How Government Really Works

Launch of new MA Government Studies

The insider’s view of how government really works

Coverage of Strand Group 65

Why hasn’t UK regional policy worked? The views of leading practitioners

The sixty-fifth Strand Group event launched a new paper for King’s College London and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government.

Clement Attlee & the East End: Then & Now

The Attlee Foundation Annual Lecture, given by Strand Group Director Professor Jon Davis.

If You Build it, They Will Come: The Role of Individuals in the Emergence of Canary Wharf, 1985–1987

The article argues that the emergence of Canary Wharf was far from inevitable; in fact, it seemed almost inconceivable in the buildup to its announcement.

Past events

Professor Ed Balls

Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls is a Professor of Political Economy. Working with the Strand Group he continues to build on the teaching he has been doing as visiting professor since 2015.

Dr Jack Brown

Dr Jack Brown is Lecturer with The Strand Group, his work focuses on No.10 Downing Street and London governance.

Dr Michelle Clement

Dr Clement is a Lecturer on reform and delivery in government and Researcher in Residence at No.10 Downing Street.

Professor Jon Davis OBE

Professor Jon Davis OBE is Director of the Strand Group at King’s College London. His research and work focuses on the contemporary history of British central government.

Martin Stolliday

Martin Stolliday is the manager of The Strand Group

Making Modern Britain: Pivotal Prime Ministerial Decisions

This unique new module focuses on the pivotal moments for Prime Ministers, using case studies to examine the decision making process.

The History of The Civil Service: Evolution of the Machinery of Government

This innovative new module, in partnership with the Cabinet Office, focuses on the evolution of the British Civil Service and how its role has developed alongside the changing role of the state. World wars, the creation of the welfare state, as well as technological, economic and societal change has carved new functions and expectations of what government is there to do.

London: Governing the Global City

This module explores the recent history and government of London.

The Conservative Years: Governing in an Age of Turmoil

The Conservative Years is a brand-new module, building on the successful approach of ‘New Labour in Government’, and bringing its focus into even more ultra-contemporary historical study.

The New Labour Years: The Blair Brown Revolution

The module considers the New Labour governments from a historical perspective, tracing changes and themes across the thirteen years of Tony Blair’s and Gordon Brown’s premierships, using the rigour of the historical method. Special attention is given to the memoirs and diaries of the central protagonists, and a high-profile range of guests allow students to truly interrogate their sources face-to-face. 

Prime Ministers & No.10 Downing Street

These two modules, run in partnership with No. 10 Downing Street, examine how British Prime Ministers governed in the years 1945 – to the present day.

Chancellors and the Treasury: Managing the British Economy 

‘Chancellors and the Treasury: Managing the British Economy’ is the result of a unique collaboration between His Majesty’s Treasury the Policy Institute at King’s and the Strand Group. It studies the role and actions of the Treasury and its Chancellors since the Second World War up to the present day, through the context of the British economy.

Partners

The Strand Group partners with various government departments and businesses.

Visiting fellows

The Strand Group has a number of Visiting Professors and Fellows who contribute to its research, teaching and events.

Core team

The Strand Group team runs the MA Programme, undertakes professional education, manages events and produces research

Careers

The Programme is specially designed with student career paths in mind. We will focus on improving student knowledge, attributes and skills so alumni can flourish in a variety of roles.

Studentships

The MA in Government Studies has a strong social mobility focus, with places provided on the programme from businesses such as Amazon Web Services and others.

Teaching approach

Our fusion of academia and real-world expertise has been the cornerstone of the Policy Institute’s approach and the Strand Group’s success for over three decades.

Accessibility

About

The Strand Group examines the contemporary history of the institutions of British Government.

Professional training

The Strand Group provides bespoke training opportunities for government departments and businesses

MA Government Studies

Our central government-partnered programme blends the theory and practice of working at the heart of British Government.

Sarah Munby: Realising the potential of DSIT and its leadership of Science & Technology policy across the UK Government

The inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor from Sarah Munby, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Sir David Omand: ‘How to Survive a Crisis: Lessons in Resilience and Avoiding Disaster’

Book launch in partnership with King’s Intelligence & Security Group and Penguin Books

Strand Group MA student wins Mayor of London essay prize

Lydia Evans won the prestigious award for her essay “Why London needs levelling up too”

Michael Heseltine & Ken Clarke: ‘Memories of government – and of Britain’s membership of the EU’

At the sixty-first Strand Group event, in partnership with the Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, Michael Heseltine gave a speech on: ‘Memories of government – and of Britain’s membership of the EU.’ Kenneth Clarke was the respondent.

Simon Case lecture coverage

Cabinet Secretary Annual Lecture

Simon Case’s annual lecture at Bristol University, in partnership with The Strand Group

Professor Tony Travers: London at a crossroads? The city’s government, economy and place within the UK

The sixtieth Strand Group event took place at King’s College London on Wednesday 1 March at 18.30. Professor Tony Travers gave a lecture on ‘London at a crossroads? The city’s government, economy and place within the UK.’

Strand Group 57 Coverage

The Queen and her Prime Ministers

Strand Group partnerships with DCMS and HM Treasury

Sarah Healey: The Future Challenges for Digital Policy Making

The fifty-eighth Strand Group event where the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Sarah Healey gave a lecture on ‘The Future Challenges for Digital Policy Making.’

Lord Macpherson of Earl’s Court: ‘Treasury orthodoxy: fact or fiction?’

The fifty-seventh Strand Group event took place on the 1 November in Edinburgh where the former Permanent Secretary of the HM Treasury, Lord Macpherson gave a lecture on ‘Treasury orthodoxy: fact or fiction?’

Coverage of Strand Group 55

Strand Group director receives Platinum Jubilee honour

Professor Jon Davis, Director of the Strand Group, has been awarded an OBE

Events

We bring together figures from government, business, journalism and academia to shed light on the economy, defence, intelligence, foreign affairs, the public sector and the machinery of government.

