Does income inequality matter?
Max Wind-Cowie takes part in a Guardian podcast.
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It's not more education that children need, it's better character...
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Character is an essential ingredient of a good life and a good society
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Educational disengagement starts in primary school...
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The Progressive Conservatism Project
Conservative means can serve progressive ends
The Project
The Progressive Conservatism Project at Demos is Chaired by David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science. We look at how progressive ends can be achieved using conservative means. The project develops policies and ideas that are firmly rooted in the conservative tradition but also reflect the progressive values of personal and community empowerment, combating poverty and tackling inequality. The Progressive Conservatism Project is run by Max Wind-Cowie and you can contact him, with any questions or to find out about supporting our work.
The Progressive Conservatism Project is currently working on:
Patriotism and pride
An investigation into the state of pride in modern Britain. This project will include extensive new qualitative research, new polling and longitudinal analysis to establish what British people are proud of, what damages their patriotism and what activities, rituals and institutions bolster their sense of belonging. This work is being funded by the Pears Foundation and will be published in the Autumn.
Are we there yet?
This exciting new essay collection will bring together progressive, conservative thinkers to answer the question of what a uniquely conservative approach to race and ethnicity might be. Progressive conservatives believe passionately in a society without racial or ethnic discrimination but how does their approach to achieving that differ from Labour's and what are the limits to intervention for equality?
our research
The project is structured around strands that address the most pressing domestic issues in Britain today.
Democracy, Community, Neighbourhoods and Power; arguing that the best way to kick start democracy is to drive control down to town halls, neighbourhoods, and individuals.
Markets, Ownership, Poverty, Opportunity, and Wages; developing bold approaches to tackling poverty and inequality in all its forms: poverty of income, assets, aspiration, and networks.
Political thought; investigating progressive and conservative new models of government for a period of austerity.
Our team
Greg Clark MP — Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
Zac Goldsmith — Former Editor of the Ecologist, Conservative MP for Richmond Park
John Gray — Emeritus Professor of European Social Thought, LSE
Danny Finkelstein — Commentator and former Conservative adviser
Ferdinand Mount — Commentator and former head of Conservative Policy Unit
Frank Field MP — Labour MP and former Minister for Welfare Reform
Partnership
There are a range of partnership opportunities for organisations wishing to be at the heart of progressive conservative thinking in the UK. For more information please contact Head of the Progressive Conservatism Project, Max Wind-Cowie.
Watch David Willett's latest speech at Demos.
Resuscitating Democracy
- Authors
- Jonty Olliff-Cooper
- Publication Date
- 2009-06-29
- Publication Type
- Report
The first of the Progressive Conservatism Project's 'Pocket Policy' reports.
Recapitalising the Poor
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2009-07-17
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
Recapitalising the Poor makes proposals across Housing Benefits, pensions and money-lending to end the current cash-based, drip-feed welfare system and propose ways to give low-waged workers and families the assets to lift themselves out of dependency.
Leading from the Front
- Authors
- Jonty Olliff-Cooper, Max Wind-Cowie, Jamie Bartlett
- Publication Date
- 2009-09-22
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
As part of Demos' Progressive Coservatism project, Leading from the Front argues that public sector reform must empower frontline staff to create empowered citizens and improved public service provision.
Everyday equality
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2010-02-09
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
Inequality has not always been seen as a priority for conservatives. This pamphlet argues that in face of new evidence about the impact of ‘everyday inequalities’ – those inequalities we see around us that are transparently unfair or undeserved – conservatives should now look again at the issue of distribution in our society.
Civic Streets
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2010-06-07
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This report looks at how two sink estates transformed their areas from the ground up, and what the 'Big Society, Big Citizens' agenda can learn from these experiences.
Good Work
- Authors
- Jonty Olliff-Cooper
- Publication Date
- 2010-07-22
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
Good Work, a new report from the Progressive Conservatism Project, argues that we should raise the Income Tax threshold to meet the Minimum Income Standard in the UK.
Of Mutual Benefit
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2011-03-09
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This pamphlet informs the task of welfare reform, demonstrating how people can be better protected from financial shocks at a reduced cost to the state.
Getting the answers Right
Max Wind-Cowie says that Ed Miliband showed a conservative streak during Labour Party Conference.
Palace Intrigue
Max Wind-Cowie rebuts the accusation that "the Tories are vacating the territory of progress".
Two Cheers for James Purnell
Max Wind-Cowie warns that Purnell's welfare proposals could easily end up providing cushy career breaks funded by the state.
Is Ofcom 'Fit and Proper'?
Max Wind-Cowie points out that Ofcom has let less than 'proper' candidates pass the test in the past.
In Ken Clarke's shoes
Max Wind-Cowie looks at what the sentencing U-turn says about Clarke's relationship with the PM.
Simon Cowell is risking his place in the modern pantheon of Britishness
Max Wind-Cowie considers what Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole mean for modern patriotism.
Andrew Lansley - Not a t****r
Max Wind-Cowie argues that British politics is unfair to ministers who know what they're talking about.
The equal pay anti-climax
Max Wind-Cowie is disappointed by Will Hutton's review of public sector pay.
Mutually beneficial
Max Wind-Cowie makes the case for government encouraging income protection based on his report, Of Mutual Benefit.
Stemming the flow
Tom Gregory discusses proposals for reforming Statutory Sick Pay in Of Mutual Benefit.
