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”
Category: Politics
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”
Birmingham City Council and Public Service Cutbacks: The Role of Community in Shaping Birmingham’s Future
By Professor John Bryson Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography, The Department of Strategy and International Business, Birmingham Business School Birmingham City Council (BCC) has found itself in a financial mess. Partly this comes from operational decisions that were made in the past and often by officers rather than elected councillors. One outcome of these … Continue reading “Birmingham City Council and Public Service Cutbacks: The Role of Community in Shaping Birmingham’s Future “
HS2 Funds Reallocation: A Lifeline or Liability for Local Authorities?
Dr Alice Moore, Assistant Professor in Public Management and Public Policy – School of Government The government has reallocated £4.7 billion that it would have spent on the cancelled legs of HS2 to a Local Transport Fund. From 2025, 27 areas in the North of England and Midlands will get an allocation to spend on … Continue reading “HS2 Funds Reallocation: A Lifeline or Liability for Local Authorities?”
Sibling Sexual Behaviour: how can services respond to the most common yet under-reported form of sexual abuse within the family?
By Dr Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham & Professor Kieran McCartan, UWE Sexual abuse is one of the most common and under reported forms of interpersonal violence. Although individuals, communities and society recognise the reality of sexual abuse and its ongoing implications for victims, the people who have committed the abuse, and their … Continue reading “Sibling Sexual Behaviour: how can services respond to the most common yet under-reported form of sexual abuse within the family?”