@lukeraikes
Deputy General Secretary at the Fabian Society | regional economies, devolution, productivity, industrial strategy, employment rights, employment support, transport, politics | Views are my own | π΄σ §σ ’σ ·σ ¬σ ³σ Ώ https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
Labour's spring statement showed progress but Gorton & Denton proved people still feel the pinch and popular policies haven't cut through.
I argue policy & narrative must work together, relentless delivery backing up a story proudly told at every turn π
leftfootforward.org/2026/03/fabi...
If you only read once piece on the by-election...
A fantastic piece by Ben - Labour must learn the right lessons from the by-election, and rediscover its authentic populism
The government can make our country affordable again for everyone. Ben Cooper, research manager at Fabian Housing Centre, writes.
Voters want more homes and more accessible green spaces.
Building on golf courses is a way to deliver both.
The government should make this argument - and they can win it.
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2026/02/stop...
Inspired by @thefabians.bsky.social conference last weekend I wrote about how the Labour policy making ecosystem is thriving and could act as a vital resource to the party while the day to day pressures of government consumes them. labourlist.org/2026/01/labo...
Brilliant letter in The Economist from Professor Ian Wray
Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool
www.economist.com/letters/2026...
Manchester coming up time and again - as a place that is proving that local leadership drives regional growth.
Great questions and responses with @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @lucyrigby.bsky.social and @kiranstacey.bsky.social at the @thefabians.bsky.social new year conference
Introduced the Renewing Our Communities session @thefabians.bsky.social New Year Conference.
Spoke about the Housing Centre's work on affordability and building great places to live.
And it was great to hear from @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social + @sarahsackman.bsky.social
Great to hear @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social put real, meaningful devolution at the heart of the regional growth agenda at the @thefabians.bsky.social conference today - with @kiranstacey.bsky.social and @lucyrigby.bsky.social
Great to hear @lucyrigby.bsky.social champion a strategic and active industrial strategy focused on regional growth.
A real step change from previous governments.
Now a session on renewing regional economies is getting underway with @lucyrigby.bsky.social @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @kiranstacey.bsky.social and @lukeraikes.bsky.social.
Luke of @thefabians.bsky.social highlights how this governmentβs abandoned past βfatalisticβ attitudes towards many areas
What can we learn about devolution from other countries?
I've written for the MJ here, drawing on our collection of essays below: www.themj.co.uk/looking-abro...
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
My latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social is about building desirable homes that last and meet the changing needs of the country. This means two things:
1) Every home must be accessible and adaptable
2) A Future Homes Standard that cuts energy bills
labourlist.org/2026/01/hous...
Today, @thefabians.bsky.social and the Fabian Housing Centre are publishing Beyond Numbers: Building Great Places to Live.
This edited collection looks at how to build attractive, high-quality homes in flourishing communities.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
What do people in England think about their local area? In this short report I take a look at surveys we conducted with @yougov.co.uk in 2022, 2024 and 2025 to gain some insights...
Some key findings...
Want to know what rural voters really care about and what should the government do?
@thefabians.bsky.social have got you covered
Hereβs our recent set of essays, led by
@bencooper1995.bsky.social discussing rural priorities: housing, buses, tourism, energy and more
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The passing of the Employment Rights Bill is a major achievement.
It will shift the balance of power at work, and improve job quality and security for millions.
Congratulations to all those who made this happen, including Angela Rayner, @katedeardenmp.bsky.social & @justinmadders.bsky.social
A fantastic achievement that will improve rights for many.
In the new year, we'll be looking at next steps.
But for now, a lot of people who have worked incredibly hard on this can finally celebrate.
There is a need to address quality and accessibility if our housing stock is to meet the needs of an ageing society
The benefits are significant for NHS, cost of living and downsizing
Read Millie Brown from @ageingbetter.bsky.social and I for
@insidehousing.bsky.social on how we can do this π
My piece for LabourList setting out how the government can boost working conditions for the self-employed:
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
The government is currently making significant and welcome improvements to employee rights
Now, they need to improve income security for self-employed workers too
They should:
1. Strengthen sick pay
2. Improve parental leave
3. Support pensions contributions
They get sick, have children and retire, just like employees
But their income is not adequately protected by sick pay, parental leave or private pensions
There are 4 million+ self-employed people in the UK - 13 per cent of those in work
They are concentrated in key sectors - eg the creative industries and construction
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Draws on our @thefabians.bsky.social report published today:
t.co/9dy0hOfCsn
My piece for LabourList setting out how the government can boost working conditions for the self-employed:
