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The Policy Institute

@policyatkings.bsky.social
4.9K followers 720 following 907 posts

Working to solve society’s challenges with evidence and expertise. Based at King's College London 🔗 kcl.ac.uk/policy-institute Event invites & updates ➡️ kcl.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?…

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School for Government @schoolforgovt.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
"Two people involved in steering Britain through the financial crisis say the economic stagnation ever since can be overcome with a ‘relentless’ growth mission" In his Sunday Times column, David Smith previews The Growth Papers – our new series authored by John Kingman and Shriti Vadera
thetimes.com
A stunning statistic shows how far UK growth has fallen
Two people involved in steering Britain through the financial crisis say the economic stagnation ever since can be overcome with a ‘relentless’ growth mission
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 13h
EVENT: Professional Future-Thinking and European Future(s): Potential and Impact Join Dr Giovanni Grevi, Antonia Mochan and Dr Aggie Hirst to explore whether increased investment in professional future-thinking has actually made policymaking better. ➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/profession...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 15h
🚨 Starting at 10:30 – hope to see you there!
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
"GDP per head has risen by 9% in total over the past 18 years, compared with 43% over the previous 18" In his Sunday Times column, David Smith previews The Growth Papers – the new @schoolforgovt.bsky.social series authored by John Kingman and Shriti Vadera ➡️ www.thetimes.com/business/eco...
The UK’s growth failure matters to businesses, the public finances and individuals. As Kingman and Vadera point out, had growth continued in line with its pre-crisis trend, real GDP per head would be a third higher than now. The trend did not continue, for external and self-inflicted reasons, set out here regularly.

My favourite statistic on this is that GDP per head has risen by 9 per cent in total over the past 18 years, compared with 43 per cent over the previous 18. 

