Miles Larmer podcast now available

Speaking at an IPPR North Cafe Politique event in Newcastle, Miles Larmer, Senior Lecturer in International History, Sheffield University spoke on the current status and development of Africa.

If you missed the event, or would like to listen again, a podcast of Miles speaking at this event is now available.

To listen to the podcast in full, please use the following link.

Paul Callaghan on the North-South divide

Speaking at an IPPR North Cafe Politique event in Newcastle, Paul Callaghan, local business leader and Northern Economic Futures Commissioner, addressed the notion of the North-South divide and explored the potential currently held in the north.

If you missed the event, or would like to listen again, a podcast of Paul speaking at this event is now available.

To listen to the podcast in full, please use the following link.

Rachel Reeves speech on the northern economy

In a speech to IPPR North on Monday 28 January, Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, gave her views on the Northern Economy and stressed the importance for rebalancing.

Throughout her speech she made reference to the work of IPPR North and paid tribute to the recent final report from the Northern Economic Futures Commission, which sets out a long strategy for economic growth across the North of England.

Speaking at the event, she said:

‘As IPPR North have highlighted, the Northern economy has huge potential.’

‘Britain’s success as a country depends on getting the economy of the North moving. As the IPPR has rightly stressed, Northern prosperity is not an optional element or extra to our national prosperity Northern prosperity is national prosperity.’

To view the speech in full, please use the following link.

Event review: Vaizey, Harman lead keynote speakers at #OMC2013

Communications minister Ed Vaizey delivered a keynote speech at the Oxford Media Convention, 23 January 2013.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming communications review white paper, which is being prepared separately to discussions about the implications of the Leveson report, Vaizey said:

'People have told us that, for the most part, our regulatory framework is working. The way forward is evolution rather than revolution.

'We need a regime that is responsive and flexible enough to regulate a fast paced environment. We need these industries to continue to innovate, to show leadership and to take responsibility.

'This will give us a framework that is able to support growth and support the people of the UK in an increasingly interconnected world. This means the best infrastructure, world leading content and consumer confidence.'

• Download the text of Ed Vaizey's speech

 In the afternoon session, shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman spoke about the political landscape post-Leveson, calling for the rate of change to accelerate.

'We still need to tackle the longstanding problems of wrongdoing in the press.

'We still need to support the BBC, one of our most important national institutions.

'We still need a strong DCMS. The department must not be weakened: if anything, its voice needs to be even stronger at the cabinet table.'

• Download the text of Harriet Harman's speech

Visit our Facebook page for a selection of images from OMC 2013.

Dieter Helm and Baroness Worthington on how to tackle climate change

This week IPPR welcomed Dieter Helm, professor of energy policy, University of Oxford and the author of The Carbon Crunch: How we’re getting climate change wrong and how to fix it and Baroness Bryony Worthington who came together to debate the most effective way to tackle climate change. Click here to find out more about IPPR's work in this area.

Professor Dieter Helm's full presentation is available to download here.

Event review: FES-IPPR policy roundtable on youth unemployment

IPPR hosted a roundtable discussion on youth unemployment, showcasing new work by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung on youth unemployment in Europe, as well as expert case studies on Germany, Spain, the Scandinavian countries and the UK.

Click here to download the full report from the event.

Keynote speech: Britain’s relationship with the EU

Keynote speech 'Britain’s relationship with the EU' by Emma Reynolds MP, shadow Europe minister

Tuesday 11 December 2012

IPPR, 14 Buckingham Street, London, WC2N 6DF

Introduction

I would like to start by saying thank you to the IPPR for hosting this event, to the Institute of European Democrats for supporting the event, to Francesco Ruttelli for travelling to London to be with us and also to Vernon Bogdanor for his forthcoming response.

I would like to congratulate Nick and Will on an interesting report. I agree with the overall conclusions of the report and many of its recommendations, although as ever there are areas where we do disagree.

New video: Views on Europe

Emma Reynolds MP, shadow minister for Europe; Vernon Bogdanor, professor at King's College London and fellow at Brasenose College Oxford; and Francesco Rutelli, Italian politician, discuss the possibility of a Brexit and public opinion on holding a referendum on Europe.

They present some of the case for why Britain should stay in the EU, and why calls for a referendum in this parliament are premature.