The squeezed middle is real
Max Wind-Cowie responds to George Osborne's criticism of the 'squeezed middle'.
Don't blame Cameron, blame FCO bias
Max Wind-Cowie argues that elected leaders should not held by the whims of the Foreign Office.
Public Injustice
Max Wind-Cowie argues that raising the retirement age will have an impact on the younger generations.
Cut costs, not places
Max Wind-Cowie says two-year degrees could be the answer to the university funding crisis.
Parliament: Hung, drawn and quartered
Max Wind-Cowie is skeptical that a hung Parliament would increase transparency.
Open marriage on the international dance floor
Max Wind-Cowie looks at the US-UK 'special relationship.
Drowning in ‘clear, blue, water’
Max Wind-Cowie joins calls for David Cameron to follow his progressive instinct.
Evidence based conservatism
Max Wind-Cowie argues that progressive conservatism has its roots in solid evidence.
Cameron’s Hurt Locker
Max Wind-Cowie warns that David Cameron mustn't make the same mistakes as James.
Localism unites Tory campaign
Max Wind-Cowie argues a Conservative victory will come from a commitment to localism.
Progressive taxes vs progressive policies
Jonty Olliff-Cooper asks whether increasing tax revenues is more important than who pays it.
The state of responsibility
Max Wind-Cowie argues that Conservatives should care about inequality too.
License to skill
Max Wind-Cowie warns the Children, Schools and Families Bill doesn't do enough to drive up teaching standards.
David Cameron's social party
Max Wind-Cowie believes the Tories' new policies show they are radically progressive.
Playing the Field
Max Wind-Cowie on Frank Field's commitment to a cause.
Cameron's outcomes
Max Wind-Cowie comments on David Cameron's speech to Demos.
Working families must never be left out in the cold
Max Wind-Cowie writes on marriage, schools and snow.
Daved and Confused
Jonty Olliff-Cooper writes on how choice means nothing if you don't know how to exercise it.
A Progressive Parliament
Max Wind-Cowie discusses the rising prevalence of progressive ideals amongst Conservative MPs.
Parents choosing school choice
Max Wind-Cowie discusses Tory education policy.
Education is a high-stakes game
Max Wind-Cowie argues that the importance of education means we must implement choice to ensure quality.
Childcare still matters
Max Wind-Cowie argues that childcare is about more than looking after children.
Poverty in the round
Max Wind-Cowie takes a progressive conservative look at poverty and social exclusion.
It’s not what you earn, it’s what you own
Max Wind-Cowie looks to Westminster's housing policies to recapitalise the poor.
Europe lets itself down (again)
Max Wind-Cowie takes a look at the EU's new appointments.
Something for nothing
Jonty Olliff-Cooper writes that unlocking data can also mean unlocking innovation.
President Blair
Max Wind-Cowie thinks the Conservative party should support Tony Blair's bid for EU President.
Broken down or broken up?
Max Wind-Cowie thinks Brown must be more willing to debate the politics of big banks.
Who should do battle with the BNP?
Max Wind-Cowie would like to see Sayeeda Warsi put Nick Griffin in his place.
There are more taxing questions for the Guardian to ask
Max Wind-Cowie thinks the Left should give up bullying the Tax Payers Alliance.
Twelve tests for 2012
An incoming Conservative government will have to pass '12 tests in 2012' if it is to be judged truly progressive after two years in power.
Academise, academise!
Max Wind-Cowie thinks conference commitments will make positive changes in education.
Angela smashes
Max Wind-Cowie looks at what David Cameron might learn from Germany.
Why turkeys don’t vote for Christmas
Max Wind-Cowie responds to David Walker's blog about Leading from the Front.
Trust me, I'm a doctor
Max Wind-Cowie argues that giving public sector frontline staff more responsibility is a progressive Conservative vision.
State intervention: quality not quanitity
Max Wind-Cowie argues that state intervention is about quality, not quantity.
Sacred cows must be sacrificed
Max Wind-Cowie thinks it's about time that everyone embraced spending cuts
A chance for reform
Max Wind-Cowie thinks the recession has opened the door for much-needed welfare reform....
Cameron’s encounter with ‘the black swan’
18/09/08 Max Wind-Cowie comments on a breakfast event with David Cameron at...
Progressive Conservatism gains traction
17/08/09 Max Wind-Cowie comments on a poll that places the Conservatives as...
Tory Story
12/08/09 Jonty Olliff-Cooper asks just how progressive George Osborne'...
A suitable age
16/07/09 The news that the world's oldest mother has died is relevant for progressive...
We need more politicians, not fewer
14/07/09 There are not too many politicians, only too many Civil Servants, says Jonty Olliff...
An Innocent Lesson
10/07/09 Sarah Kennedy asks whether the public sector can learn something from Britain...
Making two plus two make five
17/06/09 Earlier this week, the Shadow Chancellor drew one of the first clear dividing...
Progressive conservatism can beat the BNP
10/06/09 The political classes are in a tizz. Buried in every broadsheet, somewhere...
A Case for School Choice
In all the excitement over the Gurkahs and MPs’ expenses this week, it was easy...
Will the red Tories spill blue blood?
Secretary General of the Fabian Society, Sunder Katwala offers a thoughtful response to...
The Civic State
It is now clear that we are at one of those epoch changing moments in British political...
