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On this page you will find the latest History & Policy news. Older news items are in our news archive. To keep up-to-date with the latest History & Policy news, sign up for our email alerts or follow us on Twitter.
The Queen's speech in historical perspective
15 May 2012
History & Policy aims to demonstrate that historians have something to contribute to almost every public policy issue. For a historical perspective on the areas highlighted in last week's Queen's Speech, why not explore our archive of over 130 policy papers?
Banking reform: see Ranald Michie and Simon Mollan's paper, British and American banking in historical perspective: beware of false precedents
Supermarket regulation: see Jane Hamlett et al, Regulating UK supermarkets: an oral history perspective
The Energy Bill, see Paul Warde, Low carbon futures and high carbon pasts: policy challenges in historical perspective
Pensions reforms, see Noel Whiteside, In search of security: earnings-related pensions in Britain and Europe and Hugh Pemberton, Politics and pensions in postwar Britain
Local government reform, see Jerry White, From Herbert Morrison to command and control: the decline of local democracy
Social care, see Pat Thane's submission to the Health Select Committee [pdf 109kb]
Voter registration, see Kevin Jefferys, Two cheers for democracy: involvement and interest in British politics since 1918
Lords reform, see Jon Lawrence, What is to be done with the second chamber?
Communications Bill, see Toni Weller, The Victorian information age: nineteenth century answers to today's information policy questions
Britain and the Eurozone, see Richard Roberts, A stable currency in search of a stable Empire? The Austro-Hungarian experience of monetary Union
No Bill for gay marriage, see Jeffrey Weeks, Wolfenden and beyond: the remaking of homosexual history
Meet the history programmers
BBC Radio 4 producers will visit King's College London on 23 May (10.30-12) to meet H&P historians. This is a great opportunity to discover the logistics of The Long View, Things We Forgot to Remember and Document, and to discuss your research in an informal setting with senior producers. To reserve a place or for more information: click here
Maurice Hankey: 'supreme organiser and creative bureaucrat'
18 April 2012
Jock Gardner's new article for the No. 10 Downing Street website considers the role of military officer-turned-Cabinet Secretary, Maurice Hankey (1877-1963), architect of the Cabinet Office in modern British government. This article is the latest in a series arising from the partnership between H&P and No. 10 to revitalize the history content of the Downing Street website.
Read Jock Gardner's article: Maurice Hankey: architect of modern government
H&P historians in the news
18 April 2012
H&P historians have featured in local, national and international media this spring. From Luddism, monarchy, marriage and perpetual bonds, to Margaret Thatcher and Jim Callaghan, our historians' research has caught the eye of editors and contributed to public debate. That includes the veracity of Downton Abbey's portrayal of domestic servants and the hidden histories of second and third class passengers on the Titanic.
To see the coverage: click here
H&P's Trade Union Forum reports
23 March 2012
H&P's Trade Union Forum has published various reports of its meetings and those of relevant organisations, including the British Universities Industrial Relations Association History Study Group and Unions21.
For the Trade Union Forum meeting reports: click here
For other meeting reports: click here
Taking The Long View
16 March 2012
BBC Radio 4 will visit King's College London on 28 March to meet H&P historians and discover interesting research that might feature on The Long View. For more information: click here
Prime Ministers and Presidents: special relationships
14 March 2012
David Reynolds' new article for the No. 10 Downing Street website explores the personal dimensions of relations between British Prime Ministers and American Presidents, including Churchill and Roosevelt, Macmillan and Kennedy, and Thatcher and Reagan. The article - part of a monthly series by expert historians - arises from the new collaboration between H&P and the Prime Minister's Office, which is designed to bring to life the fascinating history behind the famous black door. As well as featuring in the official No. 10 newsletter, Reynolds' article is highlighted by the White House blog, as David Cameron visits the US.
Read David Reynolds' article: Prime Ministers and Presidents: special relationships
Read the White House blog: Preparing for an Official Visit from the United Kingdom
Not protest but direct action: anarchism past and present
7 March 2012
Greater understanding of anarchism is vital at a time when, according to David Goodway, Britain has a greater number of conscious anarchists than previously, with many others thinking and behaving in significantly anarchist ways.
Read David Goodway's policy paper: Not protest but direct action: anarchism past and present
Liberal manoeuvring in the real green economy
29 February 2012
As the Liberal Democrats finalise their new science policy, William Burns and Michael Weatherburn argue that the party could learn much from the Liberal Party's promotion of agricultural science during the inter-war years.
Read Burns and Weatherburn's opinion piece: Liberal Manoeuvring in the Real Green Economy
H&P event: Not protest but direct action: anarchism past and present
7 March 2012
Britain has a greater number of conscious anarchists than ever before, according to historian David Goodway, who argues for greater understanding of anarchism's history and philosophy. The panel discussion also features Carl Levy, Reader in European Politics at Goldsmiths, Ruth Kinna, Professor of Political Theory at Loughborough and Kit Kazarinov, an MPhil student in Philosophy at King's College London.
The event, which sees the launch of Goodway's new H&P policy paper, takes place 6-7.30pm in K2.31, 2/fl, King's Building, Strand Campus, King's College. Entry is free on a first come, first served basis.
Take your marks... how government sport policy got up and running
23 February 2012
When did government sport policy get off the mark in Britain? In a talk at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, historian Kevin Jefferys of Plymouth University revealed it was as late as 1966, when Harold Wilson held the football World Cup aloft and became the first Prime Minister to tap into the electoral significance of sport. Professor Jefferys explored the contrasts between London's 1948 'austerity Olympics', when the government had little role in funding or organising the games, and its extensive involvement in preparing for London 2012.
click here to download a copy of his talk [pdf file, 101kb].
Paying for health: Lansley's woes and pre-NHS healthcare
16 February 2012
Opponents of the government's NHS reforms argue that if hospitals can raise more private income, those who can't pay for treatment will be left on longer waiting lists. The debate would have been familiar to those discussing pre-NHS hospital reform, argues George Campbell Gosling in a new H&P opinion piece.
Read George Gosling's opinion piece: Paying for health: Lansley's woes and pre-NHS healthcare
'Fraudulent' disability in historical perspective
14 February 2012
As the government battles with the House of Lords over the Welfare Reform Bill, historian David M. Turner of Swansea University explores a centuries-old debate over definitions of disability and entitlement to welfare support.
Read David Turner's H&P paper: 'Fraudulent' disability in historical perspective
Read BBC Wales interview with David Turner
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.
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
One-size-fits-all reform could strangle British banking
23 December 2011
The Vickers Commission proposals have generated an all-party consensus in a climate of popular belief that banks are the root cause of the global financial crisis. Ranald Michie considers historical parallels in the 1920s and 1930s to question whether this is the right moment to reform the British banking system - and if it is the best approach.
Read Ranald Michie's opinion piece: One-size-fits-all reform could strangle British banking
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
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
Cameron's veto: a calamitous break with the past?
19 December 2011
'...A muted core of reluctant support lies at the mainstream of Britain's relationship with the EC/EU' argues Helen Parr. Has David Cameron now broken the governing consensus in Britain over Europe? Helen Parr considers post-war British government policies and attitudes to Europe.
Read Helen Parr's opinion piece: Cameron's veto: a calamitous break with the past?
Were Victorian bankers really 'good?'
5 December 2011
Ian Hislop's recent BBC documentary When Bankers Were Good was entertaining and informative, says Iain Sharpe. But does it also serve as a warning against using history to advance contemporary policy prescriptions on the basis of very thin evidence? Sharpe sifts through Hislop's argument to discern the nuggets of historical fact and fiction.
Read Iain Sharpe's opinion piece: Were Victorian bankers really 'good'?
Historians respond to the Autumn Statement
1 December 2011
Historians in the H&P Network have responded to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement. In an exclusive article for the H&P website, Glen O'Hara of Oxford Brookes University welcomes the growth measures announced by George Osborne, but warns they will not be enough to stimulate economic recovery. Jim Tomlinson of Dundee University appears on BBC Radio 4's Today programme to discuss the likely impact of the statement on the electorate.
Click here to listen to Jim Tomlinson's interview
Read Glen O'Hara's opinion piece: The Chancellor's Autumn Statement: one step forward
back to topCalls for compulsory history teaching to age 16
24 November 2011
At the launch today of a new book exploring history teaching in England over the last century, David Cannadine calls for history to be made compulsory to age 16. H&P Network members Nicola Sheldon and Jenny Keating have worked with Professor Cannadine to research the experiences of former pupils and teachers, interview former Education Secretaries and explore the archives. The results are brought together in a new book, The Right Kind of History: teaching the past in twentieth century England (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011) and on the History in Education website, both launched today.
Click here to listen to David Cannadine's interview on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme
Click here to visit the BBC's audio slideshow
Read David Cannadine's interview in The Guardian
See also: Robert Guyver's H&P paper The role of government in determining the school history curriculum: lessons from Australia
H&P Historian warns against government austerity measures
22 November 2011
In a guest blog for The Independent, Glen O'Hara of Oxford Brookes University argues the UK government's austerity programme is not the best medicine for the 'Great Recession'. Ahead of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement next week, he calls for a mix of growth, inflation and international financial negotiation to manage down the debt.
Click here to read Glen's blog
See also: Glen O'Hara's H&P paper How (not) to cut government spending and reduce public sector debt
History & Policy partner Pat Thane on BBC Radio 4's Analysis
7 November 2011
Pat Thane put the case for the impact of collective action - the environmental or feminist movements, for example - in R4's Analysis: Do leaders make a difference? The programme explored the tendency to over-attribute power to leaders, the 'movers and shakers' in business or politics. But what is the role of global forces, trends and events; and collective action and attitudes in bringing about change?
