Dr Peter Allen awarded ESRC and British Academy funding
21 December 2015
Dr Peter Allen has been awarded ESRC and British Academy grants for two research projects exploring political ambition, and the relationship between gender and voting, respectively.
Mile End Institute joins CSaP Policy Fellowships Affiliate Network
14 December 2015
The Mile End Institute is pleased to be a founding member of an important new network hosted by the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
UACES 46th Annual Conference 2016 at QMUL
14 December 2015
The UACES 46th Annual Conference, will be hosted Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) from 5-7 September 2016.
A Majority Attained by Fraud? The Government Information Unit and the 1975 Referendum
7 December 2015
At the Mile End Institute conference, Britain and Europe: The Lessons from History, Lindsay Aqui discussed the 1975 Referendum Information Unit and its lessons for the present day.
Tony Hall calls for external regulator to guarantee BBC independence
3 December 2015
The BBC's director general Lord Tony Hall has repeated his calls for an external regulator for the corporation, arguing for regulation that is “effective, not prescriptive”. He made the remarks as he opened a discussion on “Re-imagining the BBC: Charters Past and Present”, organised by the Mile End Institute and the BBC on 2 December.
Professor Michael Kenny wins WJM MacKenzie Prize
2 December 2015
Professor Michael Kenny, Director of QMUL’s Mile End Institute, has won the prestigious W.J.M Mackenzie Book Prize 2014 for his book The Politics of English Nationhood.
Why did Britain join the EEC? A Revisionist View
24 November 2015
In this article, written for Mile End Institute conference, Britain and Europe: The Lessons from History, Professor Alan Sked challenges the conventional historiography concerning the motives behind Britain’s first bid to join the EEC.
Mile End Institute awards East London bursaries
20 November 2015
Three students from Queen Mary University of London's Schools of History and Politics & IR have been awarded a studentship of £1,000.
What can we learn from the 1975 campaign?
16 November 2015
At the Mile End Institute conference, Britain and Europe: The Lessons from History, Dr Robert Saunders examined how the 1975 referendum campaign can inform the current debate.
What are the lessons of the 1974-5 renegotiations?
16 November 2015
At the Mile End Institute conference, Britain and Europe: The Lessons from History, Mathias Haeussler considered what can be learned from Britain's 1974-75 renegotiations as the UK embarks on a new attempt to reshape its relationship with Europe.
MEI Publication: English Identity and Radical Politics
16 November 2015
The Mile End Institute has published English Identity and Radical Politics which includes a number of articles exploring the issues raised by Jon Cruddas in his speech to the Mile End Institute, Labour's Lost in England.
Why has Europe been such a difficult subject for Britain?
16 November 2015
At the Mile End Institute conference, Britain and Europe: The Lessons from History, Dr James Ellison considered how the origins of the European Union presented the British with a challenge they found hard to handle.
What is the Role of Business in Britain's Relations with the EU?
11 November 2015
In the 1950s, British business was unenthusiastic about European trade co-operation. By 1975, that had changed dramatically, with business playing a leading role in the referendum of that year. Professor Glen O’Hara explores what had changed to make business more pro-European, and why its role will be different in the coming referendum.
EU Deal could come as early as December, says Europe minister
10 November 2015
Minister for Europe, David Lidington has said the government hopes to arrive at a deal with the European Union as early as December, but cautioned that it was too early to guarantee exact timings. He made the remarks at a keynote speech at the “Britain and Europe: The Lessons from History” conference, organised by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)’s Mile End Institute (MEI) on 9 November.
The triumph of EVEL: what next for the English Question?
23 October 2015
Michael Kenny and Daniel Gover consider the constitutional implications of parliament's approval of English Votes for English Laws
The guardians of the Constitution?
23 October 2015
In the context of increasing tensions between the Lords and the House of Commons, Nicholas Altham considers the implications for the UK’s constitution and politics.
Party Conferences: The Verdict
12 October 2015
Last month, Michael Kenny, Tim Bale and Andrew Gamble wrote blogs on what to watch out for at the party conferences. Here are their responses to what happened.
Lord David Owen: Without treaty change Britain will vote to leave the European Union
8 October 2015
The campaign to keep Britain in the EU will be defeated unless the government secures treaty change before the referendum, according to former Foreign Secretary Lord David Owen. He made his remarks as part of a major speech on referendums, at the Mile End Institute's inaugural Hennessy Lecture.
