Press Story

Archbishop of Canterbury, TUC General Secretary, Chairman of John Lewis, CEO of Siemens, and many other leading figures join as Commissioners
New poll finds most Brits (51%) say UK economy is unfair for the majority

IPPR, Britain’s leading progressive think tank, has brought together some of the highest profile names from across British public life to join its landmark Commission on Economic Justice.

Commissioners include Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Frances O’Grady, General Secretary TUC; Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of John Lewis Partnership; Mustafa Suleyman, Head of Applied AI at DeepMind; Juergen Maier, CEO Siemens UK; Professor Mariana Mazzucato; Sara Bryson, Community Organiser at Tyne & Wear Citizens; and Sally Tallant, Director of the Liverpool Biennial.

The Commission will set out fresh proposals to achieve sustainable growth and broadly-shared prosperity.

The Commission is being launched alongside a new report from IPPR which shows that the UK economy has fundamental problems which require far-reaching change. New polling for IPPR by YouGov shows that only a fifth (21 per cent) of the public believe the British economy works for the majority of people.

Tom Kibasi, IPPR Director said:

"The economy belongs to us all but it isn’t working for everyone. We need a new national economic vision and policy that the whole country can get behind.

"The Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump, shows we must build an economy with economic justice at its heart. The problems we face aren’t temporary weaknesses in an otherwise sound model. The foundations of our economy need to be rethought and the rules of the economy need to be rewritten. We need big, bold and ambitious change. Rethinking by half just won’t do.

"The IPPR Commission on Economic Justice has brought together a new alliance for change, with its unprecedented group of Commissioners. It will be the most ambitious programme of policy innovation outside government that will take place this decade."

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, said:

"I am very pleased and honoured to be part of the Commission on Economic Justice. I believe that this is a unique opportunity to reflect on the vision for our economy for the next twenty years and, in a time of significant change and uncertainty, seek to put our economy on a foundation of values and virtues.

"I am hopeful that this Commission’s work can lead to a tangible and hopeful set of recommendations, that go beyond party politics and make the case for an economy that delivers for the common good."

Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said:

"Economic justice and real dignity for working people has never been more necessary.

"The IPPR Commission on Economic Justice offers a golden opportunity to take the long view, build a broad consensus and help shape an economy that works for everyone. Britain needs a new bargain for workers - fair pay, better jobs and a real say in how companies are run."

Juergen Maier, CEO, Siemens UK, said:

"It is clear that many people feel the economy isn’t working for them and there is a general lack of trust in business. I have joined the Commission to help find solutions to these problems and because I believe that business can and should create long-term value for the economy and society."

The inquiry is non-party-political and has been welcomed by both the Government and Opposition. Commissioners supported both sides in the referendum campaign, with prominent campaigners from both sides of the Brexit divide now coming together in the Commission.

More information can be found on the dedicated CEJ website: commissiononeconomicjustice.org

Contact:

Kieren Walters, 07921 403651, k.walters@ippr.org
Sofie Jenkinson, 07981 023031, s.jenkinson@ippr.org

Notes to Editors:

1. IPPR is an independent registered charity and Britain’s leading progressive think tank. It is dedicated to the better country that Britain can be. With nearly 60 staff across four offices throughout the UK, IPPR is Britain’s only national think tank with a truly national presence. Our independent research covers the economy, work, housing, education, health, migration, energy, transport, devolution and democracy among other areas.

2. The polling referred to is from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,692 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th - 9th November 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).