28:2 issue contents - Bridges to a brighter future
Article
The political make-up of the UK is shifting. Since 2010, political realignment across large swathes of the UK has been solidified through four general elections, six governments and referendums on Scottish Independence and the UK’s membership of the EU.
Across Europe, progressives have failed to adapt to the new political faultlines. Centre-left parties have fallen to an international trend of Pasokification. Left challenger movements, including parties such as Syriza and Podemos, have failed to pave a way to success at the ballot box.
Now progressives face a new crisis, without having recovered the ground lost since the last. In this issue we cover the political realities the movement needs to grasp and the strategies it can look to employ.
Contents
- Editorial: How can progressives win? / Rachel Statham, Chris Thomas and Josh Emden
- Solidarity in the age of finance/ Alice Martin
- Jacinda Ardern / Max Rashbrooke
- Authenticity and political leadership / Andrea Whittle, Frank Mueller and Chris Carter
- Nats Wha Hae / Fraser McMillan and Rob Johns
- Back to the future?/ Nye Davies
- How progressives win/ Steve Rotheram
- Trust, trustworthiness and government performance / Robert Putnam in interview
- Building alternative horizons and rallying points/ Francesca Newton
- Is there a Conservative ‘blue wall’? / John Curtice
Related items

What makes a good Holyrood 2026 manifesto?
IPPR Scotland sets out five key tests
Turning energy support into investment leverage
The UK’s energy support risks missing growth by backing high-cost industries instead of those most likely to invest.
More for less? Employment, productivity and reform in Scottish public services
Excellent public services should be foundational to a flourishing society.