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Social Market Foundation

@smfthinktank.bsky.social
2.9K followers 322 following 1K posts

Britain’s leading cross-party think tank, with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society. www.smf.co.uk | Also on LinkedIn, X and TikTok

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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We had a great time at Labour conference earlier this week. It was a jam-packed few days in Liverpool, with 11 events bringing together politicians, researchers and organisations to discuss some of the biggest policy questions facing Britain. A huge thank you to all of our speakers and partners.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Join us at Conservative party conference next week for a discussion on how to widen access to AI skills, training and workplace progression - while boosting productivity and growth ⬇️ Kindly sponsored by Google
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We'll be at the Conservative party conference next week, with events on pensions investment, the AI skills gap and tackling the NEET crisis. You can find our full programme here - www.smf.co.uk/party-confer...
smf.co.uk
Conservative Conference | Social Market Foundation
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
SMF Development Director and Deputy Research Director @jamiegollings.bsky.social responds to today's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee report on the BBC's charter review ⬇️ www.smf.co.uk/smf-response...
smf.co.uk
SMF response to DCMS Committee report on BBC Charter Review | Social Market Foundation
The Select Committee suggested moving to such a household levy in the longer term, but why not instead seize the current moment - with a government that has the political will to support the BBC - rat...
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What a great few days at Labour conference in Liverpool - I've got so much to take away/think through, particularly when it comes to tackling the NEET crisis, which really felt like the theme of this year (I heard the upcoming Milburn review termed the "hottest drop of the season")
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Really enjoyed the discussion this morning on two of the biggest policy questions facing politicians - how to reform the council tax and social care systems - looking forward to seeing what ends up being said re social care this afternoon 👀 @jimdickson.bsky.social @smfthinktank.bsky.social
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Don’t miss the main event of #LPC26 Today, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting joins SMF Director @theobertram.bsky.social for a frank conversation on reaching 3.5%, beating Reform in seats like his own, and the big questions on health and defence. ⏰4:30pm
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Social care has been one of the hottest topics of this year's Labour conference, join us tomorrow morning for a discussion on options for both social care and council tax reform ⬇️
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Our final event of the day will see us exploring the economic and social consequences of withdrawing the BBC licence fee. 📍 Exhibition Event Space 1 (secure zone) Kindly sponsored by @38degrees.bsky.social
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This afternoon, we'll discuss how to make the UK an innovation nation, as part of our programme of events for Labour Party Conference Kindly sponsored by the CCIA
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Packed room for our event on NEETs and young people's mental health this morning - main takeaway, we need to do so much more to make sure the wider preventative support (e.g. access to extracurriculars/youth clubs etc) is there for young people to build confidence before they enter the workplace.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Join us to discuss how we can bridge the UK's AI skills gap, at 12:30 in Exhibition Event Space 1 (secure zone) Kindly sponsored by Google
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Would you push back a year of state pension to receive £12.5k today? Thanks to the audience and our panel with @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social MP and @katharinesj.bsky.social for exploring our Citizens Advance proposal, and the broader question of supporting young people in today’s economy.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Join us to discuss the role of mental health support to tackle Britain's NEET crisis, on our second day of events at Labour Party Conference. 📍 10:30, Exhibition Event Space 1 (secure zone) Kindly sponsored by Policy@Manchester
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Andy Burnham says he wants to fix social care… But are his proposals transformative enough? Join us tomorrow in Liverpool to explore how social care reform goes hand in hand with council tax reform. See you there!
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
How can the state help young people to get on? That's the question we'll be asking our panel at 9:00 tomorrow, as part of our programme of Labour Party Conference events. Join us at the Dukes Suite of the Maldron Hotel.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Join us at 9:00 tomorrow morning to discuss unlocking AI for Britain's small businesses, at Exhibition Event Space 1 of the Liverpool Experience Campus. Kindly sponsored by Intuit
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
✅ DAY 1 at #LPC2026 Thank you to our sponsors, panellists Emma Reynolds MP, Helena Dollimore MP, Dom Halas (Startup Coalition), Louise Ashbrook (Salesforce), and the audience for brilliant events! See you tomorrow!
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Kicking off LPC 2026 with a bang! SMF Director Theo Bertram will be discussing the economic priorities of the Government with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds. Kindly sponsored by Vestd 📍Albert Suite, Maldron Hotel
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
✨SMF at LPC 27/9✨ First, join us in conversation with Chief Secretary to Treasury Emma Reynolds. Then stick around the Maldron for a discussion on AI adoption and regional growth with Helena Dollimore MP, Dom Hallas & Salesforce
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
In Liverpool today? Make sure to join our event with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds. She’ll be discussing the Government’s economic priorities, and the choices that will be shaping Britain’s future - with SMF Director Theo Bertram. See you there ✨
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Heading to Labour party conference this morning? You can find our full conference programme here ⬇️
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Wes Streeting has been at the heart of Labour's defining moments this year. Next Tuesday, the Defence Secretary joins SMF Director @theobertram.bsky.social for a frank conversation on reaching 3.5%, beating Reform, and the big questions on health and defence. See you there!
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
🚨SMF at Labour Party Conference🚨 How can Labour deliver growth while maintaining sound public finances and improving living standards? Join SMF for a conversation with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds, to discuss the choices that will shape Britain’s future.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
