Progressive Centre UK is a non-partisan ideas exchange formed with a very clear aim – to inject energy and ideas into the national conversation about how progressives can shape A home for the future of Britain. Connecting progressives of all parties and none together across the country and internationally, we promote quality discussion and debate about how best to tackle the big issues progressives shaping Britain and societies across the globe; be it capitalism in the 21st century, the future of our democracy, society and belonging, governance in the digital age or Britain’s place in from all parties the world. Extending far beyond the corridors of Westminster and engaging the British people in the conversation about their own future, we convene events, release publications and run projects where debate is informed by the latest thinking, and of none. experiences and evidence from all across Britain and around the world.
2 Promoting national At the heart of our approach is the fundamental belief that Britain’s discourse and dialogue can Matt Browne, Chuka Ummuna MP and Sacha Romanovitch renewal through only be renewed by being open to the best innovation and dialogue ideas from at home and abroad from wherever - injecting the latest they come and that the opinions, experiences and insights of those most impacted by policy thinking and boldest should be heard. Discussing and developing new ideas from across proposals that help build a progressive agenda Britain and around the for change - we seek to create a politics and an ongoing national conversation that is evidence world into the national based while also inclusive of people all across conversation. the country.
Focusing on advancing fresh progressive ideas and approaches throughout our political system and beyond through real proposals for action, we seek to transcend the old divisions that too often characterise our politics. Our work is about harnessing the energy, talents and enthusiasm of all citizens - regardless of party - and convening the leading conversations of people and policy makers, legislators, campaigners and experts from across the UK Advisory Board member June Sarpong MBE, at the Matthew Laza Global Progress Summit 2018 in Toronto and internationally on the biggest challenges Progressive Centre UK Director and issues facing our country.
3 Our work. Surfacing progressive answers and ideas to help address Britain's biggest challenges.
Tom Watson MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party speaking at a Progressive Centre event in London 4 Progressive Centre UK 21st Century Future of brings together progressives Capitalism Democracy together across the country and internationally to promote discussion about how best to tackle the big issues shaping Britain.
Capitalism has delivered unparalleled prosperity and Liberal democracy is under threat. Authoritarian lifted millions around the globe out of poverty. Yet regimes are rising across the globe, as are political today, inequality has reached levels not witnessed polarization and tribalism at home. The weaponization since the Gilded Age, and the digital revolution of social media platforms to spread disinformation and threatens to disrupt every aspect of our economic the failure of democratic institutions to adapt to new future. With the looming climate crisis, it is now challenges and changing demographics combine to essential for progressives to define the central tenets form a crisis of legitimacy and trust. The time has of a new more sustainable, equitable, inclusive and come for progressives to promote a new democratic human model of capitalism, one in which settlement, design an agenda for institutional reform, government, business and civil society all have an and truly put power back in the hands of the people. important role to play.
5 Identity and Governance in Britain in Belonging the Digital Age the World
Britain is becoming an ever more diverse country. Technology is already transforming every aspect of Britain’s interests have always been global and must Nation and class, which once defined our identity, are our social and economic existence. This potential remain so, whatever our future relationship with Europe. increasingly being replaced by other forms of should be used to improve how government works The world, however, is changing rapidly. The ceaseless belonging. While we have all the ingredients to be one and public services are delivered. Applied properly, rise of China and India and the uncertain role to be of the happiest and most harmonious nations in the new technologies will help optimise administrative played by the United States will reshape global power world, Britain today seems more divided than ever. In processes and improve citizens’ experiences, freeing relations for generations to come. Progressives need to response to a divisive populist politics which pits us up staff to deliver face-to-face services. Technology ensure Britain continues to play a global role, using our against one another, progressives must forge a new can make government more open, accessible and experience and ingenuity to build global co-operation to shared sense of belonging, respectful of diversity, and transparent, while data can also help improve tackle climate change, manage mass migration, and shape a new approach to citizenship and social policy-making, ensuring it is responsive to the needs defend democracy and the rule of law. cohesion. of citizens.
6 How we work.
Working in partnership is at the heart of Progressive Centre UK’s mission. Nobody has a monopoly on the best ideas and the public policy debate is always strengthened by engaging with individuals and organisations who bring a wide range of backgrounds and experience to the discussions. Engaging with foundations, universities, trade unions, businesses and other think tanks enables each of us to tap into new expertise and take our ideas to new audiences.
We host a variety of events, bringing people together to discuss progressive ideas and solutions to the biggest issues facing Britain and the world. We also create a range of publications - giving a platform to voices and analysis from progressive experts and strategists around the world, and put progressive ideas into a British context - and we convene progressive policy makers and people from all across the country as part of bold, exciting projects which help to create practical answers and policies to the challenges facing us both at home and abroad.
8 7 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain with June Sarpong in Toronto. Connecting progressive Britain to a world of ideas.
At the Progressive Centre UK we are particularly conscious of the danger that a post-Brexit Britain turns inward – that’s why we regard it as our key role within our work to connect British progressives with likeminded counterparts across Europe and beyond. We are delighted to already be partnering with Canada 2020, Volta in Italy, Terra Nova in France and Progress New Zealand and are regularly working with other partners from the United States, Scandinavia and Australia on key projects.
Whether you are part of the progressive conversation in Britain - or abroad - we are always seeking partners to work with in extending our mission across the country and the world. To find out more about us, see our latest work and to connect please visit www.progressivecentre.uk.
8 8 Chuka Umunna MP speaking at the launch of ‘What Are Progressives For?’
“Britain is divided, lacking direction, leadership and hope. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can change our politics. The response must be a progressive one.”
Chuka Umu a Chuka Umunna MP Chair of the Advisory Board
9 Progressive Centre UK is a proud member of the Global Progress network alongside our partners: