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Policy papers

History & Policy papers are written by expert historians, based on peer-reviewed research. They offer historical insights into current policy issues ranging from Iraq, ID cards and climate change to child maintenance and family dynamics. For historians interested in submitting a paper, please click here.

There are over 120 papers and they are all freely searchable by theme, author or keyword. New papers are published regularly and you can keep up to date by signing up to our monthly newsletter. Where possible, we publish new papers to coincide with relevant policy developments: for more information, see our news page.

If you are a policymaker or journalist and would like to contact a historian, please contact us.

Latest papers


Not protest but direct action: anarchism past and present

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.

Published: March 2012

'Fraudulent' disability in historical perspective

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.

Published: February 2012

British and American banking in historical perspective: beware of false precedents

As the UK government responds to the Vickers Commission recommendations, this new H&P 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. They also suggest more use should be made of deposit insurance to help insulate the taxpayer against future bail-outs.

Published: December 2011

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