As far as I know, the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS & Science don't have big "complex and nuanced" strategy documents. They pick their goals and act through huge new investments. Contrast that with Britain's love of churning out glossy bits of paper without much in them 🤷🏼‍♂️

Train company conducting a passenger survey (8-10 mins to complete). Interested to know whether people are travelling for commute, business or leisure. Commuters/Business appear less able to take part as they are doing work. I wonder how the survey findings will inform policy.

"The current moment looks like a critical turning point for local council sustainability, resilience, & local public service provision" 🚨 NEW: Andy Pike analyses central government's role in the precarious financial situation of English local councils. ukandeu.ac.uk/why-it-is-nati…

Just recorded an episode of The Rest Is Football with the great Thierry Henry. In fact it’s so fascinating, thoughtful and lengthy that we’re going to make it 2 episodes. The first will be out first thing tomorrow morning. Micah Richards Alan Shearer 👍🏻

📢Today's #EURegionsWeek session on "Left Behind Places" will start in a few minutes, with Tim Leibert (Leibniz-Institut für Länderkunde), Sanne Velthuis, and Nora Nafaa as speakers. Session moderator: Danny Mackinnon (@CURDSNewcastle)❗️

Fantastic to host UKTCG in Parliament today, with my Chair of Labour Digital hat on, for the launch of their important report on the Ecosystems of Innovation. Lots of work to be done here and I know my Shadow The Labour Party colleagues are more than ready for the challenge!

Link below to our UKTCG report "Ecosystems of Innovation". We present policy recommendations across business growth, skills, digital adoption & Innovation in technology, that we feel could be implemented in the next Parliament to grow regional economies across the UK.

In Regional Studies - @regionalstudies.bsky.social, our top three #MostRead are all in #OpenAccess: 1): '‘Left behind places’: a geographical etymology' by Any Pike et al. tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10… 1/3

If you want a good example of how power works in Britain, just consider how many broadsheet front pages are devoted to the relatively trifling problems of private schools by comparison to the day-to-day and long term problems faced by the state sector (where the vast majority of

NEW EDITION Check out the spring edition of IPPR Progressive Review marking IPPR North’s 20th anniversary. 🧵 ippr.org/articles/takin…

I agree with Keith Burge . Economic development practitioners have a wealth of (hard earned) experience and advice to share with Ministers & Whitehall

It’s been a fantastic day at the Durham Miners’ Gala!

UK Rail Network suggests its coming home. Hopefully without significant delays or cancellations this time.

When he was a coal miner Ray Reardon came close to death in a rockfall. He went on to be a six-time world snooker champion & part of my TV childhood as a regular on the BBC’s Pot Black. Here’s my musical tribute to a sporting legend who has died aged 91. BBC Sport #RayReardon

📢 Calling all data enthusiasts in the North East! Join the North East Data Network today and connect with local policymakers and decision-makers. Let's tackle policy challenges together with data expertise! 🔗 Join Here: insightsnortheast.co.uk/northeastdatan…

This year ITV turns 70. I miss the ITV I grew up with: a network of local TV stations with their own identities. So, from Anglia to Thames, here’s my tribute to regional ITV and its jingles.

Strong line form Nissan's Alan Johnson. "Simple fact is we (UK) are too expensive. Sunderland is most efficient plant Nissan has but once you've paid your elec, gas, NICs etc we are too expensive - any industrial strategy that doesn't tackle that is a waste of time.

We’re boosting innovation across the UK ⚡ The Regional Tech Booster programme will deliver tailored support for tech founders around the country, including mentoring, investment events, and skills development workshops.