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Social Market Foundation

@smfthinktank.bsky.social
2.9K followers 323 following 1.1K 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 · 1h
📣Speaker announcement📣 What does "regulating for growth" mean? Is it an oxymoron? Baroness Hayter, Chair of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee, opens our conference with Meta in a fireside chat with Lord Willetts. 📅 21 Oct, Westminster ✍️Sign-up: luma.com/4o1lirnw
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 2h
The Home Office expects 1.6m settlement grants in the UK in 2026-2030, peaking at around 450,000 in 2028. In a briefing out today, @jtmigratory.bsky.social explains how who gets to stay, rather than who arrives, will dominate the immigration debate going forward. www.smf.co.uk/publications...
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 2h
Falling net migration shifts the debate from who gets in to who gets to stay – settlement, welfare access and removals. These issues touch people’s lives far more directly, warns SMF Senior Fellow @jtmigratory.bsky.social, making the debate more divisive, not less. www.smf.co.uk/publications...
smf.co.uk
Inside out: Why and how falling immigration numbers could result in increasing political and public tensions and divisions over immigration in the UK | Social Market Foundation
How could falling net migration increase political and public tensions over immigration? Migration expert Jonathan Thomas explores.
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 19h
This is a great (and balanced in some tricky areas) piece from our Head of AI @sam-rob.bsky.social on some of the big issues facing Burnham's government on the technology -
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 19h
"AI’s honeymoon phase is over: as the capabilities and opportunities have grown, so have the risks." Our Head of Artificial Intelligence, @sam-rob.bsky.social, on the big challenges facing Burnham's government when it comes to AI policy ⬇️ www.smf.co.uk/opinion-and-...
smf.co.uk
Taking back the initiative - How Burnham can respond as the world of AI heats up | Social Market Foundation
As Labour conference gets into full swing, it has to be said that recently the political vibes have been sunny for Labour: a ‘Burnham bounce’, the party (narrowly) retaking the lead in opinion polls, ...
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 22h
How can the UK regulate for growth and innovation? Join us and Meta for a half-day conference bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry and researchers to explore what pro-innovation regulation should look like in practice. 📍 Westminster 🎟️ Register: luma.com/4o1lirnw
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Great new piece from @jamiegollings.bsky.social on the timing of state pensioner pay - which is every 4 weeks, when most bills are monthly ⬇️
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
📆Pensioners are paid every 4 weeks, but most bills are monthly. 💸This mismatch can increase financial stress. A “Pensioner Pay-Cycle Guarantee” could give more control by letting people align bills with their pension, explains SMF's @jamiegollings.bsky.social www.smf.co.uk/opinion-and-...
smf.co.uk
Out of sync: Pensioners are paid four-weekly in a ‘monthly’ world | Social Market Foundation
A ‘Pensioner Pay-Cycle Guarantee’ allows older people to pay their bills in line with the 28 day state pension cycle if they wish to.
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Another interesting conversation, this time at Conservative party conference, on NEETs and young people's mental health - lots on the role of educational institutions, community, employers and government to support young people and on the importance of preventative care.
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
That's a wrap on Conservative party conference and with it the SMF's conference season - a huge thank you to all our speakers and everyone that joined us this week for conversations on AI and skills, pensions and investment and NEETs and young people's mental health.
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Dr Luke Evans MP @drlukeevans.org.uk · 05/10/2026
To round off today I joined a Social Market Foundation panel on youth unemployment and how to tackle Labour’s NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) rise. It was encouraging to see an agreement across all areas that this needs to be addressed!
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Our event programme at Conservative party conference has kicked off this morning with a timely discussion on pensions policy ⬇️
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
On Monday afternoon at Conservative party conference we'll be discussing the NEET crisis, and how young people's mental health can be supported to help them into work ⬇️ In parternship with Policy@Manchester
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Join us tomorrow at Conservative party conference to explore how policy reforms such as the Fit for the Future regime, consolidation, and initiatives such as the Mansion House Accord could reshape investment - and how to build a credible pipeline of UK opportunities that work for pension schemes ⬇️
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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
Kindly sponsored by @trustforlondon.bsky.social
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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
We'll be kicking off this afternoon with an in conversation event with Emma Reynolds, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. bsky.app/profile/smft...
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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
Kindly sponsored by Planet Labs
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Social Market Foundation @smfthinktank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Kindly sponsored by Vestd
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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
Speakers include Cllr Kam Nagpal, @lukemunford.bsky.social and Sarah Poretta, chaired by the SMF's @beckymontacute.bsky.social
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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
Speakers include @jon4highpeak.bsky.social, @alasdairmcdiarmid.bsky.social, Michaela Neild and @jeegarkakkad.bsky.social - chaired by the SMF's @theobertram.bsky.social
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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
Speakers include @chriscurtis94.bsky.social, Charlotte Holloway, Sarah Pritchard, Charlie Mercer Ashley and Feldman - chaired by @theobertram.bsky.social
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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
Kindly funded by @trustforlondon.bsky.social
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