Press releases

Press Releases
December 17, 2018

Office for National Statistics adopts Bright Blue policy of asking voluntary question about gender identity in the Census from 2021

The Office for National Statistics has announced that everyone aged 16 and over will be asked in the 2021 Census if they wish to declare their gender identity. Bright Blue, the independent…
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Press Releases
December 17, 2018

Bright Blue responds to ONS announcement on accounting for student loans

The ONS has announced to treat the subsidy on student loans as contributing to the budget deficit today. Responding, Ryan Shorthouse, Director of Bright Blue, said: "It is entirely right to ensure…
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Press Releases
December 12, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Science and Technology Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the Science and Technology Committee's inquiry on Technologies for meeting Clean Growth emissions reduction targets. The…
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Press Releases
November 22, 2018

Bright Blue: World of work not gender-neutral just yet, says British public

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published analysis of polling by Opinium on public attitudes towards workplace opportunities, aspirations and equality. Bright Blue and Opinium’s…
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Press Releases
November 14, 2018

Bright Blue opens new call for written evidence for the ‘Conservative manifesto for conservation’

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, is conducting a call for written evidence to inform the development of a manifesto for conservation, which will be the final…
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Press Releases
November 11, 2018

Investigate justifiability of tuition fees for sandwich years, says Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today released new data showing the differing level of tuition fees charged by English universities for sandwich years and called…
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Press Releases
November 7, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee's inquiry on Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS). The…
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Press Releases
October 30, 2018

Bright Blue’s response to the Budget 2018

Commenting on the Budget, Ryan Shorthouse, director of Bright Blue, said: “This was an exhaustive Budget with some welcome policies, especially the significant restoration of the two work allowances in…
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Press Releases
October 27, 2018

Enable local governments to strive for ‘reasonable profits’ from Clean Air Zones, says Bright Blue

In advance of the Budget, Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published a new report, Reducing air pollution in the West Midlands, which calls on…
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Press Releases
October 26, 2018

Introduce Clean Air Zone across the West Midlands, says Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published a new report, Clearing the air: Reducing air pollution in the West Midlands, which includes evidence suggesting higher…
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Press Releases
October 18, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights' inquiry on 20 years of the Human Rights Act. The…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
October 11, 2018

‘Global Britain’ should lead on eradicating illegal wildlife trade, says Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, is calling on the UK Government – in the week that the UK hosts the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Conference  -…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
October 3, 2018

The Church has played and should play a major role in shaping liberal society

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published the latest edition of its magazine Centre Write, entitled "Staying faithful?", with contributions from Sir Roger Scruton, Nicky Morgan MP, Lord…
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Press Releases
September 29, 2018

Introduce cradle to grave Lifetime ISA to support young people with savings

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published new research, entitled The Lifetime ISA: enhance and simplify, calling on the Conservative Government, on the eve of…
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Press Releases
September 18, 2018

Final report from the Migration Advisory Committee on EEA migration a “missed opportunity”

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, responds to the final report from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on European Economic Area (EEA) migration. Bright Blue welcomes the…
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Press Releases
September 14, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Scottish Parliament Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the Scottish Parliament Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee's consultation on the Climate Change (Emissions…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
September 11, 2018

New Agriculture Bill a step in the right direction

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, responds to the launch of the Government’s new Agriculture Bill. Eamonn Ives, Researcher at Bright Blue, said: "Last year, Bright Blue…
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Press Releases
September 3, 2018

Conservation should be a cross-departmental priority

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published a new essay collection entitled Conservation nation, which includes contributions from 21 leading and expert decision-makers and opinion…
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Press Releases
August 21, 2018

A renewed pensions consensus is within politicians’ grasp – joint think tank report

Fabian Society and Bright Blue paper finds convergence on the next steps for pensions reform between political left and right Bright Blue and the Fabian Society - two leading think…
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Press Releases
August 7, 2018

Care for – don’t just train – young minds, HE Minister tells universities

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published the latest edition of its magazine Centre Write, entitled “Matters of the mind”. The magazine explores the ubiquity…
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Press Releases
July 20, 2018

Government adopts Bright Blue policy of new major R&D funding for cleaner and greener aviation

The Government has this week announced a £343m government and industry-backed aviation research and development drive, including £58m for pioneering electric flight initiative. Bright Blue, the independent think tank for…
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Press Releases
July 17, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee's inquiry into Global Britain. The submission is here.
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Press Releases
July 9, 2018

Prime Minister adopts Bright Blue policy of appointing a Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief

The Government has just appointed Lord Ahmed of Wimbledon, Minister of State in the Foreign Office, as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, a policy…
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Press Releases
July 5, 2018

Voters want tougher action on air pollution from national Government, says Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published new polling revealing that over two thirds (69%) of all adults in the UK think the Government should…
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Press Releases
June 25, 2018

Under 1% of Syrian refugees admitted to the UK last year were Christians, reveals Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has revealed - using a Freedom of Information request to the Home Office - that only 0.23% of Syrian refugees admitted…
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Press Releases
June 19, 2018