Privacy policy

Newsletter

News & commentary

Home

How government really works – examining the institutions of British Government through teaching, research and events

Sarah Healey ‘The History of Digital Policy Making’

At the fifty-sixth Strand Group event the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Sarah Healey gave a lecture on ‘The History of Digital Policy Making’.

Clare Lombardelli ‘COVID & the UK Economy’

The UK’s Chief Economic Adviser Clare Lombardelli gave her inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor on ‘COVID & the UK Economy’.

Podcast: Sir Tony Blair speaks to King’s College London students

In this special episode of the Strand Group podcast, Sir Tony Blair answered our students’ questions on liberal intervention, the history of the Labour Party, how to deliver in government & more. With expert analysis from Dr Michelle Clement and John Rentoul.

Podcast: London, the state of the capital

In the third episode of The Strand Group Podcast we speak to the Chief Executive of the Centre for London, Dr Nick Bowes, Lecturer in London Studies at King’s College London, Dr Jack Brown and the Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell.

Podcast: Food & Politics

In the second episode of The Strand Group Podcast we speak to Professor Ed Balls about food & politics.

Coverage of Strand Group 54

Podcast: The Blair Brown Revolution

In the first episode of The Strand Group Podcast we speak to Professor Jon Davis, the Director of the Strand Group and John Rentoul, the Independent’s chief political commentator.

Food, Family & Politics

Ed Balls (King’s College London Professor & winner of the BBC’s Celebrity Best Home Cook), Angela Hartnett (Restaurateur and TV chef) & Rachel Johnson (Journalist and finalist on BBC’s Celebrity Best Home Cook) discussed their lives in food, family & politics.

Strand Group 53 coverage

The London Problem: What Britain gets wrong about its capital city

Jack Brown untangles the complex strands of anti-London rhetoric and feeling, separating hyperbole and emotion from fact and examining why successive governments have failed to redress the balance. The result is a passionate but fair analysis of a centuries-old struggle, and a vision of a future in which nation loves capital once more.

The making of ‘Blair & Brown: The New Labour Revolution’

Liz Mermin (director of episode 2), and series consultants Prof. Jon Davis and John Rentoul were joined by Ed Balls to discuss the making of the recent BBC 2 series. 

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case – Inaugural Lecture

On Wednesday 13th October the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case gave his first lecture at the University of Newcastle in partnership with the Strand Group.

‘Engaging’ essay voted winner of inaugural mayor’s prize

An insightful examination of affordable housing targets in London helped Strand Group student Kate Wallis win a new essay prize.

Student’s essay wins seal of approval from Cabinet Secretary

A prize-winning essay by a Strand Group student was described as ‘superbly written’ by the Cabinet Secretary.

Strand Group 51 coverage

Sir Dave Ramsden: Navigating the economy through the Covid crisis

The fifty-first Strand Group event, held in conjunction with the Bank of England and the King’s Business School. Sir Dave Ramsden gave a speech entitled: ‘Navigating the economy through the Covid crisis’

Jack Brown in the media

Michelle Clement in the media

Jon Davis in the media

Dr Jack Brown on BBC Politics London

On Sunday 23rd May Dr Jack Brown appeared on BBC Politics London to discuss his book ‘The London Problem’ and the levelling up agenda.

Book Launch: ‘The London Problem: What Britain Gets Wrong About Its Capital City’, Dr Jack Brown & Catherine McGuinness

The fiftieth Strand Group event, held in conjunction with Haus Publishing, took place on Tuesday 27th April. Dr Jack Brown, author of ‘The London Problem: What Britain Gets Wrong About Its Capital City’, discussed his new book with Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at City of London Corporation as respondent.

Book Launch: ‘Accomplishment’, Sir Michael Barber in Conversation with the Rt Hon Tony Blair & Dr Michelle Clement

The forty-ninth Strand Group event, held in conjunction with Allen Lane, took place on Thursday 22nd April. Sir Michael Barber, author of ‘Accomplishment: How to Achieve Ambitious and Challenging Things’, discussed his new book in conversation with the Rt Hon Tony Blair and King’s lecturer and researcher on reform and delivery in government, Dr Michelle Clement.

Strand Group 48 coverage

Finding ‘Global Britain’: From political slogan to hard economic policy choices

The forty-eighth Strand Group event launching a new paper for the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government took place on Tuesday 23rd February.

Book Launch: ‘What Does Jeremy Think?’ Suzanne Heywood in conversation with Ed Balls

The forty-seventh Strand Group event, held in conjunction with William Collins, took place on Thursday 11th of February. Suzanne Heywood, author of ‘What Does Jeremy Think? Jeremy Heywood and the Making of Modern Britain’, discussed her new book in conversation with Professor Ed Balls, followed by a Q&A.

Profile of Strand Group teaching in The Independent

The Prime Ministers – 300 years of Political Leadership

The forty-sixth Strand Group took place on the 19 January when Iain Dale editor of ‘The Prime Ministers: 55 Leaders, 55 Authors, 300 Years of History’, discussed this new book alongside contributing authors Sir Anthony Seldon, Rachel Sylvester and Dr Jack Brown.

Strand Group 45 Coverage

Strand Group 43 Coverage

Strand Group 42 Coverage

London’s Mayor at 20: Governing a global city in the 21st century

London’s Mayor at 20 combines expert opinion with reflections from those closely involved in setting up, running and working in the mayor’s office. Featuring a foreword by Tony Blair, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the mayoralty, and including interviews with Ken Livingstone and Sadiq Khan, this comprehensive analysis seeks to investigate how the government of London has developed and what the future holds for this modern metropolis.

Lord Moore of Etchingham: The Thirtieth Anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s Downfall

The forty-fifth Strand Group event took place on Wednesday 25th of November when Lord Moore of Etchingham discussed the the thirtieth anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s downfall as Prime Minister. This session also marked the paperback publication of Lord Moore’s “Margaret Thatcher: The Authorised Biography – Volume Three: Herself Alone.”

Lord Adonis: ‘Courage with Wisdom’ The Roy Jenkins Centenary Lecture

The forty-fourth Strand Group event took place on Tuesday 17th of November when King’s College London Visiting Professor Lord Adonis delivered the Roy Jenkins Centenary Lecture.

