UK Government Research Articles

Two Kinds of Vaccine Hesitancy

ABSTRACT We ask whether it is reasonable to delay or refuse to take COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective against infectious diseases. We consider two kinds of vaccine hesitancy. The first is geared to scientifically informed open questions about vaccines. We argue that in cases where the data is not representative of relevant groups, such as pregnant women and ethnic minorities, hesitancy can be reasonable on epistemic grounds. However, we argue that hesitancy is not reasonable if a vaccine has passed well-conducted clinical trials. The second kind of hesitancy is to do with beliefs about the institutions offering a successfully trialled vaccine and the justifiability of cooperating with those institutions. For example, in the UK, distrust of the UK Government or the National Health Service is identified as a factor in the vaccine hesitancy of minority ethnic populations. We ask whether this sort of hesitation is reasonable given normative requirements of fair co-operation, both with those institutions and the wider population. We suggest that the answer is not straightforward. Sometimes the hesitation is unreasonable but understandable.

Pulse lavage in lower limb arthroplasty: awash with carbon saving opportunities

Introduction Pulse lavage is used in cemented orthopaedic procedures to prepare the bone bed, improve fixation strength at the bone-cement interface, and reduce the risk of bone cement implantation syndrome. We sought to calculate the approximate carbon cost of battery-operated pulse lavage in Scotland for the year 2022.    Methods We used data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project and Scottish Hip Fracture Audit to establish the number of primary hip replacements, knee replacements, and  hip hemiarthroplasty procedures performed in 2022. We modelled the standard uses of eight AA batteries (at 23g each) per case. To calculate the carbon footprint associated we used the ‘UK Government GHG conversion factors dataset’ to calculate the carbon footprint in material use (materials, manufacture, and transport) and disposal.   Results Data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project and Scottish Hip Fracture Audit established that 11,175 primary hip or knee replacements and 4,036 hip hemiarthroplasty procedures were performed in 2022. Therefore, around 15,000 pulse lavage units were used in primary lower limb arthroplasty. If each case had utilised a system which uses eight AA batteries (at 23g each) then 120,000 batteries equating to 2.76 tonnes, would have been used. The carbon footprint for material use (2.76 x 4633.48 = 12788.40) and for disposal (2.76 x 8.883 = 24.52) demonstrates a total carbon footprint of 12,813KgCO2 associated with the use of disposable batteries in pulse lavage for the year 2022. Conclusions Single-use, disposable battery use in orthopaedic joint surgery creates at a high but preventable carbon burden. Reuseable alternatives which utilise the power tool to drive the motor for pulse lavage may save up to 55% of clinical waste.  

Point-of-choice kilocalorie labelling practices in large, out-of-home food businesses: a preobservational versus post observational study of labelling practices following implementation of The Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021

Background and objectivesOn 6 April 2022, the UK government implemented mandatory kilocalorie (kcal) labelling regulations for food and drink products sold in the out-of-home food sector (OHFS) in England. Previous...

Adherence to the Eatwell Guide and cardiometabolic, cognitive and neuroimaging parameters: an analysis from the PREVENT dementia study

BackgroundThe Eatwell guide reflects the UK government's recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet. Previous research has identified associations between healthy eating patterns and both cardiovascular and brain health, although there is little evidence specifically focusing on the Eatwell Guide. To date no research has investigated associations between the Eatwell Guide and risk for future dementia.MethodsData from the PREVENT dementia cohort study baseline visit was used in this analysis. Binary and graded Eatwell Guide scores (BEWG, GEWG) were created from a self-reported Food Frequency Questionnaire. The CAIDE score was included as the primary outcome measure to represent risk for future Alzheimer’s disease. Secondary outcome measures included cardiometabolic health measures and brain health measures. Generalised additive models were run in R.ResultsA total of 517 participants were included in the analysis, with a mean BEWG score of 4.39 (± 1.66) (out of a possible 12 points) and GEWG score of 39.88 (± 6.19) (out of a possible 60 points). There was no significant association between either Eatwell Guide score and the CAIDE score (BEWG β: 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.07, 0.22; GEWG β: 0.02, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.06) or any measures of brain health. There was a significant association between higher GEWG score and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) (systolic β: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.03; diastolic β: -0.16, 95% CI: -0.29, -0.03; BMI β: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.16, -0.01).ConclusionsAlthough not directly associated with the CAIDE score, the Eatwell Guide dietary pattern may be beneficial for dementia prevention efforts through the modification of hypertension and obesity, which are both known risk factors for dementia. Future work could replicate these findings in other UK-based cohorts as well as further development of Eatwell Guide scoring methodologies.

The impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the resilience of established cross- border supply chains

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of Industry 4.0 technology on resilience in established cross-border supply chain(s) (SC). Design/methodology/approach A literature review provides insight into the resilience capabilities of cross-border SC. The research uses a case study of operational international SC: the producers, importers, logistics companies and UK Government (UKG) departments. Semi-structured interviews determine the resilience capabilities and approaches of participants within cross-border SC and how implementing an Industry 4.0 Internet of Things (IoT) and capitals Distributed Ledger (blockchain) based technology platform changes SC resilience capabilities and approaches. Findings A blockchain-based platform introduces common assured data, reducing data duplication. When combined with IoT technology, the platform improves end-to-end SC visibility and information sharing. Industry 4.0 technology builds collaboration, trust, improved agility, adaptability and integration. It enables common resilience capabilities and approaches that reduce the de-coupling between government agencies and participants of cross-border SC. Research limitations/implications The case study presents challenges specific to UKG’s customs border operations; research needs to be repeated in different contexts to confirm findings are generalisable. Practical implications Operational SC and UKG customs and excise departments must align their resilience strategies to gain full advantage of Industry 4.0 technologies. Originality/value Case study research shows how Industry 4.0 technology reduces the de-coupling between the SC and UKG, enhancing common resilience capabilities within established cross-border operations. Improved information sharing and SC visibility provided by IoT and blockchain technologies support the development of resilience in established cross-border SC and enhance interactions with UKG at the customs border.

The UK’s post-study work visa: Abolition and reinstatement of a degree mobility incentive

This paper examines the 2012 abolition of the Post-Study Work visa for international students in English and Welsh Universities and its subsequent re-establishment in 2021. A policy cycle analysis was performed of the phases of agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. This revealed that the UK government abolished the PSW visa in 2012 because of national security concerns and perceived public opposition to immigration, but minimised the role of higher education institutions and failed to consider economic and cultural drivers when setting the policy agenda. The impact of the subsequent top-down approach to implementation led to a range of negative outcomes for HEIs and their contribution to the UK economy. Subsequently, bottom-up pressure led to the UK government re-establishing the PSW visa for economic reasons, political reasons (Brexit), and in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK’s 25 Year Plan for the Environment and the Convention on Biological Diversity: Gaps, Synergies and Opportunities

The UK government’s 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment (25YEP), published in 2018, together with annual progress reports and subsequent periodic revisions, represent the most comprehensive and forward-looking single body of environmental legislation for the United Kingdom. The forthcoming update of the UK National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) addressing targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Biodiversity Framework to 2030 is also an opportunity to revisit the monitoring framework developed for the 25YEP. Here, we present an evaluation of the goals, targets and indicators of the 25YEP in light of gaps, synergies and opportunities for aligning with the CBD 2030 Framework. We make a number of recommendations for adopting indicators already developed in the context of CBD targets that can also measure progress towards environmental targets within the UK, with a view to more holistic monitoring of biodiversity status and trends. Landscape-scale interventions and, in particular, improvements to farming—exemplified by the new Environmental Land Management Schemes—and fishing policies have the potential for the greatest enhancement to the state of the UK environment and the plants and wildlife within it.

The rise of the remote metropolitan branch campus – Definitions, motivations and models

AbstractThis paper explores the concept of the university remote metropolitan branch campus (RMBC). Drawing on approaches used to frame international branch campuses, it proposes a first definition for an RMBC, distinguishing it from a wider group of domestic ‘Satellite Campuses’ that includes multi‐campus universities within regions. Using interviews with 10 RMBC directors in London, it explores motivations for their creation and approaches used to organise and resource these ventures, as well as to attract and teach students. It concludes that the dominant reasons for creating RMBCs relate to financial diversification, reputation, reach and business engagement, but that in some cases the repositioning of an RMBC has been strategically reactive in response to external changes in its operating environment. Whilst there is evidence for a range of organisational models amongst London‐based RMBCs, there are key commonalities around the students attracted, the programmes offered and approaches to teaching and learning. RMBCs in London are growing and thriving, but face challenges from market entrants and uncertain future UK Government policy.