“The Growth Papers: Unlocking a Virtuous Circle”, by Kingman and Vadera, to be published this week, will be the first in a series of reports that will tackle different aspects of driving stronger growth in the UK. It will be released alongside another, on devolution, on the King’s College London School for Government website.
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School for Government @schoolforgovt.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
NEW: Britain can only escape two decades of stagnant living standards with a policy agenda matching the scale of the problem, according to two of the UK’s most experienced economic policymakers, John Kingman and Shriti Vadera. Their new series – The Growth Papers – will set out possible solutions ⬇️
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Anand Menon @anandmenon.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I spoke to WATO about the Brexit options the UK can choose from
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Join us tomorrow at Conservative Party Conference, as we discuss the future of the workforce with Baroness Amanda Spielman, Lord David Willetts, Prof Baroness Alison Wolf, @jesslister.bsky.social and @bobbyduffy.bsky.social 📅 Tues 6 October, 10:30–11:45 📍 Hall 10b, ICC, Birmingham 🎟️ Pass required
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Natalie Bennett @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Great session - thanks everyone!
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
💡 Today we’re at the Green Party's conference in Brighton to discuss how we recruit, retain and train the health and social care workforce our communities need With @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social, Ellen McNicholas, George Imafidon MBE, @annetteboaz.bsky.social & Prof Graham Lord
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
🎓 Announcing: Our Evidence Development and Incubation Team will lead an independent evaluation – commissioned by @taso.org.uk – of the Exeter Exam Centre, a University of Exeter initiative that helps young people outside mainstream schooling sit their GCSEs. ➡️ www.kcl.ac.uk/news/policy-...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
💡 This Friday we'll be at the Green Party's conference in Brighton to discuss how we recruit, retain and train the health and social care workforce our communities need – with @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social, Ellen McNicholas, George Imafidon MBE, @annetteboaz.bsky.social & Prof Graham Lord.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Our #Lab26 panels are done – and the @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social reception is now in full swing, as we're joined by Douglas Alexander MP and Baroness Deborah Mattinson. Thanks to everyone who joined us today! 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
@allymcgovern.bsky.social: “It’s so heartening to be here at a moment when the PM has made clear we will be publishing a new mental health strategy by Christmas”
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Our final panel of the day is under way: we're discussing what's driving the mental health crisis – is it rising prevalence or rising demand? With @allymcgovern.bsky.social, @simonforstroud.bsky.social, Dr Shubulade Smith CBE, Sarah Holloway & Prof Sir Simon Wessely #Lab26 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
What can today's government learn from the New Labour years? Baroness Sally Morgan, @rentouljohn.bsky.social, @johnmct.bsky.social, Councillor Thomas Robinson & @jonmdavis.bsky.social are discussing at our next panel with @strandgroup.bsky.social #Lab26 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Up next: "From fear to action: making AI work for everyone" We're with @liambyrnemp.bsky.social, Alex Rossiter of the TUC & Profs @elenasimperl.bsky.social & Damian Grimshaw to discuss how to make sure workers share in any gains from AI @aiatkings.bsky.social 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"Its now becone OK to say Brexit has been an economic disaster. Better late than never" says ex-Cabinet minister Hilary Benn. It brought a lot of poison to politics & to the relationship, but a lot of that has "drained" & closer trade deal is of mutual interest, he says @policyatkings.bsky.social
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In our third event of the day, Hilary Benn MP, Jukka Salovaara & @anandmenon.bsky.social are discussing how the Burnham government should approach its EU agenda – and what closer ties with Europe could look like #Lab26 With @ukandeu.bsky.social 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Now at #Lab26: "Defence and security in an uncertain world" – how should the UK respond as threats grow? With Calvin Bailey MBE MP, @claire-ainsley.bsky.social, Gideon Skinner of @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social, Dominic Hauschild, @jessicatoale.bsky.social & Prof Wyn Bowen 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
We're kicking off our day of events at #Lab26! Our first panel – "From workforce to careforce: delivering the NHS 10-year plan" – is with @kevinmckenna.co.uk, @pollytoynbee.bsky.social, and Profs Subodh Dave, Irene Higginson & Graham Lord @kingshealth.bsky.social 📍Arena Room Wye, LEC
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
In Liverpool on Tuesday? Join us at Labour Party Conference, where we'll be hosting a range of events featuring King's experts, ministers, MPs, peers and leading commentators. Details here ➡️ www.kcl.ac.uk/news/kings-a... Register interest in our reception ➡️ forms.gle/sM4D6pZV7DB7...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
NEW: The public significantly underestimate the likelihood of ever becoming an unpaid carer, guessing 38% of people in the UK ever will – far below the reality of 65% Men underestimate the most, guessing 27% will, whereas Women guess 50% ➡️ www.kcl.ac.uk/news/public-... 🧵⬇️
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
NEW: Among Labour supporters who say they remember New Labour, six in 10 feel it was good for the UK – although the public are much more divided And when it comes to the current government, a majority of Labour supporters say it's doing about as well or better than New Labour at running the country
kcl.ac.uk
New Labour's legacy: Labour supporters look back fondly – but think current government doing as well or better | King's College London
Memories of New Labour vary sharply across party supporters
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
In Liverpool on Tuesday? Join us at Labour Party Conference, where we'll be hosting a range of events featuring King's experts, ministers, MPs, peers and leading commentators. Details here ➡️ www.kcl.ac.uk/news/kings-a... Register interest in our reception ➡️ forms.gle/sM4D6pZV7DB7...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Come work with us! We're looking for a Senior Communications Officer to play a central role in shaping how high-profile social research reaches the public, the media and policy makers. 🗓️ Apply by Tuesday 6 October ➡️ my.corehr.com/pls/kclrecru...
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Elena Simperl @elenasimperl.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Very much looking forward to this. A first for me: Labour Party Conference, in fact any party conference!
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We'll be in Liverpool next week for Labour Party Conference, where we'll be hosting a full day of events on Tuesday 29 September. From the NHS and AI, to defence, Europe and mental health, we'll be discussing some of the biggest challenges facing this parliament. 🧵⬇️
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
In Brighton today for Lib Dem party conference? Join our panel to discuss how to tackle the mental health crisis ⬇️
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Come work with us! We are looking for a Senior Research Fellow to join our Evidence Development and Incubation Team to deliver evaluations with real-world impact. 📅 Apply by Wednesday 7 October ➡️ my.corehr.com/pls/kclrecru...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"Lib Dem voters are viewed most warmly by rival supporters, while Reform sits bottom" Our new study, released ahead of Lib Dem party conference, is highlighted in POLITICO's London Playbook ➡️ www.politico.eu/newsletter/l...
