The Common Sense Policy Group presents feasible, affordable and popular evidence-based policies that can form the programme for progressive government

Joined September 2023
40 Photos and videos
New CSPG research commissioned by @LushLtd makes the business case for ending animal testing in the UK. A £100m public investment in non-animal methods could generate a £248m tax return in just 7 years, making the case both ethical and economic commonsense.northumbria.ac.u…
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Common Sense Policy Group retweeted
Our #UKIndexofSystemicTrends is now out but the news is far from cheerful. The British economy is plummeting and lacking resilience to future shocks. And establishment political parties continuously come up with inadequate responses. Learn more at ukindex.democracycollaborati…
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Common Sense Policy Group retweeted
Really pleased to have worked on this!
Today we publish our first ever UK edition of the Index of Systemic Trends. The Index is a databank of indicators that serves as a dashboard on the overall health and direction of travel of the political economy of the United Kingdom. It can be found here: ukindex.democracycollaborati…
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Common Sense Policy Group retweeted
Fantastic launch to our #UKIndexofSystemicTrends at @NorthumbriaUni today. Clips of the contributions and transcripts of the speeches to be up on our website and socials soon. Watch this space!
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Payday is this week for some but for millions wages go straight on essentials. With less to spend in the wider economy, demand and growth fall. We need an economy that rewards productive work and gives people the security to build a life, not just get by commonsense.northumbria.ac.u…
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Dr Elliott Johnson was on @LBC with @HenryRiley1 discussing the decline in remote jobs and what this means for disabled workers. Listen now from 1hr 11 mins: globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc… #CommonSense #AccessibleWork #WelfareReform #DisabilityInclusion

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Dr Elliott Johnson joined @darrylmorris on @TimesRadio on Sunday to discuss Basic Income, how it works, why it’s needed, and its practical feasibility. Listen now from 1:22: thetimes.com/radio/show/2026… #CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReform

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Our 2025 Annual Report is out now commonsense.northumbria.ac.u… A year of huge growth for CSPG, with major research and impact across almost all areas of #publicpolicy. 2026 will be even more ambitious. #CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReform
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Matthew Johnson’s @fivebooksphil interview just topped @scottsantens “Top 10 UBI Articles of 2025” and for good reason! It weaves together the philosophical, economic, and political case for a #BasicIncome scottsantens.substack.com?ut… fivebooks.com/best-books/uni… @BrisUniPress

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🎙 New podcast with @RichardJMurphy The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger Here we discuss our latest work on economic modelling, public investment, and the case for a #BasicIncome and why it can strengthen security and the economy. youtube.com/watch?v=q1cx921X…
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Common Sense Policy Group retweeted
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger youtu.be/q1cx921XUwU?si=0Zuy…

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What would real economic security mean for you in 2026? Stable wages, affordable housing, the freedom to plan ahead? Our research shows how fragile the UK's social safety net is commonsense.northumbria.ac.u… What does economic security look like for you? #BasicIncome #WelfareReform
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MPs return to Parliament this week. Will 2026 bring real change? We believe the priorities should be: ✅ Tackle the cost of living crisis ✅ Provide a social safety net that protects everyone ✅ Build a new economy on public investment Our vision: commonsense.northumbria.ac.u…
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🚨 NEW REPORT: Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives With @UBILabNetwork we interviewed union officers on #BasicIncome. Amid pay crises & job cuts, unions see the potential of #BasicIncome to support a green & just transition. commonsense.northumbria.ac.u…
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The November budget was a chance to break from failed treasury orthodoxy. Instead we got more tinkering around the edges of the status quo. Our analysis shows why short-term deficit reduction is holding us back. Read our blog here commonsense.northumbria.ac.u… #NovemberBudget2025
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Common Sense Policy Group retweeted
Really good fun last night debating with @MaggieChapman & Elliot Johnson from @plancommonsense at the very old, very cool Debating Society of @univofstandrews. We all agree with @TheGreenParty that we need to overhaul social security on these islands and introduce #basicincome!
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Dr Elliott Johnson will speak tonight at @univofstandrews Debating Society, arguing for a #BasicIncome to replace the UK welfare state. We’re thrilled to see Elliott bringing these important ideas to such a historic forum! stadebates.com/event/1e4e242… #StAndrews #WelfareReform
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