Ciaran Martin: ‘Cyber weapons are called viruses for a reason: statecraft, security and safety in the digital age.’

King’s College London Visiting Professor Ciaran Martin gave his inaugural Strand Group lecture on the subject: ‘Cyber weapons are called viruses for a reason: statecraft, security and safety in the digital age.’

Book launch – Professor Sir David Omand: How Spies Think

The forty-second Strand Group launched Professor Sir David Omand’s new book, How Spies Think: 10 Lessons in Intelligence.

‘Who finances the financiers? Twenty years of HM Treasury resource accounts’

The fourth Institute of Historical Research-Strand Group ‘Institutions of British Government’ research seminar took place on Tuesday 8 September at 18.00.

Strand Group 41 Coverage

Tony Blair speaks to Blair Years and No.10 modules

‘Transatlantic Trade and Economic Cooperation through the Pandemic: Will prioritising a UK-US Free Trade Agreement make or break ‘Global Britain’?’

The forty-first Strand Group event launching a new paper for Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government on the prospects for a US-UK Free Trade Agreement took place via Zoom webinar.

The Eighth Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture

Professor Sir David Omand discussed: ‘The Future of Deterrence’

Ciaran Martin appointed as Visiting Professor

The first Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at King’s

Dr Jack Brown – The Geography of Power at No.10 Downing Street

Dr Jack Brown gave the third Institutions of British Government Seminar on his book: The Geography of Power at No.10 Downing Street

No. 10: The Geography of Power at Downing Street

With perhaps the world’s most iconic front door, 10 Downing Street is the home and office of the British Prime Minister and the heart of British politics. This is the story of the intimately entwined relationship between the house and its post-war residents.

Heroes or Villains?: The Blair Government Reconsidered

Strand Group 39 Coverage

Coverage of Strand Group 39

Mario Pisani appointed as Visiting Professor at King’s

The Department of Political Economy, the Policy Institute and the Strand Group are delighted to announce the appointment of Mario Pisani as a Visiting Professor at King’s.

Director’s Blog – September 2019

A new academic year is a time of great anticipation for us at the Strand Group. It’s always a pleasure to lay out to the new students what we’ve been planning over the summer months to make their experience truly memorable – and often unique. 

Lord Macpherson ‘A Century of British Economic Crises: Cause & Response’

Lord Macpherson delivered the thirty-ninth Strand Group discussing ‘A Century of British Economic Crises: Cause & Response’.

Strand Group 38 Coverage

Declassified File Releases

This blog series has been made possible by the declassification of prime ministerial archives through the Public Records Act. In partnership with the Cabinet Office, Strand Group PhD candidates and No.10 Researchers in Residence Michelle Clement and Ashley Sweetman had access to the files pre-release.

The Department of Health & Social Care at 100: Lessons for the Future

The thirty-eighth Strand Group event was held on Tuesday 16th of July at 18.30 at King’s College London. 

Ed Balls in Conversation: ‘Britain and the European Question – History, Politics & Economics’

Ed Balls discussed: ‘Britain and The European Question – History, Politics & Economics’

‘Heroes or Villains?: The Blair Government Reconsidered’ Coverage

‘The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit 2001-05’

Michelle Clement gave a research paper on ‘The Art of Delivery: The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, 2001-2005’

HM Treasury History Conference: The Financial Crisis 10 Years On

Blog by Mario Pisani (HM Treasury Deputy Director and King’s College London Visiting Fellow)

‘Heroes or Villains?: The Blair Government Reconsidered’

On Tuesday 5th March at 18.30 Dr Jon Davis’ and John Rentoul launched their new new book ‘Heroes or Villains?: The Blair Government Reconsidered’ at King’s College London

Sir Michael Barber: ‘Delivering Public Value: The Role of the Treasury’

The thirty-fifth Strand Group took place on Wednesday 23rd of January at 18.30. Sir Michael Barber discussed: ‘Delivering Public Value: The Role of the Treasury’.

Strand Group 34 Coverage

Coverage of Strand Group 34

Lord Pickles, Emily Benn, Ed Balls, Lord Falconer, Nyasha Weinberg & Peter Sands ‘Deal or No Deal?’: Businesses’ Views on the Brexit Endgame

The thirty-fourth Strand Group, in conjunction with Harvard Kennedy School, took place Tuesday 4th December at 5.30pm.  

Strand Group 33 coverage

Tony Blair: ‘Progressive Politics in an Era of Populism’

Tony Blair delivered the thirty-third Strand Group, discussing ‘Progressive Politics in an Era of Populism’.

The Secret Sterling Crisis of 1968

Dr Jon Davis delivered the inaugural, Institutions of British Government Seminar Series – in partnership with The Strand Group. Discussing, The Secret Sterling Crisis of 1968.

Seventh Sir Michael Quinlan Lecture coverage

Director’s Blog: New Academic Year 2018-19

Happy New Academic Year! The first week of teaching for the new 2018-19 cohort provides an opportunity to share some exciting highlights ahead for new students – and for more seasoned friends of The Strand Group.

Mile End Group 105 Coverage

Mile End Group 89 Coverage

Mile End Group 88 Coverage

Mile End Group 84 Coverage

Mile End Group 76 Coverage

Mile End Group 75 Coverage

Mile End Group 70 Coverage

Mile End Group 102 Coverage

The Changing Role of Government in Economic Policy: Searching for the Holy Grail if it Even Exists

At the eleventh meeting of the Mile End Group Sir Samuel Brittan and Lord Peston of Mile End discussed ‘The Changing Role of Government in Economic Policy: Searching for the Holy Grail if it Even Exists’

Constitutional Implications of Coalition Government

Baroness Jay of Paddington delivered the one hundredth and sixth Mile End Group where she discussed the ‘Constitutional Implications of Coalition Government’

Unveiling the Attlee Statue

Former Prime Minister Clement Attlee, was honoured with a statue unveiling at Queen Mary, University of London on April 4, 2011. Lord Mandelson was invited to unveil the repaired statue of Clement Attlee to commemorate Attlee’s achievements

