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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Edinburgh v. Westminster: what about the rest of the UK?
7 February 2012
In the decision about Scottish independence, who has a say? The Scottish people, clearly. But what about the democratic rights of the rest of the UK? Naomi Lloyd-Jones considers the history of Irish and Scottish Home Rule.
Read Naomi Lloyd-Jones' opinion piece: Edinburgh v. Westminster: what about the rest of the UK?
Deprivation of Honours: a brief history
3 February 2012
The royal prerogative of granting honours is well known, the right of deprivation less so. Ann Lyon considers the history in light of Fred Goodwin's experience.
Read Ann Lyon's opinion piece: Deprivation of Honours: a brief history
History & Policy helps historians to the heart of government
2 February 2012
Historians from the H&P Network have been delving behind the famous front door of Number 10 Downing Street to bring to life the fascinating history of the house in a dynamic new history section for the Number 10 website. Lively new biographies of previous Prime Ministers, an exciting monthly feature by expert historians and fresh content on the history of Downing Street itself are among the features launched today. H&P will be working with Number 10 throughout 2012 to publish more new material.
For the full story, read the H&P news release
Read Andrew Blick and George Jones' articles on: The Cabinet Secretary: a tale of three roles and The Institution of Prime Minister
Read Kevin Theakston's article on: Former Prime Ministers
Scroll through the past Prime Ministers section to read Andrew Thompson's new biography of Robert Walpole
'Responsible capitalism': a return to 'moral economy' in England?
1 February 2012
Bryce Evans considers ideas dating back to the 18th century about fairness and morality in the market place to throw light on the meaning - or meaninglessness - of 'responsible capitalism' today.
Read Bryce Evans' opinion piece: 'Responsible capitalism': a return to 'moral economy' in England?
H&P helps Department for Education learn from the past
30 January 2012
H&P has collaborated with the Arts and Humanities Research Council to deliver a series of policy-relevant seminars with the Children, young people and families directorate at the Department for Education. The series was initiated by the Permanent Secretary, and historian of Mass Observation, Tom Jeffery, to help the department learn from the past as it makes current policy. The final event in the current series takes place tomorrow and papers will be published soon afterwards.
Click here to read presentations by members of the H&P Network to the Department for Education.
Please note: Cartoons courtesy of King's College London and Martin Rowson.