As many as 60% of 16-24-year-olds who are NEET are estimated to have some form of mental health condition. Join us at Labour party conference for a discussion on how we can improve mental health and help more young people into jobs, education and training. In partnership with Policy@Manchester
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Join us at Labour conference to explore how we can widen access to AI skills, training and progression, while boosting economic growth. Kindly sponsored by Google.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Join us at Labour conference for a discussion on how the Government can make good on the Regulating for Growth Bill, and set rules that let Britain compete in a fast-moving global tech sector. Kindly sponsored by CCIA
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Wes Streeting has been at the heart of Labour's defining moments this year. Next Tuesday, the Defence Secretary joins SMF Director @theobertram.bsky.social for a frank conversation on reaching 3.5%, beating Reform, and the big questions on health and defence. See you at #Lab26!
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Council tax and the social care system are both widely considered as being in need of reform. Could changing both systems together open up opportunities for reform in both? Join us for a discussion on potential changes to the council tax and social care systems ⬇
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
At Labour Party Conference, we'll discuss our policy to help those without family wealth to access to funds that could impact their life course with: @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social @katharinesj.bsky.social @jamiegollings.bsky.social @theobertram.bsky.social Read our full programme: buff.ly/DIHP6pe
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
🤔What if the BBC lost its public funding? BBC spending supports around 45,000 full-time-equivalent jobs outside London, against 42,000 within it - a product of charter obligations, not purely commercial logic. North West, Wales and Scotland have most to lose.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
At Labour Party Conference, we'll discuss how Britain can compete in a fast-moving tech sector with: @chriscurtis94.bsky.social Charlie Mercer Charlotte Holloway @theobertram.bsky.social Read our conference programme: buff.ly/DIHP6pe Kindly sponsored by @ccianet.bsky.social
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
It's so important we protect the BBC as an asset for all of us. We have new research out today (with work by @jamiegollings.bsky.social and @gideonsalutin.bsky.social) looking at what we would lose if the BBC lost public funding, as well as options to secure its funding into the long-term ⬇️
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
🤔What if the BBC lost its public funding? Pull funding from everything except news, and it means the culture and broadcasting industry stands to lose 18k-29k jobs and £3.7-6bn of output. Our latest report adds concrete numbers into a debate usually had in the abstract.
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Adam Sherwin @adamsherwin.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Licence fee replaced by £11 monthly internet levy and viewers to become ‘BBC members’ @smfthinktank.bsky.social recommends inews.co.uk/news/bbc-lic... @theipaper.com @38degrees.bsky.social
inews.co.uk
How BBC licence fee could be scrapped for a new £11 monthly internet charge
Popular shows like Celebrity Traitors could go behind a paywall if BBC licence fee isn't replaced by 'universal' levy, ministers have been warned
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
At Labour Party Conference, we'll discuss AI adoption outside of Whitehall strategy and London's tech economy with: Louise Ashbrook @theobertram.bsky.social Helena Dollimore MP Dom Hallas Read our full conference programme: buff.ly/DIHP6pe Kindly sponsored by @salesforce.com
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🚨 NEW EVENT🚨 On Sunday, we're delighted to kick off our packed Labour Party Conference events programme with a conversation with Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds MP See our full conference programme 👇️ buff.ly/DIHP6pe
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We'll be at Labour party conference from Sunday this week, with events on a range of big topics - including AI and skills, tackling the NEET crisis, the BBC, and how council tax and social care could be reformed. You can find full details of our programme here ⬇️ www.smf.co.uk/party-confer...
smf.co.uk
Labour Conference | Social Market Foundation
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A few from our event earlier today on AI skills - and that's it for our events at Liberal Democrat party conference this year. Kindly sponsored by Google.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Another packed event earlier today for our discussion on the NEET crisis and mental health support at Liberal Democrat party conference. In partnership with Policy@Manchester
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A packed out room for our event on energy and climate resilience in rural communities. Kindly sponsored by National Grid.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Join us shortly at Liberal Democrat conference for a discussion on climate and energy resilience in rural communities. A speaker change - we'll be joined by Luke Taylor MP.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Join us in the Hilton Hotel at Liberal Democrat party conference shortly for a discussion on tackling the NEET crisis ⬇️
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Our first event at Liberal Democrat party conference today discussed how government, financial services, technology and the police can work together to tackle fraud and strengthen economic security. Kindly sponsored by City of London Corporation.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
If you're at Liberal Democrat party conference join us in an hour's time for our first event -
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Do join if you're at Liberal Democrat party conference next week (and we'll be hosting the same event at Labour and Conservative conferences as well) -
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
We're looking forward to being at Liberal Democrat Party conference tomorrow, bringing conversations from AI to NEETs to Brighton. Read our conference programme here 👇️ buff.ly/Y3V8tRD
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We'll be at Liberal Democrat party conference on Monday next week, with events on fraud, the UK's AI skills gap, tackling the NEET crisis and building energy and climate resilience. You can find full details of our programme here ⬇️
smf.co.uk
Liberal Democrat Conference | Social Market Foundation
See the Social Market Foundation's full programme of fringe events for Liberal Democrat Party Conference 2026.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🚨NEW RESEARCH: THE STATE OF E&W POLICE🚨 Despite a rise in police numbers over the last decade, investigator and investigator support roles have dropped as a share of the police workforce – resulting in overstretched investigation capacity and declining efficacy.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Fraud accounts for half of crime against individuals and creates huge costs for businesses and consumers. Join us to explore how government, financial services, tech and the police can work together to tackle fraud and strengthen economic security. Kindly sponsored by City of London Corporation
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