Launch of ‘The Official History of the Joint Intelligence Committee, Volume I’

Dr Michael Goodman delivered the one-hundredth and ninth Mile End Group where he launched his book, ‘The Official History of the Joint Intelligence Committee, Volume I’

Marking 50 Years Since the Creation of the Defence Intelligence Staff

To mark 50 years since the creation of the Defence Intelligence Staff, Lord Hennessy chaired a panel including Vice Admiral Alan Richards, Sir David Omand and Mr John Morrison discussed

Ethics in the Civil Service

Lord O’Donnell (Cabinet Secretary 2005-2011) gave the one-hundredth and seventh Mile End Group, the fourth Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture where he discussed, ‘Ethics in the Civil Service’

Two Futures For London

Lord Adonis gave the one-hundredth and fifth Mile End Group on ‘Two Futures For London,’ Lord Heseltine & Professor Tony Travers were respondents

Uncertainty And The Transition to a New Normal for Monetary Policy

Professor David Miles of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee spoke on ‘Uncertainty and the Transition to a New Normal for Monetary Policy’, at the one-hundredth and third meeting of the Mile End Group

‘The Treasury View: a Testament of Experience’

Sir Nicholas Macpherson gave the one-hundredth and first Mile End Group where he discussed ‘The Treasury View: a Testament of Experience’

Sure Start: Its Challenge to the Conventional Machinery of Government

Dame Tessa Jowell gave the one-hundredth and fourth Mile End Group on ‘Sure Start: Its Challenge to the Conventional Machinery of Government’

The Science of Delivery

Sir Michael Barber gave the one-hundredth and second Mile End Group on, ‘The Science of Delivery’

How Government Really Works

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair gave the one-hundredth Mile End Group, where he discussed ‘How Government Really Works’

The Second John Ramsden Memorial Event: ‘Thatcher and Whitehall’

Charles Moore gave the ninety-ninth Mile End Group, and second John Ramsden memorial on the topic off ‘Thatcher and Whitehall’

Foreign Becomes Domestic: The Work of the British Ambassador to Yemen

The British Ambassador to the Yemen, Sir Nicholas Hopton gave the ninety-seventh Mile End Group where he discussed, ‘Foreign Becomes Domestic: The Work of the British Ambassador to Yemen’

The Euro: 10th Anniversary of the Assessment of the Five Economic Tests

Dave Ramsden the Chief Economic Adviser to HM treasury gave the ninety-eighth Mile End Group where he discussed, ‘The Euro: 10th Anniversary of the Assessment of the Five Economic Tests’

Forecasting

Member of the Monetary Policy Committee Ben Broadbent delivered the ninety-sixth Mile End Group where he discussed ‘Forecasting’

Tech City from a CEO/Founder’s Perspective

Tech City champion Kam Star gave the ninety-fourth Mile End Group where he discussed ‘Tech City from a CEO/Founder’s Perspective’

The Case for the Prosecution: independence and the public interest

The Attorney General Dominic Grieve gave the ninety-fourth Mile End Group on the subject ‘The Case for the Prosecution: independence and the public interest’

The Third Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture, ‘The Ultimate Weapon: Deterrent or Dinosaur?’

Baroness Williams gave the ninety-third Mile End Group, The Third Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture, on the topic of, ‘The Ultimate Weapon: Deterrent or Dinosaur?’

Science Policy in the Real World

David Willetts, Lord Sainsbury & Lord Waldegrave gave the ninety-second Mile End Group where they discussed ‘Science Policy in the Real World’ with Peter Hennessy

The Origins of Treasury Control

Sir Nicholas Macpherson delivered the ninety-first Mile End Group where he discussed ‘The Origins of Treasury Control’

Coalition Policy-Making

Oliver Letwin MP discussed coalition policy making at the ninetieth meeting of the Mile End Group

Strand Group 31 Coverage

The New Protective State

Professor Peter Hennessy launched his edited collection of essays regarding ‘The New Protective State’ at the thirty-fourth meeting of the Mile End Group

Women in the Lords: The Life Peerages Act – Woman and Change in the House of Lords since 1958

To celebrate 50 years of The Life Peerages Act Baroness Hayman the Lord speaker gave the forty-first Mile End Group in the House of Lords.

Education, Education, Education

At the eighty-eighth Mile End Group Lord Adonis launched his book ‘Education, Education, Education: Reforming England’s schools’. The book describes Lord Adonis’s quest to transform standards and opportunities in England s schools, and his ambition to make English education truly world class

The Seventh Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture

The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH, gave the 7th Sir Michael Quinlan lecture on the topic of ‘Comprise or Confrontation.’

The Strand Group’s teaching initiatives featured in Wonkhe

Royal Bank of Scotland & The Financial Crisis: Ten Years On

The thirty-first event of The Strand Group took place on Wednesday the 12th of September. Royal Bank of Scotland chairman, Sir Howard Davies discussed: ‘Royal Bank of Scotland & The Financial Crisis : Ten Years On’

Saving the World? Gordon Brown Reconsidered

William Keegan, The Observer’s economics correspondent launched his new book, ‘”Saving the World?” Gordon Brown Reconsidered’ at the eighty-ninth Mile End Group

The Official History of Britain and the European Community, Vol. II: From Rejection to Referendum, 1963-1975

Sir Stephen Wall, the former Permanent Representative to the European Union launched his book; ‘The Official History of Britain and the European Community, Vol. II: From Rejection to Referendum, 1963-1975’ at the eighty-seventh meeting of the Mile End Group

What the 2012 US election will mean for the UK

Sir Nigel Sheinwald, the recently retired British Ambassador to Washington gave the eighty-sixth Mile End Group on the future prospects for UK/US relations after the 2012 US elections

Cybersecurity

Sir Kevin Tebbit and Sir David Omand gave the eighty-fifth Mile End Group discussing the subject of Cybersecurity

The Burden of Power: Countdown to Iraq – The Alastair Campbell Diaries

Alastair Campbell was the guest speaker at the eighty-fourth meeting of the Mile End Group discussing the fourth volume of his diaries ‘Burden of Power’

Distilling the Frenzy: Writing the History of One’s Own Times

Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield launched his latest book, Distilling the Frenzy, at the eighty-third meeting of the Mile End Group

What is Ethical Foreign Policy Leadership?