Notes from the Tory fringe, where everyone is playing nicely – for now
6 October 2015
Tim Bale gives in an overview of the key issues at the political gathering including leadership, Europe and immigration.
The patriotic working class vote is up for grabs
5 October 2015
David Skelton, Director of Renewal, responds to Jon Cruddas' vision for Labour, which he laid out in a speech to the Mile End Institute on 22 September 2015.
Applications open for Mile End Institute studentships
2 October 2015
Students from East London in the schools of History and Politics & IR are invited to apply for an award of £1,000.
Bridging the gap with the people?
1 October 2015
Professor Jane Wills of the School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London responds to Jon Cruddas' vision for Labour, which he laid out in a speech to the Mile End Institute on 22 September 2015.
Jon Cruddas: Labour is Lost in England
25 September 2015
The full text of Jon Cruddas' speech to the Mile End Institute, Tuesday 22nd September.
Ignoring ‘social Europe’ during renegotiations could be costly for David Cameron
23 September 2015
Dr Paul Copeland, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London, takes a look at David Cameron’s strategy for renegotiating the terms of the UK’s EU membership.
Labour is lost in England and must federalise, says Jon Cruddas MP
23 September 2015
The Labour Party is lost in England and must federalise to survive, according to Jon Cruddas. The MP for Dagenham and Rainham was speaking at the Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London, where he called for an English Labour party to win back lost voters.
Mile End Institute Conference Briefings: Liberal Democrats:
21 September 2015
As the party conferences get underway, three experienced analysts share their thoughts on the challenges facing each of the main political parties. In this article, Michael Kenny discusses the daunting road ahead for the Liberal Democrats.
Mile End Institute Conference Briefings: Conservatives
21 September 2015
As the party conferences get underway, three experienced analysts share their thoughts on the challenges facing each of the main political parties. In this article, Andrew Gamble says it will be important to listen to what the Conservatives do not say, as well as what they do.
Mile End Institute Conference Briefings: Labour
21 September 2015
As the party conferences get underway, three experienced analysts share their thoughts on the challenges facing each of the main political parties. In this article, Tim Bale says Jeremy Corbyn will be keen to lay down a marker in his first conference as party leader.
The EU referendum and lessons from the seventies
8 September 2015
Lindsay Aqui, PhD candidate at Queen Mary University of London, reflects on David Cameron's Purdah defeat, and highlights similar challenges faced by Harold Wilson in the mid seventies.
Why the Chilcot inquiry has taken so long – and why we should wait to judge it
1 September 2015
Dr James Ellison, Reader in International History, argues that the delays to the publication of the Chilcot report could be seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Major study launched on emotional health
24 August 2015
The Mile End Institute is to partner with QMUL's Centre for the History of Emotions in a major new project exploring emotional health.
So, who was Ted Heath?
6 August 2015
In this post, Alan John Wager - PhD candidate and teaching associate at QMUL - charts the political life and legacy of Edward Richard George Heath.
No, Thatcher didn’t cause the Conservative decline in Liverpool
20 July 2015
There's a common perception that Margaret Thatcher is responsible for the Tory decline in Liverpool. It's not quite as simple as that, argues David Jeffery, a PhD student at Queen Mary University of London.
Labour is on the wrong side of the argument as far as English votes for English laws are concerned
15 July 2015
In a blog piece for the New Statesman, Michael Kenny discusses the debate surrounding English Votes for English Laws (Evel) and the implications of the delay on a foxhunting vote earlier this week.
Haves and have-nots are Labour’s path back to power
13 July 2015
George Osborne has proved himself to be an astute political tactician, but whether his budget adds up to a compelling long-term economic and political strategy is a different question – writes Dr Patrick Diamond. He says that Labour needs to develop a “more sophisticated critique of Osborne’s ‘long-term economic plan’ alongside the fiscal decisions he announced last week, cultivating a progressive majority for a new social democratic economic and social policy”.
Will Northern Ireland be next to legalise same sex marriage?
10 July 2015
In this post, Jennifer Thomson considers the implications of recent rulings on same-sex marriage for the situation in Northern Ireland.
EVEL: a viable answer to the English Question?