Unleasing northern business potential

IPPR North brought together a range of leading experts at a high profile conference, supported by the Federation of Small Businesses and Leeds City Council, to explore the latest developments in government policy to support business growth in the North of England. The event featured a keynote speech from Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Other prominent speakers included: Mike Cherry, FSB Policy Chairman; Catherine McKinnell, Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury; and Geoff Muirhead, Chair of the Northern Economic Futures Commission. The conference saw the launch of the final report from the Northern Economic Futures Commission, which sets out a long term strategy for economic growth in the North of England.

Event review: London Conference 2012

It has been described as a ‘Davos for London', and this year’s second annual London Conference again brought together a raft of leading politicians, business people, academics, community leaders and others at the Southbank Centre.

London mayor Boris Johnson, who was on a trip to India, sent a goodwill message, declaring that:

'The London Conference is an amazing opportunity to share your thinking with us. Any ideas that emerge from your discussions will be a welcome addition to our thinking around 2020 Vision, my blueprint for London's future.'

Three of London’s deputy mayors spoke at the conference, Richard Blakeway, Muniria Mirza and Isabel Dedring, along with transport minister Norman Baker, London’s transport chief Peter Hendry and many others A full list of the programme can be found here.

Some of the highlights of the day were captured on video

In the opening session, against the spectacular backdrop of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, Charlie Leadbeater, author and leading thinker on innovation and creativity, discussed the tug-of-war between empathy and systems in cities around the world, and the lessons for London in trying to create a high-system, high-empathy community.

Over lunchtime, delegates enjoyed a discussion between two giants of London politics and planning, Lord Michael Heseltine and Lord Richard Rogers. Although both men are now 79, chair Tony Travers, asked them what they would do if they were mayor of London – and neither was short on ideas.

In a session on what London and New York could learn from each other on infrastructure and transport planning, the NYC planning chief Amanda Burden gave an illuminating presentation about the Big Apple's big plans.

The closing session of the conference was an inspiring speech by the world-leading urbanist Richard Florida, whose ideas about the creative classes have done so much to shape thinking about how cities thrive and survive.

London Conference is produced by IPPR and the Centre for London.

We would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters of the event:

• McKinsey and Company
• Trust for London
• Mace
• Southbank Centre
• Heathrow
• CH2M Hill
• London Evening Standard
• UBM Future Cities
• London Communications Agency
• London Funders
• NLA
• London Community Foundation
• LSE Cities
• London Chamber of Commerce
• London First
• London Loves Business

Juncture debate: Jon Cruddas MP in conversation with James Purnell

Jon Cruddas speaks to James Purnell at Juncture's Labour conference fringe event.

Cruddas argues that the only times Labour has won elections when the Conservatives were in power were times when the party was able contest the 'national story' with emotionally driven policies, and win.

He says that there are three facets to rebuilding Britain: rebuilding the economy, rebuilding society, and rebuilding politics.

Labour in the North: past, present, future

IPPR North were delighted to host the fringe event Labour in the North: past , present, future at the Labour Party Conference 2012. This packed out event took place at the People's History Museum in Manchester, which derives its origin from the Trade Union, Labour and Co-operative History Society and acted as the perfect setting to explore the Labour Party’s historical and future positions in the North of England.The event featured insightful and stimulating contributions from Tony Benn, Tristram Hunt MP and Owen Jones. This was followed by a lively discussion with members of the audience.

To view additional photos from this event please visit the IPPR North Facebook page.

Rachel Reeves MP at Northern Economic Futures Commission briefing

Rachel Reeves speaks on the panel at IPPR North's Labour party conference fringe event for the Northern Economic Futures Commission.

She says that plans for a British Investment Bank, whether from IPPR, Vince Cable, or the Labour party, are an important part of the solution for the northern economy.

'Public philosophy': Michael Sandel and Nick Pearce in conversation

We need "to draw a distinction between the market economy as a tool and the market society as a way of life", says Michael Sandel, Harvard-based political philosopher, in conversation with Nick Pearce, director of IPPR. In this public discussion, filmed at the Labour party conference in Manchester, Sandel touches on a number of themes that are vital to understanding and advancing the political left today.

Taking the pulse at the Liberal Democrat party conference

IPPR spoke to two high-profile Lib Dems, Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander and Baroness Shirley Williams, about their views on their party's direction within government and prospects for future success.