Professor Joesph Nye gave the second Sir Michael Quinlan memorial lecture on the question ‘What is Ethical Foreign Policy Leadership?’

The Past, Present and Future of Tech City

Ben Hammersley, the British internet technologist, journalist, author and broadcaster gave the eighty-first Mile End Group discussing the growth of ‘Tech City’

The Future of the City of London

Stephen Hammond MP gave the eightieth Mile End Group discussing the future for the City of London

Being Shadow Chancellor

At the seventy-ninth Mile End Group Ed Balls discussed the role of Shadow Chancellor

The History of North Sea Oil and Gas

Professor Alex Kemp discussed ‘The History of North Sea Oil and Gas’ at the seventy-eighth meeting of the Mile End Group

The theory and practice of taking the Cabinet Minutes

Sir Gus O’Donnell & Lord Armstrong of Ilminster gave the seventy-seventh Mile End Group on the subject of ‘The theory and practice of taking the Cabinet Minutes’

Honour for Strand Group Director

Dr Jon Davis, Director of the Strand Group and Lecturer in the School of Politics & Economics, has been made a ‘Freeman’ of the City of London

Inaugural John Ramsden Memorial Lecture, ‘Liberal Conservatism’

David Willetts MP have the seventy-sixth Mile End Group on the subject ‘Liberal Conservatism’

The future of the House of Commons

The Chair of the Public Administration Select Committee Tony Wright gave the seventy-fourth Mile End Group on the subject, ‘The future of the House of Commons’

1911 Parliament Act and the House of Lords

The seventy-third Mile End Group event was given by The Lord Speaker, Rt Hon Baroness Hayman, on the House of Lords one hundred years on from the 1911 Parliament Act.

The Tories and the Lords

Lord Hurd of Westwell gave the seventy-first Mile End Group discussing the history of the Tories and the Lords

Cabinets and the Bomb

Professor Peter Hennessy gave the first Sir Michael Quinlan memorial lecture in the House of Lords on the subject, ‘Cabinets and the Bomb’

Women in the Lords: Women’s Work in the House of Lords: Culture, Language and Identity

Baroness Young on Hornsey delivered the forty-fourth Mile End Group on ‘Women’s Work in the House of Lords: Culture, Language and Identity’

Ministers and Permanent Secretaries

The sixty-eighth Mile End Group featured a panel discussion Sir Nicholas Montagu, John McAuslan, Mark Addison discussing the relationship between Ministers and Permanent Secretaries

The Secret State: Preparing for the Worst 1945-2010

Professor Peter Hennessy gave the sixty-eighth Mile End Group discussing his research on The Secret State: Preparing for the Worst 1945-2010

British Constitutional Changes: Trivial or Transforming?

Professor Robert Hazell, Professor of Government and the Constitution at University College London gave the fifty-eighth Mile End Group

100th Anniversary of MI5

The Official Historian of MI5, Professor Christopher Andrew gave the sixty-first Mile End Group discussing his authorised, official history of MI5

Why do we still have a monarchy?

The renowned broadcaster and journalist, Jeremy Paxman gave the forty-ninth Mile End Group on the question ‘Why do we still have a monarchy?’

The Physiology of British Government

Prof. Anthony King gave the sixty-fifth Mile End Group discussing ‘The Physiology of British Government’ at Canary Wharf’s Level 39 venue

The Vision of Canary Wharf

Lord Heseltine was the speaker at the fifty-first meeting of the Mile End Group. The event was held in Canary Wharf’s Winter Garden.

Being Chancellor

Former Chancellor Lord Healey discussed Being Chancellor at the seventieth meeting of the Mile End Group

The Parliament Act of 1911

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow gave the sixty-ninth Mile End Group in the Houses of Parliament discussing the The Parliament Act of 1911

Securing the State

Sir David Omand, the first UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator, addressed the sixty-seventh meeting of the Mile End Group to discuss his book, Securing the State

100th Anniversary of MI6

The official historian of MI6 discussed the 100th anniversary of the Secret Intelligence Service at the sixty-sixth Mile End Group

Reflections on Intelligence

The former head of MI5 Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller gave the sixty-fourth Mile End Group discussing her personal reflections on intelligence.

Strand Group 30 coverage

Simon Case and Clare Lombardelli appointed as Visiting Professors at King’s

The Policy Institute and the Strand Group are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Simon Case and Clare Lombardelli as Visiting Professors at King’s.

Transitions of Government

Peter Riddell, Assistant Editor of The Times delivered his paper ‘Transitions of Government’, as part of an event organised by The Mile End Group

The World in 2050

Astronomer Royal, Professor Martin Rees gave the sixtieth Mile End Group in the House of Lords, discussing his vision of the world in 2050

Arts and the Media

Lord Melvyn Bragg was the guest speaker at the fifty-ninth Mile End Group

Launch of ‘Half In, Half Out – Prime Ministers on Europe’

The thirtieth event of King’s College London’s Strand Group took place at King’s College London on Monday 25th June.

A Comparison of London and New York Public Transportation Systems

Professor Tony Travers gave a lecture on ‘A Comparison of London and New York Public Transportation Systems’ at the fifty-seventh meeting of the Mile End Group. The event was held at The Guildhall in the City of London

Energy and the Middle East

Sir Mark Allen addressed the fifty-sixth Mile End Group on the topic of ‘Energy and the Middle East’

Diaries

Lord Donoughue, Lord McNally, William Keegan discussed the importance of keeping a diary at the fifty-fifth meeting of the Mile End Group

International Institutional Reform: Making the World Work Better

Crossbench peer and former Chief of Staff, UN Secretary General Lord Malloch Brown was the speaker at the fifty-third meeting of the Mile End Group

How Green Politics went Mainstream

Sir Crispin Tickell was the speaker at the fifty-third meeting of the Mile End Group on the subject: ‘How Green Politics went Mainstream’

Tony in 2025: Blair as History

Independent columnist and visiting professor John Rentoul gave the fifty-second Mile End Group on ‘Tony in 2025: Blair as History’

Women in the Lords: Politics and the media – Better or Worse in the last fifty years?

