IPPR

Article The politics of artificial intelligence is set to drastically change in 2026 as recent technical breakthroughs get implemented across the economy. The public are understandably worried about AI and, so far, governments have struggled to articulate a clear vision for what it would mean for AI to go well. Governments must stand ready to both protect people from the risks of AI and deliberately steer this transformation towards public value. But policy has, so far, been too timid to do so.

Article The NHS is under serious pressure. In this context, old questions have re-emerged with renewed force: are the NHS’s core principles – free-at-the-point-of-use and funded through general taxation – still fit for purpose?

Article How social media has changed over the last 20 years to make us more isolated from each other online, and what needs to change. Social media inarguably poses threats to democracy: disinformation and misinformation, polarisation, echo chambers, bots and rage-inducing algorithms. Excessive social media use and poor moderation can threaten our wellbeing and safety. There’s an understandably strong media focus on these severe harms and threats.

Article The government’s long-awaited cohesion action plan, Protecting What Matters, marks a genuine step forward - clarifying the role of the state in promoting community resilience. Housing secretary Steve Reed has framed it as a blueprint for a “more confident, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom”. It brings together commitments such as Pride in Place, tackling hate and extremism, integration and asylum reform into a more joined up agenda.

Article The UK’s energy support risks missing growth by backing high-cost industries instead of those most likely to invest. If electricity costs are proving a constant headache for British industry, then the next few months might induce a migraine. High energy prices have been the norm since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but volatile fossil fuel prices are once again on their way up as conflict in the Middle East sends energy markets haywire.

Article Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government. Watering down ambition offers no electoral advantage; a strong, progressive agenda on climate action remains broadly popular with the public. Elite opinion on net zero is highly polarised, with a precipitous drop in support on the political right since the general election in 2024.

Article The impacts of extreme weather are already directly affecting people and communities across the UK. We lack ways to deal with this. Without a serious rethink, we will lose any reputation for competence and leave an opening for the far right. But bringing together protections from extreme weather now with policies to stop the problem getting worse can be a strategic asset for progressives.

Yet despite conflicting values, the BBC acknowledges the importance of meeting audiences ‘wherever they are’. The BBC had 14 billion social video views across 150 channels in 2024, including on YouTube and TikTok, and their annual report sets out their plan to increase their presence on both platforms. The strategy seems simple: the BBC posts on other platforms to increase their reach and value – and to bring people to BBC platforms.

Article Britain's foreign policy needs a grand strategy that clearly defines the country’s strategy for security, growth and migration. Since coming to power, the Labour government has successfully rebuilt Britain’s diplomatic profile through deals on trade, migration and defence. But success abroad masks the extent to which Britain’s domestic woes over the last decade have international roots.

Article It is undeniable that housing in England is in crisis. Far too many people lack an affordable, safe, secure, decent place to call home. Far too many homes are disconnected from the spaces and services that make the economy tick and allow communities to thrive: public transport, working doctors' surgeries, parks and playgrounds, shops and pubs.