Holger Nehring examines the history of Wilton Park, now in its 80th year. He argues that its unlikely success should be a cause for optimism about the adaptability of British foreign policy in challenging circumstances.

Dr Igor Baranov and Dr Michael Weatherburn consider the history of consulting. This suggests that ethical scrutiny usually follows scandal. That is too late. The paper argues that if consulting is now part of the infrastructure through which companies and states make decisions, its ethics must be built into ordinary governance, not rediscovered after each crisis.

Professor David Green argues that the repeal of the 1824 Vagrancy Act in June 2026 was long overdue. Social attitudes to begging and rough sleeping have changed considerably in recent decades. But poverty continues to be one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland, the authorities in England and Wales have never carried out a thorough historical inquiry into the standard of care for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs. Helen Parker-Drabble argues that this is long overdue.

On Tuesday 6 October we will be launching a new seminar series in partnership with the School of Advanced Study’s Refugee Law Initiative exploring the policies of some of the UK’s major parties towards immigration and asylum policy.

The former leader of the Green Party, Natalie Bennett (Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle) will be among the distinguished speakers at a conference on 5 November organised by History & Policy’s Trades Union and Employment Forum.