Key messages from NEFC parliamentary reception

The Northern Economic Futures Commission Parliamentary Reception was an opportunity to showcase the interim report of the commission, published earlier this year, with a southern audience. With its strong message that Northern prosperity is national prosperity and its self-confident tone the report received a warm reception from the large gathering.

Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, offered the first response, reminding people of the on-going risks posed by the North remaining in recession and the very limited impact to date of City Deals and the Regional Growth Fund. She advocated a strong industrial strategy and a British Investment Bank pointing to the successes of the automotive sector as examples of where good government – private sector relationships over the long-term can reap substantial benefits.

Francis O’Grady, soon-to-be General Secretary of the TUC, celebrated the talent of the people of the North as being its principle asset but highlighted the growing gap in unemployment rates between North and South and the particular problems of female underemployment. She called for a new kind of Northern economy with investment for jobs and growth, reform to the banking industry and a radical transformation in the nature of corporate governance giving greater rights to workers.

Vince Cable, Business Secretary, also welcomed the report and especially the wake-up call it offered about its significant size and contribution to the UK economy. He highlighted the positive signs shown in Northern export and manufacturing figures and the recent boost signalled by the week’s announcements about transport spending. He also argued that City Deals represented a first step for a growing decentralisation of economic development policy and – when challenged by Rachel Reeves – spelt out his personal misgivings about regional or local pay for public sector workers.

Following interventions from 3 Commissioners who were present, the subsequent debate considered the importance of independent financial capacity in the North; the role of housing in driving economic development; seizing upon the natural assets the North has to drive a low carbon economy; and strengthening Northern voice and leadership.

To view additional photos from the event, please visit the IPPR North Facebook page.

Event update: Debating the new politics of disadvantage

On the 11 July IPPR hosted an event with LankellyChase on how we can build a new political agenda for the most disadvantaged in society. The event previews the release of a report written by IPPR for LankellyChase that charts some possible ways towards a strong and stable agenda in this area.

IPPR director Nick Pearce delivered a keynote speech that explored the role of politics and political discourse on policymaking for people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantages across the last fifteen years as well as drew out lessons from this for the future. Kate Green MP, shadow equalities minister, David Burrowes MP and David Hall-Matthews discussed how we need to move this agenda forward as well as debated. The event was attended by over 100 delegates from across the social policy field.

A podcast of the event is available below as well as videos with speakers and delegates.

For further information about the event or our wider work in this area please contact Clare McNeil.

Police and Crime Commissioners, hopes and concerns

Speaking at a packed-out IPPR North and Capita fringe event at the LGA annual conference, Joanne Roney, Chief Executive of Wakefield Council, and Ian Loader, Professor of Criminology and Director of the Centre for Crimonology at the University of Oxford, explained what impact the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners will make and what is to be done in preparation. They outlined, and discussed with delegates at the conference, the perceived benefits of the new system along with current concerns.

Chuka Umunna on higher ambitions

Speaking to a packed room at IPPR's London offices, shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna outlined Labour's plans for reforming the British economy and the crucial role of universities and other higher and further education institutions in fulfilling those plans. Referring back to Ed Miliband's plans for a more responsible capitalism, Umunna outlined three aspects of higher education's roll in economic growth:

• as a world-leading business sector in its own right
• as the seedbed for the knowledge and skills required for growth
• as a direct driver of economic success, providing hubs of communication and innovation.
• Download the text of Chuka Umunna's speech
• Read Ed Miliband on Juncture.

The challenges of modern motherhood

We live in a time of equality, and yet when women have children they often find that these illusions of equality are shattered. Speaking at an IPPR North 'Ideas on the 3rd floor' event, Rebecca Asher talked about these issues which are outlined in her published book.She called for a model of family life fit for modern times.

New video: The race to the White House

The central issue of the 2012 presidential race for The White House between Obama and Romney will be the direction of the economy says John Podesta, Bill Clinton’s former chief of staff. He believes that Obama 'has a structural lead but Romney is a plausible candidate'.

John Podesta spoke to IPPR following a discussion and Q&A on the American election with Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff in front of an 80 strong audience at IPPR's London office.

Malcolm Wicks outlines a vision for a 21st-century social welfare system

At an event held at the House of Commons on 24 April 2012, the former pensions minister Malcolm Wicks delivered an IPPR lecture on the state of the social security system.

