University of Leeds Hosts Torsten Bell MP: Highlighting the Role of Universities in Policy Making

Leeds Social Sciences Institute (LSSI) recently hosted Torsten Bell MP, who delivered a compelling talk on his new book, Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back. The event, which took place at the University of Leeds, addressed pressing issues such as inequality and economic stagnation.

Mr. Bell, MP for Swansea West, was appointed as a Minister for Pensions in the DWP and HM Treasury in January 2025. In his talk he shared his vision for a better Britain. He highlighted the challenges faced by the UK, including lower incomes compared to EU neighbours, declining job satisfaction, and rising housing costs. He emphasized the need for investment in the future and building new homes to improve living standards.

The event was introduced by Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, who underscored the importance of research-intensive universities in addressing global challenges. Professor Louise Waite, Director of LSSI, praised Mr. Bell's speech for providing valuable insights and emphasized LSSI's commitment to engaging with policymakers to create a fairer, more prosperous society.

The fully booked event demonstrated a strong appetite for collaboration between universities and policymakers. LSSI, along with other University of Leeds entities Policy Leeds, YPIP, and Y-PERN, aims to amplify and promote impactful research partnerships in this space.

For more details, refer to the University of Leeds news item.