SGI 2022 | United Kingdom | Key Challenges

Key Challenges

Recent Governments Experts

SGI experts on United Kingdom

Iain Begg

Iain Begg is a professorial research fellow at the European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science. His main research work is on the political economy of European integration and EU economic governance. He has directed and participated in a series of research projects on different facets of EU policy and his current projects include studies on the governance of economic and monetary union in Europe, the EU’s Europe 2020 strategy and future employment prospects in the EU, and reform of the EU cohesion policy. Other recent research projects include work on policy co-ordination and the social impact of globalization. He is currently serving as a specialist adviser to the House of Lords European Communities Committee for an inquiry into “Genuine Economic and Monetary Union.” He has undertaken a number of other advisory roles, including being called as an expert witness on EU issues by the House of Commons Treasury Committee, the House of Lords European Communities Committee and the European Parliament.

Paul Cairney

Paul Cairney is Professor of Politics and Public Policy, University of Stirling, UK (@Cairneypaul). His research interests are in comparative public policy. His research spans comparisons of policy theories (Understanding Public Policy, 2020), and co-authored accounts of methods associated with key theories (Handbook of Complexity and Public Policy, 2015), international policy processes (Global Tobacco Control, 2012), and comparisons of UK and devolved policymaking (Why Isn’t Government More Preventive?, 2020). He uses these insights to explain the use of evidence in policy and policymaking, in one book (The Politics of Evidence-Based Policy Making, 2016), several articles, and many, many blog posts: https://paulcairney.wordpress.com/ebpm/ If you only have time for one article, make it How to communicate effectively with policymakers.

Nils C. Bandelow (Coordinator)

Nils C. Bandelow holds the chair of political science at the University of Braunschweig (Germany). He received his PhD (1998) and his Habilitation (2003) from the University of Bochum with dissertations on genetic engineering policy and European integration. His research interests include comparative politics and public policy. His recent publications focus on health and transport policy.

The key challenges for the UK stem from the issues highlighted in this report. After years of political turmoil, the first priority is to restore trust in both politicians and governance mechanisms. With a UK general election imminent, voters have their opportunity to influence change, but political leaders must present manifestos with realistic promises and ensure the effective implementation of existing policies on biodiversity, innovation, and the circular economy.

Effective communication of government messages is crucial for sustainability. For instance, while the UK has made significant progress toward net zero and has been globally influential, recent decisions to delay targets for electric vehicles and to issue new oil and gas exploration licenses suggest backsliding. Although there are valid arguments for these adjustments, particularly to ease the short-term burden of the transition, mixed messages can undermine public commitment.

Several public services require a fresh approach, with health and social care being the most pressing. Successive governments have neglected social care, exacerbating the problems of the National Health Service (NHS). Inadequate funding for social care blocks the pathways from acute hospital care to community-based palliative or chronic care. Despite the NHS’s revered status in public opinion, its shortcomings must be acknowledged. The lack of emphasis on prevention over treatment has led to a service struggling to meet demand. Additionally, low pay in the care sector hinders recruitment, much of which relies on migrants.

Housing shortages also need addressing, as supply has not kept pace with demand. Credible targets for housebuilding, including more and better social housing, are essential. The challenge lies not in identifying what needs to change, but in decision-makers and leaders having the courage and capacity to act. Low economic growth and persistent inflation reflect poor business investment and productivity growth. While steps have been taken to provide better incentives for investment, complementary actions are needed to bolster skills and strengthen lifelong learning.

In other policy areas, including public administration, infrastructure, and public finances, a sharper focus on practices and delivery is essential. Following the fiasco of the canceled HS2 high-speed rail project and the excessive cost of the remaining section, a fundamental shake-up of infrastructure planning is necessary. Recognizing that deficient provision harms both growth prospects and sustainability, civil service reform and reconfiguring how the center of government functions should also be priorities. With taxes at record levels and net public debt exceeding 100% of GDP, the fiscal framework needs to be recast.

Intergovernmental relations also require attention. Domestically, the continued dominance of Westminster, especially on funding, creates tensions that call for a re-examination of the powers and capacities of devolved administrations, metro mayors in England, and local authorities. For example, the UK Internal Market Act has caused confusion and concern among devolved governments. Relations with the EU have somewhat recovered since the Windsor Framework agreement and the UK’s re-admission to the Horizon program. However, with a review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement due by 2026, more needs to be done to rethink the post-Brexit settlement. Economic cooperation is crucial, as are other areas of common interest, such as climate action, security, and managing migration flows.

An overarching theme is the need to connect sustainability policy aims to effective governance. The UK’s variation on this theme highlights the disconnect between its reputation for majoritarian democracy, characterized by a power-hoarding central government, and the complex reality of governance, which requires collaboration with numerous governmental and non-governmental actors to achieve policy goals (Cairney and Kippin 2024).

Citations:

Cairney, P., and Kippin, S. 2024. Policy and Policymaking in the UK. Bristol: BUP.
Dougan, M., Hunt, J., McEwen, N., and McHarg, A. 2022. “Sleeping with an Elephant: Devolution and the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.” Law Quarterly Review 138: 650-676.