Wicks argued strongly that in order to restore trust in the system – which remains vital in promoting a more equal, cohesive and aspirational society – a new balance between rights and responsibilities needs to be struck. Key to this is a revival of the contributory principle that underpinned the founding Beveridge settlement.

There were responses from the former education and work and pensions secretary David Blunkett and fellow Labour MP Frank Field, who discussed how politicians on the left and anti-poverty organisations struggled to come up with strategies which combined providing a decent ‘safety net’ for those in need with meeting the wider public’s concern about welfare dependency and abuse. The event was chaired by the IPPR chair James Purnell. 

Download a full transcript of Malcolm Wicks' lecture.

Should Newcastle have an elected mayor?

Speaking at a mayoral referendum debate in Newcastle organised by IPPR North, Lord John Shipley and Lord Jeremy Beecham went head to head and laid out the opposing sides of debate. Lord Shipley argued that the introduction of elected mayors would be of benefit to Newcastle, bringing a stronger sense of leadership. Lord Beecham disagreed, arguing that a good Leader of the Council can perform the role of a mayor just as effectively if not better.

Scottish independence, the benefits for the North of England

The changing nature of Scotland's relationship with the Union has dominated public debate in recent months. To explore the implications, IPPR North hosted a seminar as part of their research project looking at how greater Scottish autonomy could impact the North of England. Professor of Government at Glasgow University Jim Gallagher outlines here how the North of England could benefit.

New video: Diane Abbott on the public health bill

In her speech on public health and children’s health, Diane Abbott, shadow minister for public health, argued that the government should be working with businesses and not letting them 'drive the public health agenda'. Abbott also spoke about Labour's agenda on children's health, arguing that it is 'the test of any public health bill'.

Download a transcript of Diane Abbott's speech

New video: Rob Shapiro on the eurozone

Rob Shapiro, Bill Clinton’s former under secretary of commerce for economic affairs, discussed the lessons learnt from the Argentine default of 2002 and how they can be used to help boost the eurozone's economy. He argued that there are 'two fundamental things to avoid a default' in the eurozone: first, a credible commitment to 'the basic principles of a monetary fund', and secondly 'to intensify competition and to lower the barriers for people creating new businesses'.

Liz Kendall at IPPR, 23 February 2012

Download a full transcript of the keynote social care reform speech made by Liz Kendall at IPPR, 23 February 2012.

Jack Straw on the EU's crisis of legitimacy

Former foreign secretary Jack Straw argues for scrapping the European parliament in its current form, among several ideas he put forward for tackling the EU's crisis of legitimacy.

Rachel Reeves at IPPR, 21 February 2012

Download a full transcript of the keynote economy speech delivered by Rachel Reeves, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, at IPPR, 21 February 2012.

Download presentations from NESTA workshop

Download the presentation made by Eltern AG.

Download the presentation made by the Participatory Budget of Cologne. Download the accompanying video (WMV, 55MB).

Michael Zammit-Cutajar on the achievements of global climate negotiations

Following his speech at IPPR, Michael Zammit-Cutajar, former UNFCCC secretary, explains how there has been a huge swing in which countries are the leaders in total carbon emissions: 10 years ago it was the US; now China is on par with the US in total carbon emissions and is 'shaping the game'.

Highlights video: 'The third wave of globalisation' UK launch

'The third wave of globalisation' UK launch was held at Standard Chartered on 7 January 2012. Lord Mandelson was joined on the panel by Gerard Lyons, chief economist at Standard Chartered, IPPR's Will Straw and chair Nick Pearce, also of IPPR.

Lyons highlighted that 'the world economy has grown by 14 per cent, some of this is inflation [but the] majority has been economic growth lead by China and by the so-called emerging economies' like India and Indonesia. Lord Mandelson followed this by saying that 'it's not a North Atlantic show anymore'. Lord Mandelson also mentioned that Europe’s social model 'needs to be reformed to reflect the way that the world and Europe have changed over the past 60 years'.

New video: John Denham on the growing sense of Englishness

Labour MP John Denham spoke to IPPR following the launch of our report on English identity and governance, The dog that finally barked. He argues that there is a 'growing number of English people who feel ... they are being treated unfairly, which is driving this sense of increased Englishness', and says that there 'needs to be an English dimension to decision-making which will bring far more decisions far closer to far more people'.

New Video: Harriet Harman calls for a 'free press that's not at the whim of politicians'

Harriet Harman argues that the press should 'come forward with a proposal' to deliver the important principles instead of 'waiting for Leveson to make recommendations and the outcome being imposed on them'.

