By Associate Professor Rebecca Riley City-REDI, Birmingham Business School Each party’s stance on place and devolution reflects their broader political philosophies, with Labour and the Conservatives focusing on managed devolution within a united framework, while the Liberal Democrats, Greens, SNP, and Plaid Cymru push for more substantial devolved autonomy and constitutional reform. Reform UK doesn’t … Continue reading “The future of devolution under a new government – a manifesto guide”
Category: Politics
Closing the gender pay gap ‘once and for all’
By Dr Fuk Ying Tse – Assistant Professor in Organisation, Work and Employment, University of Birmingham Dr Manuela Galetto – Associate Professor in Employment Relations, University of Warwick In an exclusive interview with the Guardian on 20 June 2024, Rachel Reeves, the contesting Chancellor of the Labour Party, pledged to close the gender pay gap … Continue reading “Closing the gender pay gap ‘once and for all’”
Why Labour’s promise of 6,500 teachers is not likely to work
By Professor Beng Huat See School of Education, University of Birmingham Labour’s promise of 6,500 new teachers is unlikely to solve the chronic teacher shortage. The issue extends beyond just a lack of teachers or interested individuals. Despite various financial incentives and the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy—which aims to reduce workload, improve school culture, … Continue reading “Why Labour’s promise of 6,500 teachers is not likely to work”
Mind the (wealth) gap
By Dr Huw Macartney Department of Political Science and International Studies, School of Government, University of Birmingham Three million emergency food parcels were handed out in the UK over the past 12 months; the number of people living in absolute poverty is predicted to increase by 300,000, to almost 12 million, in 2024; and 17 … Continue reading “Mind the (wealth) gap”
How stable is India’s new government?
By Professor Aditya Goenka Department of Economics, Birmingham Business School On 4 June 2024 the parliamentary election results were announced for India after a 7 stage elections process held over 44 days. 642 million votes were cast of which 312 million were women. 543 seats were up for grabs. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) … Continue reading “How stable is India’s new government?”
Trans rights? Not under Starmer’s Labour Party
By Jonathan Pettifer, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham The UK has plummeted down the rankings of LGBTQ-friendly countries over the last decade. With a general election set for 4 July, could a change in government mean an improvement in LGBTQ+ rights? When New Labour took office in 1997, … Continue reading “Trans rights? Not under Starmer’s Labour Party”
SoS – Save our Shops! Will the forthcoming election bring about effective retail change?
By Professor Sarah Montano & Dr Inci Toral, Department of Marketing, Birmingham Business School We are used to seeing the news headlines stating that the High Street is dying. The recent loss of Wilko emphasises the precarious nature of retail. In 2022 Ordnance Survey data showed that department stores had declined by 13.4%. However, there … Continue reading “SoS – Save our Shops! Will the forthcoming election bring about effective retail change?”
AI and Democracy: A threat or an opportunity?
By Dr Adam Matthews, School of Education, University of Birmingham 2024 has been described as make or break for democracy worldwide with 1.5 billion citizens going to the polls in more than 50 countries. With many claiming AI will be as disruptive as steam, electricity, printing press, TV and radio, and the internet, AI technologies … Continue reading “AI and Democracy: A threat or an opportunity?”
Cracks in the Blue Wall: Do Conservative Electoral Losses Signal a Shift in Southern Strongholds?
By Dr Jacob Salder, Department of Management, Birmingham Business School I’m sure the past week has been difficult for Rishi Sunak. Losing almost half the incumbent Councillors standing for re-election will have stung, and the outcome of the mayoral elections more so. The Tees Valley offering a sole scion of hope here, in other cities … Continue reading “Cracks in the Blue Wall: Do Conservative Electoral Losses Signal a Shift in Southern Strongholds?”
Apathy, allegiance, and anger, the mayoral elections against a backdrop of voter turmoil
By Rebecca Riley, Associate Professor Enterprise, Engagement, and Impact, City-REDI For the political wonks, in England, the bank holiday weekend was a nail biting and fascinating affair, especially when it comes to devolution. Combined Authority Mayors were high on the wonk agenda, but sadly still low on the voter agenda, as turnout again remains low. As … Continue reading “Apathy, allegiance, and anger, the mayoral elections against a backdrop of voter turmoil”