Rt Hon Baroness Jay of Paddington gave the fifth Women in the Lords lecture on ‘Politics and the media – Better or Worse in the last fifty years?’

War and its Consequences

General the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank gave the forty-eighth Mile End Group on ‘War and its Consequences.’

Civil Nuclear Energy since 1945: The Lessons’, in partnership with the Science Museum and the British Academy

Professor Sir Roger Williams delivered the forty-seventh Mile End Group at the Science Museum discussing ‘Civil Nuclear Energy since 1945: The Lessons’

Women in the Lords: Police and the Public in the 21st century

The famous novelist, Baroness James of Holland Park, gave the fourth of the series of Women in the Lords lectures on ‘Police and the Public in the 21st Century.’

Memories of Sir William Armstrong

A distinguished panel of Peter Jay, Philip Connelly and Peter Armstrong met to discuss their memories of Sir William Armstrong at the forty-fifth Mile End Group

Women in the Lords: Britain’s global role in the next decade

Baroness Williams of Crosby gave the second lecture in the Women in the Lords series discussing ‘Britain’s global role in the world in the next decade.’

Journalism and History

The journalist and broadcaster Andrew Marr gave the forty-second Mile End Group on the theme of ‘Journalism and History’

Next Steps

Kate Jenkins, the former Head of the Prime Minister’s Efficiency unit spoke about ‘Next Steps’ at the fortieth Mile End Group

The New Security Architecture

The thirty-ninth meeting of the Mile End Group was given by Sir Richard Mottram, former Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence on ‘The New Security Architecture’

Britain and America, Ideology gone West

BBC Radio 4 Today presenter James Naughtie delivered the thirty-eighth Mile End Group discussing, ‘Britain and America, Ideology gone West’

Instruction to Deliver: Tony Blair, the Public Services and the Challenge of Delivery

Former head of the Prime Minister’s delivery unit Professor Sir Michael Barber gave the thirty-sixth Mile End Group discussing his book, ‘Instruction to Deliver’

2nd Michael Young Memorial Lecture in partnership with the Young Foundation, Professor Sir Peter Hall, ‘London Lives, London Voices’

Professor Sir Peter Hall gave the second Michael Young Memorial Lecture on the topic of, ‘London Lives, London Voices’

More Than A Game – Sir John Major

At the thirty-fifth Mile End Group former Prime Minister John Major launched his book on the history of cricket ‘More Than A Game’

War Cabinets

At the thirty-third meeting of the Mile End Group renowned diplomat Sir Robert Wade-Gery discussed War Cabinets

Good and Bad Power

At the thirty-second meeting of the Mile End Group Geoff Mulgan discussed ‘Good and Bad power’

30th Anniversary of the British IMF Negotiations

The thirty-first meeting of the Mile End Group brought together a panel of Lord Donoughue, Baroness Williams, Lord McNally, Adam Raphael, William Keegan, Hugh Stephenson, Peter Jay and Sir Alan Bailey to discuss the IMF crisis in 1976

Power, Premiers and the Press

Editor of The Guardian Alan Rusbridger and Professor Colin Seymour-Ure gave the thirtieth Mile End Group on ‘Power, Premiers and the Press’

Having It So Good: Britain In The Fifties

At the twenty-ninth meeting of the Mile End Group Professor Peter Hennessy launched his book ‘Having It So Good: Britain In The Fifties’ he was introduced by the first man to run the sub-four minute mile Sir Roger Bannister

Terrorist challenge: the long term context

Sir Kevin Tebbit, former Permanent Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence discussed the long-term context of the terrorist challenge at the twenty-eight meeting of the Mile End Group

Protecting the citizen in the 21st Century – issues and challenges

At the twenty-sixth meeting of the Mile End Group Sir richard Mottram discussed ‘Protecting the citizen in the 21st Century – issues and challenges’

The Ethics of Intelligence

At the twenty-sixth meeting of the Mile End Group Sir Michael Quinlan, Sir David Omand and Sir Kevin Tebbit discussed ‘The Ethics of Intelligence’

The Anthony Sampson Memorial Seminar: Oil and Politics

The first Anthony Sampson Memorial Seminar brought together Lord Browne of Madingley and Sir Kevin Tebbit as his respondent on the theme of oil and politics

The Star Wars theory of Civil Service reform

Sir David Omand and Sir Robin Mountfield discussed ‘The Star Wars theory of Civil Service reform’ at the twenty-fourth meeting of the Mile End Group

Blog-off? – Weblogs vs. Journalism: The Future of Newspapers

The Editor of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger gave the twenty-third Mile End Group on the future of newspapers

The Rise and Rise of the Special Adviser: From Thomas Balogh to David Cameron

Dr Andrew Blick and Lord Lipsey gave the twenty-second Mile End Group entitled, ‘The Rise and Rise of the Special Adviser: From Thomas Balogh to David Cameron’

The Michael Young Memorial Lecture (in association with the Young Foundation): ‘On Meritocracy’

Professor George Steiner and Professor Peter Hennessy gave the The Michael Young Memorial Lecture (in association with the Young Foundation): ‘On Meritocracy’

The Unfulfilled Prime Minister

The twenty-first meeting of the Mile End Group launched Peter Riddell’s book ‘The Unfulfilled Prime Minister’. Peter Riddell was joined by Robert Hill.