New video: Ed Vaizey argues that 'regulation in the media is a good thing'

Ed Vaizey debates the issue of regulation of the media saying that 'regulation is a good thing but we tend to see it as a bad word and that if you regulate it's a burden on business'. He then goes on to say that certain areas 'should not be regulated ... to allow the market to innovate'.

New video: Lord Patten discusses 'delivering quality first'

Speaking at the Oxford Media Convention, the chair of the BBC Trust Lord Patten said the trust had asked BBC management to rethink plans for cuts to local and regional TV and radio services, following the public consultation in 2011, at a cost of £10 million.

Gender justice, society and the state

IPPR in partnership with the Fabian Women’s Network and the Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies welcomed Anne Phillips, Beatrix Campbell and Hilary Wainwright to discuss the question of have we reached the limits of the state in advancing gender justice? and also welcomed Jonathan Rutherford, Clare Chambers and Rahila Gupta to debate Neo-liberalism and gender justice.

The event brought together different generations and schools of thought to debate how the centre-left should approach gender justice.

What is 'total policing'?

Bernard Hogan-Howe announced in his keynote speech at the London Policy Conference his aims as the Metropolitan Police commissioner were to 'cut crime, cut cost and continue to develop the culture of the Met' and he 'will offer to the Met in terms of values: humility, integrity and transparency'. Hogan-Howe will be policing London using a method called 'total policing', by which he means 'that with 53,000 people we can create a greater impact as a team ... it's about making a team ethos'.

Since becoming the Metropolitan Police commissioner he has pushed two main tactics 'around uninsured drivers and around exercising warrants right across London for drug dealing'. According to the commissioner, '80 per cent of the people that have uninsured vehicles are criminals, 60 per cent of that are active'.

Ken Livingstone: Addressing London's housing crises

2012 mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone used his keynote speech at the inaugural London Policy Conference to put forward his policy ideas for easing London's particular housing crises, including a 'London living rent', which would cap rents at one-third of household income, and a citywide non-profit lettings agency to 'put good tenants in touch with good landlords'.

Seminar: Staving off collapse

IPPR welcomed shadow Europe minister Emma Reynolds, EC director Jonathan Faull and chairman of business for New Europe Roland Rudd to speak in the wake of a momentous week for Europe and the UK's relationship with the continent.

David Lammy: Is GDP the best measure of the success of our economy?

As part of IPPR’s New Era Economics, David Lammy, the Tottenham MP visited IPPR to discuss whether GDP is still the best measure of the success of our economy.

Ed Miliband delivers keynote speech

In a major speech, the leader of the opposition argued that there is an alternative to the current government's approach of managed austerity, instead focusing on economic growth to stave off future deficit challenges.

Read a transcript of Ed Miliband's speech

Why do the eurosceptics keep on winning?

MPs Douglas Alexander and Douglas Carswell, from opposite sides of the house, alongside Ben Page of Ipsos-MORI and Olaf Cramme from the Policy Network, debated the apparent success of the eurosceptic agenda in British political and public life in the first of IPPR's seminars on the future of the European project.

Seminar note: Reforming finance

As part of its New Era Economics programme, IPPR held a seminar on reforming finance for a new era economy. This seminar explored the extent to which ‘rebalancing’ the economy away from financial services is possible and desirable, and what regulatory measures are needed to prevent future banking crises, while ensuring the sector remains competitive.

Ha-Joon Chang on industrial policy

Leading Cambridge economist Ha-Joon Chang talked to an audience at IPPR about why a new industrial policy is so essential to kick-start recovery and help rebalance the UK economy.

West Coast field trip

California has been at the vanguard of the green economy for decades and is home to many of the world’s leading clean-tech industries. IPPR recently took a group interested in green job creation to San Francisco to learn about how the state’s ambitious renewables targets and the efforts of business, investors and the Bay area’s vibrant and energetic civil society had helped to create employment opportunities.

Event review: Growth and prosperity

Treasury secretary Danny Alexander and prominent economist Eric Beinhocker, chair of the programme’s advisory panel, joined with IPPR Chair of Trustees James Purnell to launch our new flagship project, 'Promoting growth and shared prosperity in the UK'.

James Purnell highlighted the importance of this project for IPPR, and reflected on how the debate around the economy has changed drastically since the financial crisis.