Listen: Do Leaders Make a Difference?
History & Policy workshop: History in the Headlines
10 November 2011, 10.00-15.30, History Department, King's College, London
This one-day workshop will provide historians with a rare chance to hear from three panels of experienced journalists, documentary-makers, press officers and historians about how to get media coverage for historical research and achieve positive media experiences. Confirmed speakers include Michael Crick (Channel 4 News), Paddy O'Connell (BBC Radio and TV), Chris Bowlby (BBC Radio) and Paul Lay (History Today). Places are free for members of the H&P Network of Historians.
For further information or to book a place, email Mel Porter or download the programme [pdf file: 430KB].
back to topHa-Joon Chang discusses EU negotiations with China
29 October 2011
H&P contributor Ha-Joon Chang, Reader in Economics at Cambridge University, appeared on BBC2's Newsnight to discuss the implications of EU negotiations with China for support for its bail-out fund. He was also a co-signatory with 99 others of a letter supporting Compass' 'Plan B' for the UK economy.
You can watch the Newsnight interview on BBC iplayer
Click here to read coverage of the economists' letter in The Observer
Click here to read Ha-Joon Chang's H&P paper
History & Policy panel: Why history matters to development
26 October 2011, 18.00-19.00, Anatomy Theatre Museum, King's College, London
History brings a unique sensibility to debates about development, but historians are often overlooked in discussions about development. Simon Szreter, H&P co-founder and Professor of History and Public Policy at Cambridge, and David Satterthwaite, of the International Institute for Environment and Development, will examine the contribution history can make to development policy. Keith Hoggart, Vice Principal of Arts & Sciences and Professor of Geography at King's, will chair. Entry is open to all on a first come first served basis.
New History & Policy website!
20 October 2011
History & Policy has redesigned its website. To mark the relaunch, we are publishing three new policy papers - from Austria-Hungary's currency union and the eurozone crisis, lessons for today from American intervention in the Philippines and the different meanings of 'pandemic' and their importance for health policy. We're also releasing two new opinion pieces on fixed-term parliaments and strategies for economic recovery.
Find out more: New H&P website
New History & Policy Environment Forum
20 October 2011
History & Policy is setting up a new Environment Forum, bringing historians together with policymakers, campaigners, scientists and others engaged with environment policy. Paul Warde, Senior Editor for H&P, is convening the forum. We're also very pleased to release a new paper from Ben Cowell, of the National Trust, putting attitudes to forests in their proper context for Defra's Forestry Panel.
Find out more: H&P Environment Forum
Read the paper: Forests, the Magna Carta, and the 'New Commons': Some Thoughts for the Forest Panel
Case studies: Historians influencing policy
20 October 2011
History & Policy works to put historians and policy makers in touch. This can range from offering the material on our website as a helpful guide through to organising seminars and submissions to select committees. We are bringing together some case studies from individual historians, looking at their experiences of working to influence the policy debate and the role H&P played in helping to make it happen.
Find out more: Case studies
New policy paper: A stable currency in search of a stable Empire? The Austro-Hungarian experience of monetary union
20 October 2011
In the midst of the eurozone crisis, many people have asked whether monetary union can work without political union. But Austria-Hungary maintained a currency union, with two sovereign governments, for half a century. Richard Roberts takes a closer look at the history - and the possible lessons.
Read the paper: A stable currency in search of a stable Empire? The Austro-Hungarian experience of monetary union
New opinion piece: Fixing the General Election date
20 October 2011
The timing of elections to the Commons has been fought over by monarchs, parliaments and governments for a very long time. Robert Blackburn looks at how Britain's arrangements have evolved and analyses the Coalition's new model.
Read the piece: Fixing the General Election date
New policy paper: Putting pandemics in perspective
20 October 2011
When the WHO declared a swine flu 'pandemic', it was widely criticised for spending billions of dollars which proved unnecessary. Mark Honigsbaum looks at how pandemics have been defined in the past - and shows how one exceptional pandemic in 1918 has coloured responses ever since.
Read the paper: Putting pandemics in perspective
New opinion piece: Can the Great Depression help us fight the Great Recession?
20 October 2011
From wobbly banks to currency crises, many of our economic difficulties echo those of 1929-32. Glen O'Hara argues that we also need to look at the solutions found by Keynes and by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Read the piece: Can the Great Depression help us fight the Great Recession?
New policy paper: Winning 'hearts and minds': American imperial designs of the early twentieth and twenty-first centuries
20 October 2011
The United States has been accused of failing to follow through with intervention in the past - opting for a relatively brief period of nation-building, followed by a relatively rapid withdrawal. Adam D. Burns shows that, for a brief while, the Philippines looked like a very different case.
Read the paper: Winning 'hearts and minds': American imperial designs of the early twentieth and twenty-first centuries