7 July 2015
Last week the government published its detailed proposals for introducing English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) into the House of Commons. This is a significant moment in our constitutional history primarily because these changes reflect the acceptance of the need to institutionalise a collective English interest in the legislature, and the conviction that there is a growing and legitimate sense of grievance concerning England’s position within the UK.
EVEL may help set the course for Cameron’s time in office
3 July 2015
In this post, Professor Michael Kenny and Daniel Gover consider the mechanics, politics and implications for the Union of the government's proposals on English Votes for English Laws.
EVEL may help set the course for Cameron’s time in office, according to experts at MEI
2 July 2015
The government’s announcement on English Votes for English Laws, while seemingly cautious, “may help set the course for David Cameron’s time in office”, according to Michael Kenny, professor of politics and constitutional expert at Queen Mary University of London.
What’s next for decentralisation in the United Kingdom?
25 June 2015
In this post, Professor Francis Davis looks ahead to the implementation and likely impact of Greg Clark’s “radical” decentralisation bill.
Cameron risks losing grassroots support if EU plan fails
19 June 2015
In this post, Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, analyses the results of a survey of party members on the EU referendum.
Number 10 Policy Unit - Bernard Donoughue and Nick Pearce
15 June 2015
QMUL's Mile End Institute hosted a conversation between the first head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, Bernard Donoughue, and Nick Pearce who led the unit under Gordon Brown.
In defence of the European Convention of Human Rights
15 June 2015
In this post, Professor Geraldine Van Bueren QC calls for the defence of the European Convention of Human Rights and argues that while the Court has been portrayed "as a rapacious institution greedily grabbing cases from the UK courts...nothing could be further from the truth".
40 years on: The 1975 referendum explained
5 June 2015
On the 40th anniversary of Britain's first ever national referendum, Dr Robert Saunders from QMUL's School of History, explores the social and political dynamics of the 1975 vote on European Community membership.
Sparkling and inspiring: Charles Kennedy was a rare politician
2 June 2015
Dr Emma Sanderson-Nash, based at QMUL's School of Politics and International Relations, reflects upon the life of the late Charles Kennedy (1959-2015).
New patron for Mile End Institute
2 June 2015
The Mile End Institute is delighted to announce the appointment of a new patron, Lord Bob Kerslake.
Business and Europe: The 1975 Referendum
1 June 2015
Dr Robert Saunders considers the role of business in the 1975 referendum and asks whether it can again play a pivotal role in Britain's European membership debate.
Ukip didn’t invent English nationalism – it’s been brewing for years
21 May 2015
In this article, Professor Michael Kenny, director of the QMUL Mile End Institute, considers the debate around English nationalism, "one of the great bogeymen of British politics". He says there is a real danger that simplistic and misleading characterisations of its genesis and character take hold. "This is a phenomenon that seems to lend itself, almost without exception, to the twin perils of overstatement and underestimation."
David Cameron has promised too much on Europe – and that could mean a Brexit
18 May 2015
In this post, Dr Paul Copeland from QMUL's School of Politics and International Relations, considers the implications of David Cameron's pledge regarding EU re-negotiation.
Post-election briefing from Queen Mary University of London
11 May 2015
Experts from QMUL address the most important issues arising from the 2015 UK General Election and assess the fall-out for the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Union, the EU Referendum and Parliament.
Why the Lib Dems are in pole position to drive policy in coalition negotiations
6 May 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Tim Bale - along with colleagues from QUB and University of Zurich - analyses the second round of data from our voting advice application.
Tories and Lib Dems play catch-up with Labour on policies for women
4 May 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this article, Dr Rainbow Murray reviews the party manifestos and asks which party has the best policy offerings for women.
How the major UK parties are trying to court women’s votes
3 May 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Dr Rainbow Murray contends that while women are spoilt for choice when it comes to promises, the track records of the different parties might influence the extent to which women can trust that the promises will be kept.
App suggests parties may have less room for manoeuvre on coalition options than they’d like
29 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Tim Bale - along with colleagues from QUB and University of Zurich - analyses the first round of data from our voting advice application.
David Cameron looks more like a captive than a captain of his party
27 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Tim Bale looks at David Cameron's campaign and says that he "looks more like a man dutifully executing someone else’s plan".
