly global nation, it makes much sense to combine Open Europe’s forensic knowledge of Britain’s relationship with the EU with Policy Exchange’s existing Experts.

“On behalf of Stephen and the team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported and contributed to the work of Open Europe. In particular I would like to pay tribute to the late Lord (Rodney) Leach, whose foresight created Open Europe and developed it into one of the most trusted and respected voices in the debate over Europe.”

We are also delighted to announce that Sir David Ord, the co-owner and Managing Director of the Bristol Port Company, is joining Policy Exchange’s Board of Trustees.

Dean Godson, Director of Policy Exchange, said: “I have always been impressed by the quality of Open Europe’s research – and the speed at which they have published, through every twist and turn of the Brexit process. The recruitment of Stephen, David and Dominic to Policy Exchange is an exciting moment for us all and will place the Britain in the World Unit at the heart of our research programme.”

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