Britain should establish a global nature conservation fund of £1bn per year, say Bright Blue and the Conservative Environment Network 

Bright Blue and the Conservative Environment Network have launched a new report Saving global nature: greening UK Official Development Assistance which calls on the Government to allocate £1bn per year for global…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
June 11, 2018

Introduce ‘Citizens of the world’ visas, urges Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, is today urging the UK Government to significantly expand the number of countries, especially ones in the Commonwealth, that it has…
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Press Releases
May 25, 2018

UK should adopt new G7-leading legal net zero emissions target, says Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published a new report, Hotting up, which demonstrates that there is a strong scientific, technological, legal, and political case…
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Press Releases
April 16, 2018

Britain should lead the charge on climate change at CHOGM, urges Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, is calling on the Government to commit to a ‘net zero greenhouse gas emissions target’ at the Commonwealth Heads of Government…
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Press Releases
April 15, 2018

Britain should make trade deals and human rights a priority for the Commonwealth, urges Bright Blue

Ahead of the Commonwealth Summit, Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, is urging the Government to put a stronger focus on the Commonwealth in Britain’s post-Brexit foreign…
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Press Releases
April 11, 2018

Britain should focus on leading the Commonwealth after Brexit, argues Bright Blue

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published the latest edition of its magazine Centre Write, entitled “Global giant?”. On the eve of the Commonwealth Summit,…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
March 27, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Migration Advisory Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the Migration Advisory Committee's inquiry into EEA workers in the UK labour market. The submission is here.
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Press Releases
March 6, 2018

Bright Blue responds to the Prime Minister’s housing speech

Bright Blue welcomes the Prime Minister's speech on housing, but calls for reform of the Green Belt. Sam Hall, Head of Research at the liberal conservative think tank Bright Blue,…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
January 21, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee's inquiry into Universal Credit rollout. The submission…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
January 10, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Affairs Select Committee's inquiry into the Race Disparity Audit.…
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Press Releases
January 10, 2018

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Economic Affairs Committee on Higher Education

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Select Committee's inquiry into the economics of higher, further and…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
December 15, 2017

Cross-party consensus needed for next stage of pensions reform, Fabian Society and Bright Blue urge

Cross-party consensus needed for next stage of pensions reform, Fabian Society and Bright Blue urge With the government due to report on its review of automatic enrolment this month, sparking…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
December 11, 2017

Bright Blue submits evidence to the Education Select Committee

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has submitted written evidence to the House of Commons Education Select Committee's inquiry into Value for money in higher education. The…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
November 30, 2017

Fair trial and fair treatment of individuals a public priority, Bright Blue polling reveals

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism and conservative modernisers, has published a new polling report showing that Conservative voters believe in the importance of individuals having a…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
November 30, 2017

Bright Blue calls for new targets and debate on immigration

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, calls on the Government to abandon the net migration target whilst controlling migration and to support communities that have suffered from…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
November 22, 2017

Bright Blue’s response to the Autumn Budget 2017

For further comment or to arrange an interview please get in touch with Laura Round: laura@brightblue.org.uk or 07543759844. Commenting on the Budget, Ryan Shorthouse, director of Bright Blue, said: “The…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
November 20, 2017

Use CAP to fund a green Brexit

For further comment or to arrange an interview please get in touch with Laura Round laura@brightblue.org.uk or 07543759844. A greener, more pleasant land, a new report from Bright Blue, sets out a…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
September 30, 2017

Tories must be greener to win younger voters, says Bright Blue

For further comment or to arrange an interview please get in touch with Laura Round laura@brightblue.org.uk or 07543759844. Bright Blue, the independent think tank and pressure group for liberal conservatism and conservative…
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Press Releases
August 30, 2017

Time for thoughtful Theresa, not tough Theresa, on immigration

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, is calling for new data, targets and debate on immigration. Commenting on today’s ONS migration figures, director of Bright Blue Ryan…
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Press Releases
August 29, 2017

Defend and reform capitalism better, Bright Blue urges Tory Government

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published the latest edition of its magazine, Centre Write, ‘Capitalism in crisis?’, with contributions from The Rt Hon Lord…
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Press Releases
August 22, 2017

Conservatives should be loudest champions of Human Rights Act

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has published a report by former High Court judge and QC - Sir Michael Tugendhat - entitled "Fighting for freedom? The…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
August 17, 2017

Defend and reform capitalism better, Bright Blue urges Tory Government

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, has today published the latest edition of its magazine, Centre Write, ‘"Capitalism in crisis?", with contributions from The Rt Hon Lord Maude, Jesse…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
July 26, 2017

Bright Blue welcomes phase out of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040

Bright Blue comments on the Government’s ambition to phase out petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
July 17, 2017

Make Britain the home of human rights, Bright Blue urges PM

Bright Blue has published the final report from its year-long inquiry into human rights and discrimination, including 70 policy recommendations
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Press Releases
May 18, 2017