Establishing trust and distrust when states leave international organisations: the case of Brexit

ABSTRACT Although EU and UK participants in Brexit negotiations emphasise the role that trust and distrust played for them, existing Brexit research has largely disregarded this factor. From a trust perspective, withdrawals from international organisations are highly significant events. When states leave a common institution and their relationship with each other is deprived of previous institutional certainties, trust becomes both necessary and precarious. Building on insights from trust research in International Relations, we argue that the former partners gauge whether the other side can be trusted based on two types of signals: signals of benevolence and of integrity. Our analysis shows that during Boris Johnson’s premiership, the EU lost trust in the UK government’s benevolence and integrity, mainly because the UK repeatedly failed to honour previous commitments. Rishi Sunak’s government countered the signals sent by its predecessor. By demonstrating its integrity and benevolence, it succeeded in rebuilding trust and facilitated the conclusion of the ‘Windsor Framework’. This not only sheds light on an under-researched dimension of the Brexit process. It also contributes to trust research, which has yet to fully acknowledge both the significance of signals of trustworthiness and leadership transitions in creating windows of opportunity for changes in trust dynamics.

Adult brain tumour research in 2024: Status, challenges and recommendations.

In 2015, a groundswell of brain tumour patient, carer and charity activism compelled the UK Minister for Life Sciences to form a brain tumour research task and finish group. This resulted, in 2018, with the UK government pledging £20m of funding, to be paralleled with £25m from Cancer Research UK, specifically for neuro-oncology research over the subsequent 5 years. Herein, we review if and how the adult brain tumour research landscape in the United Kingdom has changed over that time and what challenges and bottlenecks remain. We have identified seven universal brain tumour research priorities and three cross-cutting themes, which span the research spectrum from bench to bedside and back again. We discuss the status, challenges and recommendations for each one, specific to the United Kingdom.

What do child protection social workers consider to be the systemic factors driving workforce instability within the English child protection system, and what are the implications for the UK Government’s reform strategy?

ABSTRACT In 2023, the UK Government published its long-awaited reform strategy for England’s children’s social care system. Whilst the strategy set out planned reforms for several aspects of the wider system, an area requiring particular ‘priority’ was the purported workforce instability seen within child protection social work. However, the strategy has subsequently faced criticism on the basis that the suggested reforms were not satisfactorily informed by the testimonies of practicing social workers. This paper draws from a mixed-method study to report on the lived experiences of a sample of 201 child protection social workers practicing across England, in the context of better understanding the factors which they believed were impacting on workforce stability within England’s child protection system. Implications that emerge are the need for an increase in the monetary commitment offered by the UK Government (especially in the context of tackling high caseloads, and improving local authority pay scales to reduce the allure of agency work); a targeted emphasis on challenging local cultures preoccupied with evidencing compliance over time spent with children; and the Government taking a more assertive role in tackling the often-counterproductive commentary perpetuated by politicians and media.

Partisanship in a Pandemic: Biased Voter Assessments of Past and Present Government Performance

AbstractAccountability relies on voters accurately evaluating government performance in addressing the important issues of the day. This requirement arguably applies to an even greater extent when addressing fundamental societal crises. However, partisanship can bias evaluations, with government partisans perceiving outcomes more favorably, or attributing less responsibility for bad outcomes. We examine partisan motivated reasoning in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, using panel data and a survey experiment of over 6000 respondents in which vignettes prime respondents about the UK government’s successes and failures in tackling the pandemic. We also propose a novel extension of the partisan bias thesis: partisans arrive at biased judgements of government competence by recalling the past performance of the government differently, according to whether or not their favored party held power at that time. We find that even in the relatively consensual partisan context of the UK’s response to Covid-19, where both major parties endorsed both lockdown and vaccination programs, there is evidence of both current and recall partisan biases: Opposition partisans are more likely to blame the government for negative outcomes and less likely to recall positive aspects of the government’s recent and past performance unless prompted to do so. Our findings have implications for understanding the limits of democratic accountability under crisis conditions.