Manifesto Check: Tory plans to tackle police and prison corruption are doomed to fail
27 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this article, Professor Seán McConville considers the Conservative Party's policies on crime and policing.
Who asks websites who they should vote for, and who listens?
24 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this article, Alan Wager, PhD candidate at QMUL, examines the role of voting advice applications in the context of election campaigns.
Manifesto Check: Ukip pledge more police resources, despite falling crime levels
24 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this article, Professor Seán McConville examines Ukip's crime and policing policies.
Talk of a divided union does not reflect English opinion
23 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Michael Kenny considers how English voters really feel about the prospect of an SNP-backed minority government.
Call for Papers: Rethinking Contemporary British Political History
22 April 2015
Our research symposium taking place on 7-8 September 2015 aims to map new directions in the historical study of British politics and government since 1945, with a focus on new research being carried out by scholars at an early stage of their careers.
Bad news for abortion rights if the DUP holds the balance of power in Britain
22 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this article, Jennifer Thompson considers the social policy implications of the DUP as a king maker.
What’s wrong with political manifestos, and how to fix them
22 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this article, Dr Patrick Diamond asks if the party manifesto process is fit for purpose.
Constitutionally Sound - Mike Kenny and Arianna Giovannini tackle the English Question
22 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this podcast, Professor Michael Kenny considers the English Question.
New Mile End Institute doctoral research post
22 April 2015
The Mile End Institute is delighted to announce a new doctoral research post examining devolution in England co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU).
What role will Northern Ireland MPs play in the General Election?
17 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Jennifer Thompson examines the potential role of the Northern Irish MP to act as king makers for the larger UK parties.
Mile End Institute Director invited to join Centre on Constitutional Change
15 April 2015
New project focusing on the English Question.
Ukip uses women’s rights as a trojan horse to attack minorities
13 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Dr Rainbow Murray reviews the Ukip manifesto in the context of equality and women's rights.
In 2015, it could be the data wot won it
10 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Dr Peter Allen considers the role of 'big data' in the modern campaign.
A night for the kingmakers and a sea-change for British politics
3 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Paul Sims examines the role of the smaller parties following the 2015 leaders' debate.
Manifesto Check: Plaid Cymru’s feel-good thinking won’t cut it for crime and justice
2 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Sean McConville scrutinises the crime and justice policies in the Plaid Cymru manifesto.
Five things Labour will do in this campaign, and five things it definitely won’t
2 April 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Tim Bale sketches out the scope of the Labour campaign.
Ed Miliband’s route to 10 Downing Street may hinge on the performance of Ukip, says Professor Tim Bale
25 March 2015
The fortunes of Ed Miliband and the Labour Party may well depend on the performance of Ukip on 7 May, according to Professor Tim Bale, who was speaking at the launch of his new book: Five Year Mission – The Labour Party under Ed Miliband.
Invisible in 2010, women must take centre stage this election
25 March 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Dr Rainbow Murray looks at the role of women in the forthcoming campaign, and asks if we've made any progress since 2010.
How left is Labour and how "red" is Ed?
24 March 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Tim Bale asks how radical (and red) is Ed?
It’s difficult to respond well to a Budget – but that’s what Labour must do today
18 March 2015
From March until 7 May, the Mile End Institute will invite experts from QMUL and beyond to contribute ideas, analysis and commentary on the 2015 UK General Election. In this post, Professor Tim Bale considers the immediate and political implications of the budget - and the challenges for Labour in its response.
Future of the UK hangs in the balance, according to experts at Mile End Institute launch event
4 March 2015
The Mile End Institute launch event took place on 2 March with a sold-out crowd of 350 policymakers, journalists, academics and members of the public.
New prize for community engagement at QMUL Mile End Institute
10 February 2015
QMUL's Mile End Institute has announced details of a brand-new prize that will provide recognition for outstanding examples of engagement in the QMUL community.
Postgraduate led colloquium at the QMUL Mile End Institute
3 February 2015
QMUL's Mile End Institute has announced details of a new postgraduate colloquium for doctoral and Masters students from the Schools of History, and Politics and International Relations.
QMUL Mile End Institute to launch with a debate on the future of the United Kingdom
12 January 2015
Can the United Kingdom survive without changing its constitution? This critical question will be posed to a high-profile panel of commentators and politicians on Monday 2 March, at the launch of the QMUL Mile End Institute.