Danny Alexander outlined the government’s measures to promote growth, which include reducing the deficit and supporting business to lead the recovery. He warmly welcomed the new work launched by IPPR and said he ‘very much looked forward to see how the project develops in the months to come’. 

The chief secretary said he hoped the ideas that emerge from the project will help ‘to inform the government’s future decisions … so that we can get the best out of the private sector with growth that is balanced and sustainable, and shared more equally across the many regions of the UK.' He also confirmed that the next phase of the government’s ongoing Growth Review will report alongside the Autumn Statement and will identify new strategic sectors to bolster the recovery.

Eric Beinhocker, chair of the project's advisory panel, called for a step-change in our approach to growth. He said that the crisis presents an ‘historic opportunity’ to step back and ask at a fundamental level what kind of an economy we want for Britain and what Britain’s role is in an increasingly competitive world economy.

He described how the project will explore new engines of growth which will allow us to strengthen the recovery in the near future and deliver better economic opportunities and outcomes for generations to come. He ended by saying that ‘building future growth and shared prosperity will require a level of cooperation and strategic action that has not been seen in Britain since World War II.’

Event review: Police Commissioners and accountability

Nick Herbert, minister for policing and criminal justice, set out the need for reform and explained how the new Police and Crime Commissioners would enhance the democratic accountability of policing.

Read a transcript of Nick Herbert's speech.

Event review: AV and 'the new politics'

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg spoke about the role that reform of our electoral system can have in changing our political culture and political system for good. In addition, he addressed the nature of British coalition politics, as the two parties in government enter the first set of elections since the general election.

Read a transcript of Nick Clegg's speech.

Event review: Lessons from Germany

Wendy Carlin and Matthew Hancock led a New Era Economics seminar at IPPR on rebalancing the UK economy and lessons to be learnt from Germany's economic recovery.

Event review: Globalisation

This event marked the launch of a major new project by IPPR on the future of globalisation. Lord Mandelson considered the policy and political challenges posed by globalisation for countries like the UK, the prospects for the WTO and other global economic institutions, and the task facing the centre-left in defining a new agenda for globalisation in the coming decades.

Read the text of Lord Mandelson's speech
Download the accompanying presentation

Media

Lord Mandelson on BBC's Newsnight, 10 March 2011
'Mandelson Reveals UK's £27bn Export Gap', Sky News, 11 March 2011
'Lord Mandelson: Exports could hit £27bn', Evening Standard, 11 March 2011
'Mandelson, Unions and Globalisation', Tim Page on TUC Touchstone blog, 11 March 2011

Event review: Government and growth

Martin Wolf of the Financial Times, UCL's Wendy Carlin and Gerald Holtham, managing partner of Cadwyn Capital launched Going for Growth, alongside Will Straw, the book's editor and IPPR associate director.

Event review: Byrne on welfare reform

Liam Byrne told an audience at IPPR that the government's welfare reforms would fail key tests.

He said new welfare to work proposals could not succeed unless more was done to create jobs, and he said their changes would increase inequality and squeeze people on middle incomes.

Read a transcript of the speech.

Event review: Welfare reform

Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith said that his reforms to get more people off welfare into work were not ‘wholly reliant’ on job creation, and would create a new contract.

Event review: Building a new era economy

This high-level conference featured a keynote speech from energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne and two discussion panels, focusing on business and policy for a new era economy.

Event review: Higher education

Universities minister David Willetts laid out the Coalition's position on tuition fees and the future of our universities, explaining that the proposed increases in tuition fees are part of a package of reforms to university funding which pass the test of being progressive.

Event review: Public services reform

Reflecting on his time as a key architect of New Labour's approach to public service reform, Andrew Adonis pointed to some of Labour's successes – including the NHS and in state education – as well as its shortcomings, and offered six principles for successful reform.

Event review: Labour on welfare

Ahead of the publication of the government's white paper on welfare reform, Douglas Alexander gave his perspective on the Coalition’s approach and outlined the direction of Labour's new thinking on welfare and work.

Read a transcript of the keynote speech.

Event review: The progressive centre

In a discussion panel event held at IPPR's London office, senior Liberal Democrat cabinet minister Chris Huhne joined with Daniel Finkelstein of The Times, IPPR's Nick Pearce and chair Nick Cohen of the Observer to discuss the Coalition's spending review and the future of coalition government.