From transfer to co-creation: action research perspectives in knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) projects

Action Research (AR) is about practitioners and academics interacting to generate knowledge. Using the University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) literature, we investigate the knowledge generation process through AR and whether this process can achieve the dual objective of practical relevance and theoretical novelty. Our study explores this through an examination of the utilisation of AR within UICs facilitated by the UK government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. Through an inductive, qualitative, multiple case study research design, we analysed three KTP projects, each lasting two years. We observed an evolution in the dynamics of the relationship between practitioners and academics, signifying a transition from mere knowledge transfer to a more participatory process of knowledge co-creation. We found that as the KTP project progresses through successive cycles of the AR spiral, there emerges a shift from single loop to double loop or multi loop learning, resulting in unplanned and emergent benefits and outcomes. This transition signifies a deeper exploration of underlying assumptions and strategies in AR projects, enabling the generation of novel knowledge. We offer a new framework by introducing the collaborative entanglement and linear knowledge enhancement arguments to explain the interaction patterns between researchers and practitioners in AR.

John Charlton Polkinghorne, 1930–2021

AbstractJohn Charlton Polkinghorne was very successful in two careers: as a theoretical physicist and as a theologian. As a physicist at Cambridge, he was one of the pioneers of applying complex variable theory to the study of properties of scattering amplitudes and contributed to the theory of strong (nuclear) interactions. In addition, he was a successful teacher, with many of his students gaining senior academic positions in universities. A postmaster's son from Weston‐super‐Mare, he married Ruth Martin, also a mathematics student at Cambridge. They had three children. John surprised many, apart from those who knew him closely, by resigning from his Chair at Cambridge to study for ordination in the Anglican Church. He became an influential theologian devoting much study to the interaction of science and religion. His position might be summed up in a phrase he was fond of, “God holds the Universe in being”, which was John's solution to what is called the fine‐tuning problem in physics: that the parameters of Nature turn out to be exquisitely adjusted to allow our universe to exist in its richness. John was a formidable administrator, became President of Queens' College, Cambridge, and chaired UK government committees on research ethics.

Keeping Democracies Alive: The Role of Public Service Media

AbstractAcross the world, public service media faces a legion of simultaneous threats—to its funding, its distribution, its value and its independence. These threats come at a time when the fundamental purpose of public service media—to provide high quality, verified, and impartial news and information—could not be more consequential. As our digital spaces become epistemological junkyards, cluttered with bot‐inflated, AI‐generated text and clickbait content, so the public need for stable, grounded and verified media intensifies. In such a chaotic information environment, one might have expected that the UK government would enhance its commitment to public service media. Instead, successive UK governments have undermined its sustainability, reputation and future.

Who controls the agenda? theological perspectives on state-controlled home education in the UK

ABSTRACT Questions regarding the dynamics of power and control involved in formulating the learning agenda for home-educating families arose due to the UK Government’s proposed Schools Bill in May 2022. Empirical research was prompted by concerns from Christian home educators about state interference in their child’s home education, due to perceptions that religious values were being undermined and the ultimate responsibility for raising their child was under dispute in the light of the proposed Bill. Theological underpinnings, Christian perspectives and consideration of holistic socio-cultural contexts were integral to explorations of control of the learning agenda through the lens of Christian home educators. The findings problematise external authorities dictating curriculum content, teaching methods or frameworks to families who have opted to educate their children outside of the mainstream school system, since such approaches are counter to the distinctive nature of a democratic society. Lived experiences of collaboration versus persuasion, and participants feeling mistrusted, devalued and side-lined have all led to a sense of suspicion and concern about authority. Greater dialogue is therefore recommended to enhance understanding and collaboration, mutual trust and cooperation across all parties.