Nice guys finish … first? Being inoffensive has its upsides though, according to new polling by King’s College London’s Policy Institute, which finds Lib Dem voters are viewed most warmly by rival supporters, while Reform sits bottom. Expect plenty of conference chatter about how to turn being the least disliked party into becoming a tactical vote of choice at the next election. The poll of 3,750 people was funded by KCL’s own research budget.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
NEW: The Lib Dems are the party most liked by their political rivals, according to our new study published ahead of their annual conference in Brighton. Rival parties' supporters rate their warmth towards Lib Dem voters at 39 out of 100 – four points higher than Labour voters, who rank second
kcl.ac.uk
Lib Dems most liked by political rivals | King's College London
Supporters of other parties feel relatively warm towards them
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🟠 THIS SUNDAY: Join us, @dannychambers.bsky.social, @normanlamb.bsky.social, @drladesmith.bsky.social, @julia-ellingwood.bsky.social and @michael-sanders.bsky.social at the Liberal Democrats' conference in Brighton to discuss shifting mental health policy towards prevention-first solutions.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
This autumn @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social is hosting its largest-ever party conference programme. Our panels will see King's experts, MPs, ministers, peers and leading commentators come together to discuss some of the key policy challenges facing this parliament. We hope to see you there
kcl.ac.uk
King's at party conferences 2026 | King's College London
We're hosting our largest-ever programme of events
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The phrase "London has fallen" can be found across social media, linked to posts that portray the city as lawless and crime-ridden yet are often no less fictional than the film of the same name, writes @bobbyduffy.bsky.social for @businessldn.bsky.social ➡️ www.businessldn.co.uk/news-publica...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A full house tonight with @hepi-news.bsky.social , @chrishusbands.bsky.social , @marycurnockcook.bsky.social , Prof Rachel Mills & @bobbyduffy.bsky.social to examine the converging challenges facing HE 📺 www.youtube.com/watch?v=v32a...
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School for Government @schoolforgovt.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
EVENT: Generation Maybe: Why We're Having Fewer Children, and What It Means for Us All ➡️ docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Join Camilla Cavendish for the launch of her new book to explore what is really behind falling birth rates, why this matters for society, and how policymakers should respond.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We're continuing our programme of party conference events this weekend, as we head to the Liberal Democrats' conference in Brighton to discuss shifting mental health policy towards prevention-first solutions. 📍 The Grand, Brighton 📅 13:45–14:45, Sunday 20 September
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Wealth inequality curdles into political inequality, and then authoritarian populists have an easy job" 💬 Will Snell of the @fairness.bsky.social joined us last week to discuss his new book, “The Fair Necessities: Why We Need a Fairer Britain” 📺 www.youtube.com/live/1Veaxaj...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"The big finding from the study is that the strongest driver of whether people trust or distrust scientists is whether they think they are on the side of people like them" 💬 @bobbyduffy.bsky.social spoke to Times Radio about our new Wellcome funded study with Sense about Science
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David Mair @davidmair4.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
“The most influential factors were whether respondents felt that scientists are "on the side of people like them" and whether they thought of scientists as open and transparent. Both outweighed perceptions of scientific expertise.” Imp for science for policy/evidence-informed policymaking. #scipol
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
“In a politically divided society, people become much more interested in, ‘What’s in it for me?’” Nature reports on our study on trust in scientists with @senseaboutsci.bsky.social. We found a key driver of trust is whether people see scientists as “on the side of people like them”
nature.com
People trust scientists seen to be 'on their side', UK study find
Politics and personal values influence people’s confidence in scientists, finds new report
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
“London has become a political focal point, not just for different attitudes but different realities” @bobbyduffy.bsky.social writes for the Standard on our study into misperceptions the capital ➡️ www.standard.co.uk/comment/lond...
But it is what it signals about the UK’s increasingly febrile and polarised politics that may matter most. London has become a political focal point, not just for different attitudes but different realities.
For example, 60% of Reform supporters (wrongly) think murders have increased in London, compared with 24% of Labour supporters. But 83% of Reform supporters (correctly) believe that violent offences have increased, while only 41% of Green supporters think that’s the case.
We are seeing the London that fits the story we already believe, reflecting both our own biases and the messages we’ll see from an increasingly fragmented and polarised media, social media and politics.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"The UK public's average guess is that 30% of Londoners were the victim of a crime in the year up to September 2025 when the actual figure is 12%" 💬 @bobbyduffy.bsky.social spoke to BBC Radio London yesterday about our new report on misperceptions of crime, race and religion in the UK capital
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"[this report] confirms what I've been saying for some time, that perceptions are not the same as reality" 💬 Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan speaking on ITV's feature about our new report on misperceptions of crime, race and religion in the UK capital ➡️ www.kcl.ac.uk/news/london-...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
"Half of respondents thought London had the highest rate of violent crime of any region in the year to September 2025. "In fact, the research found that police-recorded crime data showed London had the lowest rate of violent crime of any region in England and Wales" The BBC on our latest study ⬇️
bbc.co.uk
Crime concerns outweigh reality, King's College London study finds
Many people see London as less safe than the data suggests, researchers find.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Every major parties' supporters overestimate the proportion of Muslims living in London, especially Reform UK supporters, who guess that Muslims make up half (50%) of the capital's population – more than three times the true figure of 15%. 🧵 More info
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
"The facts show that London is on the rise. Sadly, though, a report released by King’s College London today shows that many British people see things differently." The Mayor of London writes about our latest study, which looks at public misperceptions of the capital ⬇️
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
NEW: London has among the lowest violent crime rates in England & Wales, tops a ranking of best cities, and pays more in tax than it gets back – but the public overestimate crime risk, underestimate its standing, and don't know it's a net fiscal contributor. Our latest Mistaken Britain study ⬇️
kcl.ac.uk
London misperceptions: public often wrong on capital's crime, quality of life, contribution to public finances and Muslim population | King's College London
A third believe there are "no-go" areas ruled by Sharia law
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
💡 Applications are now open for the Evidence Exchange's EvEx Policy Fellowship, a funded programme for public and civil servants at all levels to spend time in universities working on their policy challenges with academics and experts. ➡️ www.evex.ac.uk/fellowships-...
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🗓️ Tomorrow: Sir Roger Jowell Memorial Lecture 2026 Join @natcen.bsky.social & @bobbyduffy.bsky.social to challenge common assumptions about generational divides and explore what the evidence really tells us about how different generations think and behave. ➡️ natcen.ac.uk/events/sir-r...
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