Social Market Foundation - Think Tank

SMF Director James Kirkup sits with Professor Roger Awan-Scully, Head of Politics and International Relations of Cardiff University for an election special podcast, as they discuss whether the UK’s two-party system will survive into 2020. Professor Roger Awan-Scully will take us across the devolved nations and discuss how the fragmentation of party politics in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland might stack up in the next Parliament.

Given that building a low-carbon society and tackling climate change may feel like an insurmountable challenge to many people, how can policymakers respond to encourage individuals to make their lifestyles sustainable? In this episode, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh of Cardiff University outlines recent research into carefully-considered policies that advocate behavioral changes and give cause for optimism in the fight to combat climate change.

There are almost 1.3 million carers in England and Wales who are aged 65 and over. Figures from Carers UK indicate that the numbers in this age group are increasing more rapidly than the general population of carers. Research Director Scott Corfe speaks with Professor Sue Yeandle, Professor of Sociology and Director of CIRCLE, University of Sheffield about these individuals who often go unidentified and the many challenges they are likely to face.

James Kirkup and Scott Corfe discuss a new report from the SMF on the case for reforming the UK's alcohol duty system. Changes to alcohol duty could discourage harmful drinking and target irrationally cheap high-strength products. Key lessons for policymakers include proposing a "duty strength escalator" to encourage the production of lower strength products; and introducing a new “Pub Relief”, post-Brexit, to favour drinking in pubs rather than at home or on the street.

New analysis shows coastal communities are falling even further behind the rest of the country. Not only do inhabitants earn on average close to £5,000 less per year than those living elsewhere, but they are also living shorter lives. SMF Director James Kirkup sits with Head of Research Scott Corfe to discuss why this is happening and what can be done.