Homeless people’s experiences of the illicit drug supply during COVID-19

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many industries, and reports indicate that this includes the illicit drug market. Recent research suggests that the homeless are particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, and the UK Government has acted to house rough sleepers. Research is scarce regarding homeless people’s experiences of the illicit drug market. This study aims to explore homeless people’s experiences of the drug supply in the UK during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach Eight homeless people who use illicit drugs, residing in hostels for homeless people in Southampton, participated in semi-structured one-on-one telephone-based interviews. Findings A thematic analysis revealed five themes: availability of drugs, presence of dealers, quality of drugs, finances and personal experiences. Participants reported varying experiences of the drug supply, with lockdown measures expressed as the main reason for reduced supplies, as users found it difficult to find dealers and generate income for purchasing drugs. Research limitations/implications The results may lack generalisability to the wider population, such as rough sleepers and drug dealers, suggesting a need for further research into people’s experiences of the drug supply during COVID-19. Research on this topic could be more in-depth through the use of research methods that are convenient for the homeless population. Practical implications Services should invest in harm reduction services and encourage homeless people who use drugs to engage in substitution treatment. Homeless services should provide psychological support for homeless people who use drugs. Social implications The changes in homeless people’s behaviour following the pandemic may have implications for their interactions with the rest of society (e.g. begging in town centres may reduce). These changes in behaviour may also change the way society can best support homeless people. Originality/value The results are partially consistent with other research findings about the illicit drug supply; however, they also suggest that some individuals experienced minimal change in the illicit drug supply.

Do employers’ equality certifications improve equality outcomes? An assessment of the United Kingdom's Two Ticks and Disability Confident schemes

AbstractThis article contributes to debates on equality, diversity and inclusion by exploring the efficacy of employers’ equality certifications, focusing on the UK government's Two Ticks and Disability Confident certifications. In Study 1, using data on Two Ticks certification matched into the nationally representative Workplace Employment Relations Study 2011, we found the adoption of disability equality policies and practices, the prevalence of disabled people in the workforce and disabled people's experience of work were no better in Two Ticks than in non‐Two Ticks workplaces. In Study 2, using Department for Work and Pensions data on Disability Confident certification matched into WorkL 2021–2023 data (the world's largest employee experience database), we found that the proportion of the workforce that is disabled is no higher in Disability Confident Level 1 ‘Committed’ organisations and Level 3 ‘Leader’ organisations than in non‐Disability Confident organisations. While the proportion of the workforce that is disabled is higher in Disability Confident Level 2 ‘Employer’ organisations than in non‐Disability Confident organisations, just 22 per cent of Disability Confident organisations are at this level. Disabled people's experience of work was no better in Disability Confident than in non‐Disability Confident organisations. Our findings therefore question the efficacy of these employers’ equality certifications.

Encountering the hostile environment: Recently arrived Afghan migrants in London

Following the dramatic evacuation from Kabul airport in August 2021, the UK government proclaimed its commitment to a ‘warm welcome’ for Afghans. In this paper we draw on original qualitative research to explore the emerging experiences of evacuees, and other recent arrivals, during their first year in London. Using the narratives of our Afghans participants, as well as insights from key stakeholders, we show how they navigated slow, opaque bureaucratic processes and lack of communication with official agencies. As a result of these lengthy processes, many thousands of evacuees remained in temporary hotel accommodation for protracted periods. Drawing on the concept of ‘everyday bordering’, we explore the extent to which Afghan resettlement policies are achieving their objectives. We consider how such policies are birthed within a punitive immigration system, which is designed to ‘wear down’ migrants in the UK, regardless of their reason for migration. Moreover, we argue that the ad hoc response of the Home Office and the Foreign Office has created ‘false distinctions’ between categories of Afghan refugees, reinforcing notions of ‘deserving’ versus ‘underserving’ migrants. This distinction allows the government to present itself as humanitarian, ‘rescuing’ people from Afghanistan, while simultaneously maintaining its commitment to the ‘hostile immigration environment’.

Drawing as a Tool in Metaphor-Led Discourse Analysis

ABSTRACT The use of words to label concepts is a weak point in CMT but one which is little discussed. This article considers the relative merits of image and writing as semiotic modes for identifying conceptual metaphor domains and whether image can offer an alternative to target is source formulae. It reports on an experiment in which MA translation students draw composite drawings to represent orientational metaphoric aspects of a UK government press release. Conventional metaphoric language deriving from the orientational metaphors, especially good is up/bad is down, plays a significant role across this text, forming a “metaphor chain” pattern. The drawings and post-task interviews with the participants reveal details of the internal structure of the source domain up and how it is conceptualized. Particularly of note is the strong horizontal forward aspect of orientation which emerges when the written text is represented pictorially. The article demonstrates how drawing can be used as a tool in metaphor-led discourse analysis.