Passionate and principled, but room for improvement, says Bright Blue

Bright Blue comments on the Conservative Party Manifesto for the 2017 General Election.
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Press Releases
May 17, 2017

Lib Dem manifesto extensive but woolly

Commenting on the Liberal Democrat Manifesto, Ryan Shorthouse, director of the liberal conservative think tank Bright Blue, said: "The Liberal Democrats have produced an extensive and evidence-based manifesto with many…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
May 16, 2017

Labour manifesto falls back on a tired ideology

Commenting on the Labour Manifesto, Ryan Shorthouse, director of the liberal conservative think tank Bright Blue, said: “The Labour Party’s manifesto contains some positive policies, but overall it equates to…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
May 4, 2017

Theresa May should be bold on the environment, urges Bright Blue

Bright Blue has today 4th of May launched a manifesto for green conservatism. To win big, Theresa May must make a bold, positive offer to liberal Britain, including on the…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
May 2, 2017

The next stage of modernisation with Theresa May

Bright Blue has today published the latest edition of its magazine Centre Write, entitled ‘The robotic revolution’, which includes an interview with the Former Director of Strategy at Number 10…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
April 4, 2017

Conservative voters want a green Brexit, polling reveals

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism and conservative modernisers, has today published a comprehensive new polling report showing that an overwhelming majority of Conservative voters support maintaining…
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Press Releases
March 31, 2017

Bright Blue welcomes news of “clean air zones”

There have been reports that the Government is due to announce a network of "clean air zones" with councils mandated to impose bans or charges on polluting vehicles that enter them.…
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Press Releases
March 18, 2017

UK must remain a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights after Brexit, Conservative MPs tell PM

Bright Blue is today launching a new policy campaign from its one-year inquiry into human rights, calling on the Prime Minister to confirm that any future Conservative Government will ensure…
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Press Releases
March 15, 2017

The Government is wrong to back down on raising Class 4 NICS for the self-employed

Bright Blue has criticised the Government's decision to reverse the rise in Class 4 NICS for the self-employed from 2018 Commenting, Ryan Shorthouse, Director of Bright Blue, said: "It was…
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Press Releases
March 8, 2017

Bright Blue’s response to the 2017 Spring Budget

Commenting on the Budget, Ryan Shorthouse, Director of Bright Blue, said: “The Government should celebrate strong economic growth and record levels for employment, particularly for women and young people. But…
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Press Releases
February 24, 2017

Bright Blue welcomes two-year fast track degrees

Bright Blue welcomes the Government's plan to introduce two-year fast track degrees. Fast-track degrees with higher annual fees are to be introduced in universities under plans announced by the government.…
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Press Releases
February 23, 2017

Brexit is an opportunity to find better ways to control immigration

Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism and conservative modernisers, calls on the Government to abandon the net migration target, whilst controlling and reducing migration. Bright Blue welcomes…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
February 7, 2017

Government must be bolder in tackling housing crisis for young people

Bright Blue calls for the Government to take bolder action to fix the housing crisis in Britain, which is hurting young people the most. Bright Blue is calling on the…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
February 6, 2017

Give the next generation better homes, Bright Blue urges

Bright Blue calls for the Government in its forthcoming housing white paper to focus on policies that will help young people acquire better and more affordable homes. Bright Blue is…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
January 30, 2017

Mainstream conservatives in UK continue to tackle climate change

Today Myron Ebell, the Director of the Centre for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), gave a press briefing on President Trump’s approach to environmental policy. Last…
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Press Releases
January 24, 2017

Bright Blue welcomes the Government’s modern industrial strategy

Bright Blue welcomes the Government’s modern industrial strategy. Conservatives need not worry about a proactive role for the state in our economy and have a long history of a strong…
Robert Hansard
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Press Releases
January 13, 2017

Bright Blue responds to personal well-being figures

Commenting on the latest ONS figures on personal well-being, Ryan Shorthouse, director of Bright Blue said: "The UK's annual survey of personal well-being, rightly introduced by the Coalition Government, shows…
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Press Releases
January 12, 2017

Bright Blue responds to HESA statistics

Commenting on the HESA statistical release, Bright Blue researcher James Dobson said: “The decline in enrolments from undergraduates outside the EU demonstrates the impact of including international students in the…
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Press Releases
January 9, 2017

Bright Blue welcomes May’s vision of a “shared society”

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s vision for a “shared society”, director of the liberal conservative think tank and pressure group, Ryan Shorthouse said: "Conservatism is often wrongly associated with excessive…
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Press Releases
December 29, 2016

May must uphold promise on ECHR

Commenting on The Telegraph’s story that Theresa May will put plans to pull out of the ECHR at the heart of her 2020 general election campaign. Ryan Shorthouse, Director of…
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Press Releases
December 22, 2016

Time to stop scapegoating liberal values and institutions

Bright Blue has today published the latest edition of its magazine, Centre Write, on ‘The end of establishment?’, with contributions from The Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Chris Skidmore MP,…
Robert Hansard
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