Onward Newsletter, 30/06/23

What’s Onward This Week

It is unclear whether Lord Goldsmith has resigned to avoid an apology or make a point. Regardless, millions of environmentally-minded Conservative voters will be concerned at the issues he has raised. At a moment when Lib Dem leaflets are plastered with polluted rivers and Green candidates are picking up more votes than the Reform Party, the Government must take notice. 

The Prime Minister has said in the past that he believes in the environment because he wants to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren. This is the correct position – and one that is profoundly Conservative. Among the noise in Westminster today, there is a signal: the PM must reassert his green credentials.

✍️ Research

This week Deputy Director Adam Hawksbee spoke at an Institute for Government event on the policies needed to level up left behind places. Adam’s comments brought together a range of papers Onward has produced on the need to boost economic growth in places where it is lagging and repair the social fabric in places where it is frayed – including on the need for greater devolution, localised private sector growth, improved transport links, and stronger communities.

You can find out more about our Levelling Up research here. 

📰 Media Mentions

Sebastian Payne, Director, wrote for Conservative Home on how improving childcare and creative tax incentives are key to promoting all kinds of families. 

Deputy Director, Adam Hawksbee, was quoted in Politico’s article on No. 10’s reaction to the mortgage crisis. 

Our recent report, Hydrogen: Who Pays?, continues to be mentioned in The Telegraph, The Guardian, Business Green and Utility Week as the Government plans to step down from introducing the hydrogen levy. 

Michael Gove MP’s speech at our Future of Conservatism launch event was mentioned in The i. 

Missing Millennials was referenced in the New Statesman’s piece on Bim Afolami MP.

🌐 Onward Online

We are excited to announce our new Head of Communications, Cameron Smith, who will be joining us from August. 

Today we hosted ‘Upskilling: Building a Science Superpower’ with the Education Secretary, Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP. You can catch up on the event on YouTube or check out our Twitter thread from the event here.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

Summer Onward After Hours with Lord Hague

Onward After Hours is our event series for under 35s, connecting the next generation of centre-right political thinkers. These events bring together journalists, special advisors, parliamentary staffers and more, to inspire fresh thinking and build connections

On Tuesday 18th July 2023, we will host a summer drinks reception with Lord Hague.

This evening will be a great opportunity for a casual drink and a chance to discuss the policy agenda and what matters most for young voters. We hope you are able to join us. Sign up here.

Lost in Translation: Bridging the gap between research and practice

Life sciences research is one of the most valuable parts of the UK economy and key to unlocking the ‘science superpower’ ambitions. But for research to fully benefit, fresh ideas must be translated into practical interventions.

This event will consider how researchers can be better supported in their quest for funding. What are the barriers faced and how are they addressed? And how can we bridge the gap between early-stage investment and support for companies becoming more established?Sign up to receive the streaming details.