History & Policy works for better public policy through an understanding of history by connecting historians, policy makers and the media. We believe study of the past can offer important lessons for the 21st century.
We are the only project in the UK providing access to an international network of more than 300 historians with a broad range of expertise. H&P offers a range of resources for historians, policy makers and journalists. These include policy papers and opinion pieces.
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Royal impressions
20 January 2012
At the start of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year, Matthew Glencross reflects on the public image British monarchs liked to project and how the royal yacht, which may yet be revived, contributed to that process.
Read Matthew Glencross' opinion pieces: The image of a modern monarchy, past and present
and: All aboard! Return of the royal yacht?
What are they up to? Cameron's political strategy in historical perspective
12 January 2012
What is the likelihood of the Conservatives winning the 2015 general election in a climate of austerity? In a new H&P opinion piece, Ben Jackson of Oxford University puts this question into historical context, arguing that David Cameron's political strategy owes more to Stanley Baldwin than to Harold Macmillan or Margaret Thatcher, who he is more often compared with. Ben is the author, with Labour MP and historian Gregg McClymont, of a recent pamphlet published by Policy Network, Cameron's Trap: Lessons for Labour from the 1930s and 1980s, which will be launched in the House of Commons on 16 January 2012.
Read Ben Jackson's opinion piece: What are they up to? Cameron's political strategy in historical perspective
Click here to find out about the Policy Network event
See also: How to talk about redistribution: a historical perspective
British and American banking in historical perspective: beware of false precedents
23 December 2011
As the UK government responds to the Vickers Commission recommendations, a new policy paper reminds us that, unlike the US, the UK has no historical precedent for the separation of retail and investment banking. Ranald Michie and Simon Mollan of Durham University argue that policymakers should have regard to UK banking history and not rely only on the American historical model.
Read Ranald Michie and Simon Mollan's policy paper: British and American banking in historical perspective: beware of false precedents
Read Ranald Michie's opinion piece: One-size-fits-all reform could strangle British banking
Back to the future
21 December 2011
David Cameron is determined to 'get to grips' with England's 'most troubled families' - with funding, a dedicated unit and targeted services. But, argues John Welshman, history shows that while there are certainly families with problems, 'problem families' are an invention of politicians and policy makers.
Read John Welshman's opinion piece: Back to the future
Please note: Cartoons courtesy of King's College London and Martin Rowson.