The Centre for Welfare Reform and its allies have, for some time, been concerned with the state of social care in the UK. This is not just a matter of…
17 May, 2016
Social Security
12 Feb, 2016
Review of ‘Inventing the Future’
Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work by Nick Srnicek & Alex Williams (Verso 2015) This is a book I’ve been waiting for. Like all books it doesn't do…
02 Feb, 2016
Response to Compass’ draft strategy 2016-18
This Compass document is written in the tone of mediation and optimism that has characterised Compass work, and has been a major element of its attraction and effectiveness. While I…
21 Jan, 2016
What the NHS needs: just EU average funding – and a pinch of dynamite
This article first appeared on the Guardian The numbers are gobsmacking, when spelt out in today’s Guardian/King’s Fund research. They expose how much money is missing from the NHS. As…
05 Nov, 2015
Speech from Compass Liverpool’s event: Together we can
Below is a text of the speech I gave for the Together We Can meeting, alongside Natalie Denny of Liverpool People’s Assembly, Hannah Walkom my co-speaker from the Young Greens, Cllr Frank…
27 Jul, 2015
Statement on Welfare Reform & Work Bill – Time for Labour to find its voice
For what and for whom does the Labour Party stand? That has been – or at least should have been – a central question during the continuing post-mortem following the…
13 Jul, 2015
Child poverty is being erased from the political agenda
We need to think of poverty in relative terms – the fact that some people lack those things which others in society take for granted. 'So I want this message…
22 May, 2015
Common sense is non-sense & the role of social science
Misinformation and vitriolic victim-blaming dominate politics in England. As we enter another five-year period under Conservative rule, policy may still roll out the old ‘what works?' mantra but with little…
26 Mar, 2015
Finding Our Voice
This collection of essays builds on thinking over the last few years – especially thinking in and around Labour and its policy review. The assembled authors share a trust in…
19 Jan, 2015
Back to The Future Socialism
The people’s flag may be deepest red but for the 1994–2010 New Labour period it few from a pale grey masthead. What was therefore once distinct about the Labour Party…
03 Nov, 2014
Five steps to a more effective social security system
This article was first published at NEF If you lost your job tomorrow, fell ill, or needed to take time off work to care for a sick or elderly relative,…
20 Oct, 2014
Towards a progressive fiscal policy
Towards a progressive fiscal policy: mistakes, omissions, and alternatives The Conservative-leaning media were predictably dismissive of Ed Miliband's speech at last month's Labour Party conference, on the grounds that, speaking…