A Bridge Too Far: Foreign Policy from Suez to Basra

The Financial Times’ Philip Stephens and Professor Peter Hennessy discussed British foreign policy from Suez to Basra at the nineteenth meeting of the Mile End Group

The Butler Report One Year On

Lord Butler of Brockwell discussed his report ‘The Review of Intelligence on Weapons of Mass Destruction’ at the eighteenth meeting of the Mile End Group. Sir David Omand acted as respondent

How Do Central Governments Think? Lessons from British History and Abroad

Dr Geoff Mulgan discussed ‘How Do Central Governments Think? Lessons from British History and Abroad’ with Dr William Plowden as respondent

The Need for an Impartial Civil Service

Gillian Shephard MP gave the sixteenth Mile End Group on ‘The Need for an Impartial Civil Service’. Professor Rodney Lowe was the respondent

The Changes to the Civil Service from Thatcher to Blair

MEG 15 was given by Sir Christopher Foster and Sir Robin Mountfield

The Aides of British Prime Ministers from Walpole to Blair, 1721 to 2005

Professor George Jones (LSE), discussed ‘The Aides of British Prime Ministers from Walpole to Blair, 1721 to 2005’. David Willetts MP acted as the respondent

How the Prime Minister gets things done; Peter Riddell

At the thirteenth meeting of the Mile End Group Professor Michael Barber the head of the Prime Minister Delivery Unit and Associate Editor of the Times Peter Riddell discussed ‘How the Prime Minister gets things done; Peter Riddell’

Rab, ROBOT and the Fork in the Road

Lord Lawson, Professor Peter Hennessy and Sir Samuel Brittan discussed economic policy in the 1950s at the twelfth meeting of the Mile End Group

Contemporary Whitehall Reform: Good and Bad

The tenth meeting of the Mile End Group brought the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Sir Kevin Tebbit and the Associate Editor of the Times, Peter Riddell together to discuss ‘Contemporary Whitehall Reform: Good and Bad’

Cinema-Graphic Representation of Nuclear War

At the ninth meeting of the Mile End Group Matt Grant discussed ‘Cinema-Graphic Representation of Nuclear War’

The History and Sociology of the 1950s

Professor Peter Hennessy and Anthony Sampson discussed ‘The History and Sociology of the 1950s’ at the eighth Mile End Group

The Mechanics of the Defence Intelligence Staff

At the seventh Mile End Group Peter Davies discussed his thesis on The Mechanics of the Defence Intelligence Staff

Whitehall reform 1970-74

The first ever Mile End Group was held at Queen Mary. The title was ‘Whitehall reform 1970-74′. Dr Jon Davis was joined by Sir Robin Mountfield (former Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office)

London-Dublin relations 1970-74

The third Mile End Group discussed ‘London-Dublin relations 1970-74′ and was led by Fearghal McGoveran.

The Fight-Back of the Labour Right 1981-84

At the sixth Mile End Group Chair of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party Dianne Hayter and journalist John Rentoul discussed ‘The Fight-Back of the Labour Right 1981-84′

Editing the Douglas Haig Diaries

At the fifth meeting of the Mile End Group, Garry Sheffield & Dr Dan Todman discussed editing the Douglas Haig diaries

BBC World Service and Whitehall in the early post-war period

The second Mile End Group discussed ‘BBC World Service and Whitehall in the early post-war period’. It was led by Alban Webb and Robert Fox

The Blair Government Revisited

At the fourth Mile End Group, former Cabinet Secretary Lord Wilson discussed ‘‘The Blair Government Revisited’.

Strand Group 29 Coverage

Ed Balls, Peter Sands & Mehek Sethi: ‘On The Rebound: prospects for a UK-US Free Trade Agreement’

The twenty-ninth event of King’s College London’s Strand Group took place at Bush House on Wednesday 16th May.

The Director’s Blog – Website Launch

Dr Jon Davis, Director of The Strand Group, marks the launch of our new website by reflecting on our recent activities.

Strand Group 27 Coverage

Coverage of The History of the Prime Minister 1979 – 2019 – in partnership with No. 10 Downing St

Strand Group 26 Coverage

Strand Group 24 Coverage

Strand Group 25 Coverage

Strand Group 23 Coverage

Strand Group 22 Coverage

Strand Group 21 Coverage

Lord Macpherson writes in the Financial Times

Strand Group 20 Coverage

Strand Group 19 Coverage

Strand Group 18 Coverage

Strand Group 17 Coverage

Strand Group 16 Coverage

Strand Group 15 Coverage

Strand Group 14 Coverage

Strand Group 13 Coverage

Strand Group 11 Coverage

Strand Group 12 Coverage

Institutional Memory

No.10 Downing Street – Researcher in Residence

Strand Group 10 Coverage

Coverage of The Blair Years

Coverage of The Blair Years

Strand Group 9 Coverage

Strand Group 9 Coverage

Coverage of The Treasury and an Introduction to Economic History – in Partnership with HM Treasury

Coverage of ‘The Treasury and an Introduction to Economic History – in Partnership with HM Treasury’

Legends of Whitehall – Sir Michael Quinlan

The twenty-eighth event of King’s College London’s Strand Group  took place in the Ministry of Defence on the 17th of April.

Stephen Lovegrove: ‘Future Challenges for the Ministry of Defence’

Stephen Lovegrove, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence, addressed the 27th meeting of King’s College London’s Strand Group on Tuesday 20th March 2018

Ed Balls and Peter Sands: ‘Time for Clarity: The Views of British Business on The Path to Brexit’

The twenty-sixth event of King’s College London’s Strand Group took place at Bush House on Thursday 15th February 2018. King’s Visiting Professor Ed Balls and Peter Sands launched their Harvard working paper, titled, ‘Time for Clarity: The Views of British Business on The Path to Brexit’

Sir Dave Ramsden: ‘Monetary Policy from End to End: Define, Decide, Deliver’

Sir Dave Ramsden, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England and King’s Visiting Professor, gave a lecture entitled ‘Monetary Policy from End to End: Define, Decide, Deliver’, marking the 25th event of the Strand Group. The event was held at Bush House, King’s College London

Lord Adonis: ‘Never forget – Rome fell: What London needs to do to remain the world’s greatest city’

On the evening of 14 November, Lord Adonis, Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission and King’s Visiting Professor, delivered his inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor at King’s to a packed Strand Group event at the Guildhall in the City of London

