Aneurin Bevan and the Socialist Ideal - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

Aneurin Bevan was the leading postwar representative in Britain of the socialist ideal. He is best remembered for the creation of the National Health Service which he regarded as a symbol of applied socialism, a national service free at the point of use and available to all. But, even before he resigned from the postwar Labour government in 1951, this ideal was being eroded. Were his hopes doomed to disappointment?

Markets in their Place: Moral Values and the Limits of Markets - Lord Plant

How are we to understand the moral basis of markets? For example property rights, the role of trust in economic exchange and questions of justice in relation to markets.

Parliament and the Public: Strangers or Friends? - The Rt Hon John Bercow

The Speaker of the House of Commons addresses the questions of how the House of Commons can engage more effectively with the public which it serves and how modern technology can assist in this enterprise.

Britain in the 20th Century: A new consensus? 1990-2001 - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

To what extent was there a new political consensus in Britain in the 1990s, and were the policies of the New Labour government, elected in 1997, an extension of Thatcherism or a repudiation of it?

Britain in the 20th Century: Thatcherism, 1979-1990 - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

Margaret Thatcher’s governments encouraged the spread of ownership in Britain and 'Thatcherism' seemed for a time to be in accordance with the trends of social change. So why did it come to an end? What was the cost? How should we judge her leadership of the nation today?

The Universities: Over Regulation - Baroness Deech

The story of increasing government intervention in universities, and how it is hindering their work.

The Psychology of Politics - Professor Glenn D Wilson

Political affiliations reflect social class and upbringing but personality factors also contribute, including genetically determined traits like fear of uncertainty and novelty-seeking. Extreme positions may stem from dogmatism, hostility and intolerance of ambiguity.

How do we deal with rewards for failure while supporting growth? - Matthew Hancock

Bonuses in the banking sector are at an all-time high even as the system teeters on the edge of collapse. How are we to combat the culture of rewards for failure, without negatively affecting growth in the econbomy? The policy solutions are there, but are we re brave enough to take them?

The British Attempt to Construct a Socialist Commonwealth, 1945-1951 - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

It brought about the NHS, the welfare state and widespread nationalisation, but was the post-war Labour government a success?

The Cold Rules for National Security: History and the Defence of the Realm - Professor The Lord Hennessy

Notions of national security past and present. How Whitehall has dealt with it. How we might do it better in the future.

Modern Day Slavery - Nancy Kelley

Thousands of people are estimated to be working as slaves within the UK, in highly exploitative conditions, with no rights, and under threat of violence. This lecture will discuss some of the issues.

Britain in the 20th Century: The Character of the Post-war Period - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

The post war period saw the decline in British national self-confidence. – Why?

The Coalition and the Constitution - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

An objective analysis of the significance of the current coalition government for Britain and of the momentous constitutional reforms which the coalition is proposing.

Britain in the 20th Century: The Road to War - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

In underestimating Hitler, was Chamberlain personally culpable for war? Did Britain consider suing for peace in 1940?

Leadership at a Time of Transition and Change - Peter Sutherland

Peter Sutherland, Chairman of Goldman Sachs International, reflects on the marks of great leadership that he has met throughout his career.

Britain in the 20th Century: "Appeasement" - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

How should history judge Neville Chamberlain’s 1930’s government that was completely unmatched to the storm that would become World War II?

Britain in the 20th Century: The Economic Crisis and its Consequences - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

The economic crisis of 1931 marked the downfall of the labour party's government as it lost the support of the unions, the cabinet and eventually the British people.

The Great War and its Consequences - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

The changes in British Politics that came about as a result of WWI.