Schedule:

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, resurgent geopolitical tensions, economic stagnation, and growing political polarisation Britain faces a crucial question: how should we navigate this new age of disorder? How can we bolster governance and foster resilience? What changes, if any, should we make to our economic and political model to fortify ourselves amidst global uncertainties? And how do we foster stronger leadership and restore confidence in our institutions and national identity?

What defines the national interest? It’s common to frame Britain’s challenges as part of a broader western malaise. While geopolitical rivalry, threats to supply chains, mass migration and climate change affect us in a similar way to Europe and the United States, it doesn’t follow that our solutions should mimic theirs. In what ways should Britain align or depart with the larger powers to our east and west? Is it realistic in such an interconnected and competitive world for Britain to chart its own course and what would that look like? What political and economic levers could be harnessed to realise this?

It’s commonplace to say Britain isn’t working, citing the housing shortage, escalating care costs, NHS waiting lists, porous borders, bankrupt councils, stalled infrastructure projects, failed military hardware on an extensive list of evidence. Despite the expanding size and cost of the state, its effectiveness is diminishing whilst public confidence wanes. What are the primary obstacles to Britain’s state capacity and how can we practically overcome them? How do we ensure the state maintains a clear mission while remaining adaptable and agile? Are there successful models, either within Britain or abroad, that we can emulate? Is the British state equipped to confront such challenges, or are our best days behind us?

Speakers:

Britain’s economy has been stagnant for nearly two decades. Growth is sluggish, productivity lags behind other advanced economies, and our industrial base is substantially depleted. Whilst promises to ‘level up’ have raised hopes of economic renewal, they have not materialised. Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is promoting ‘securonomics’, a more interventionist state to pursue national goals and invest in key industries to determine future success. Meanwhile, our most innovative start-ups complain they are frozen out of state contracts such as defence technology, or can’t expand their labs. Should the state take a more active role in economic growth, and if so, how? What is the right balance between the free market and state intervention in shaping prosperity?