Making Brexit Work for British Business

On 12 June the Strand Group hosted their final event of the academic year, inviting Visiting Professor Ed Balls and Peter Sands, former CEO of Standard Chartered, to present their new Harvard research paper, ‘Making Brexit Work for British Businesses’

Bank of England Independence: 20 Years on

On 2 May, the Strand Group hosted a half-day conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the New Labour government’s decision to give the Bank of England operational independence in 1997

Sir Lawrence Freedman and Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield: ‘Historical Research and Political Accountability: Trident, the Falklands and Iraq’

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman and Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield spoke at the twenty-first meeting of the Strand Group at the British Academy. The topic of the meeting was ‘Historical Research and Political Accountability: Trident, the Falklands and Iraq’

Sir Amyas Morse: ‘The implications of central decision-making on the delivery of frontline services’

Sir Amyas Morse, the Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Office spoke about the implications of central decision-making on the delivery of frontline services at the twentieth meeting of The Strand Group on the 7th February

The Official History of the Cabinet Secretaries

To launch Ian Beesley’s book, ‘The Official History of the Cabinet Secretaries’, the current Cabinet Secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood was joined by four of his predecessors, Lord Wilson, Lord Turnbull, Lord Armstrong and Lord Butler.

Ken Clarke: Kind of Blue

Ken Clarke MP joined the Strand Group on Tuesday 15 November to celebrate the launch of his new memoir, Kind of Blue

The IMF Crisis: 40 Years On

On Wednesday 26 October The Strand Group and HM Treasury remembered one of the most momentous and traumatic episodes in its institutional history. Academics, politicians and officials past and present came together to mark 40 years since the UK government’s request for financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund in the autumn of 1976.

The Treasury and the Supply Side

On Thursday 20th October 2016, Sir John Kingman the former second permanent secretary gave a lecture to the Strand Group entitled; ‘The Treasury and the Supply Side’

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard: ‘The Future of the Commonwealth’

On Wednesday 5 October the Hon. Julia Gillard spoke at the fifteenth event of the Strand Group on ‘The Future of the Commonwealth.’

Ed Balls – Speaking Out: Lessons in Life and Politics

Ed Balls, former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and King’s Visiting Professor, launched his new book, Speaking Out, at the 14th meeting of the Strand Group on the 12th September 2016.

The sixth Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture: Sir Max Hastings – ‘Secret War Becomes Future War’

The journalist and military historian Sir Max Hastings gave the sixth Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture on Wednesday 13 July, at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Irish Ambassador to the UK Daniel Mulhall: ‘The UK, Ireland and Europe – a productive partnership’

Daniel Mulhall, the Irish Ambassador to the UK spoke at the 12th event of the Strand Group on Wednesday 11 May 2016, where he set out the Irish case, as a concerned neighbour, of the impact of Britain leaving the European Union.

Lord Willetts: 100 Years of Science Policy

Lord Willetts the former Minister of State for Universities and Science gave his inaugural lecture on Thursday 28 April 2016, setting out 100 years of science policy. He was joined by the President of the Royal Society Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan.

Dame Margaret Hodge: Reflections on the Public Accounts Committee

Dame Margaret Hodge, MP for Barking gave her inaugural lecture on Wednesday 2 March 2016, reflecting on her experiences as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee for over 5 years

Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Marshal Phil Osborn: ‘The Future Context and Defence Intelligence’

On 23rd February, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Marshal Phil ‘Osby’ Osborn, spoke at the ninth event of the Strand Group.

Dame Sally Davies: ‘The End of Antibiotics and What Government Can Do About It’

The UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, spoke about the future of antibiotics at the eighth event of the Strand Group. Dame Sally used the occasion, held during the first World Antibiotic Awareness Week, to highlight the pressing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advocate political action at all levels to contain it.

Lord Hennessy & Dr James Jinks launch The Silent Deep

Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield and Dr James Jinks launched their new book, The Silent Deep: The Royal Navy Submarine Service Since 1945, at a Strand Group event at King’s College London on Monday 9 November.

Charles Moore launches Volume Two of the authorised biography of Margaret Thatcher

Charles Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Spectator, celebrated the release of his new book, Margaret Thatcher – The Authorised Biography: Volume Two, Everything That She Wants, at King’s College London on Tuesday 20 October.

Margaret Thatcher & No.10 Launch

The Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP spoke at a reception held in Downing Street to mark the launch of Margaret Thatcher and Number Ten, an exciting new contemporary history project produced The Strand Group.

The Fifth Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture – Sir Iain Lobban

Sir Iain Lobban gave the fifth Sir Michael Quinlan Memorial Lecture on the topic: ‘The Shifting Sands of the Intelligence and Security World: A Moral Sense’

Tony Blair and Sir Michael Barber: ‘How to run a Government’

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined Sir Michael Barber, at King’s College London to discuss how best to run a government. Sir Michael was the inaugural Head of the Downing Street Delivery unit in Tony Blair’s Government between 2001 and 2005.

Sir Nicholas Macpherson on ‘The Treasury and the Union’

Sir Nicholas Macpherson, the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury and one of several newly appointed Visiting Professors at King’s College London delivered a timely lecture on ‘The Treasury and the Union’ on 19 January 2015.

Sir Dave Ramsden: 50 years of the Government Economic Service

The second meeting of the Strand Group, the signature events series of the Policy Institute at King’s College London, took place at the university’s Strand campus on 27 April. Sir Dave Ramsden, Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury, Head of the Government Economic Service (GES) and recently-appointed Visiting Professor to King’s addressed a diverse and distinguished audience on ‘50 years of the Government Economic Service’.

Researcher in Residence at No.10 Downing Street

This blog gives insights into the history of government – its development, its departments and some of the roles and people involved

Margaret Thatcher and No.10

A new video history 10 Downing Street The Policy Institute at King’s King’s College London Hewlett Packard Margaret Thatcher and No.10 is an innovative contemporary history project, produced by the Policy Institute at King’s College London in collaboration with No. 10 Downing Street.

Men of Secrets: The Cabinet Secretaries

Prime Ministers and Whitehall 1960-74