Britain has been through a difficult period since the global financial crisis, leading many to conclude the country is doomed to inevitable decline. But Jeremy Hunt, who was at the top of government as both Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, disagrees. In his new book, Can We Be Great Again?, he sets out to rebut those who think Britain is no longer capable of shaping the world we live in.

With the election of president Trump, a world that was already becoming more dangerous has also become more unpredictable. But when it comes to the big challenges facing the world – whether on European security, the future of democracy, migration, trade and climate – the UK remains one of the most influential countries and should, Hunt says, use that influence wisely. Hunt does not shy away from the UK’s weaknesses but argues that they should be considered in perspective and without underestimating this country’s many strengths.

To discuss his new book and the questions it raises, Jeremy Hunt was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

In conversation with Jeremy Hunt MP: Britain's place in the world

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers: 

Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Council & Corporate Portfolio Holder at City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Sue Jarvis, Co-Director at Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place
Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of North East Combined Authority

This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place at the University of Liverpool and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

How should the government successfully implement and enhance devolution across the North of England?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers: 

Tim Leunig, Chief Econonist at Nesta
Dave Penman, General Secretary at the FDA
Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers

This event was chaired by Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with the FDA. 

Should public sector pay and pensions be reformed?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers: 

Jake Richards MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Ministry of Justice
Deputy Mayor Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Greater Manchester
Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset
Cassia Rowland, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government
Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive of JUSTICE

This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with JUSTICE. 

How can the government rebuild the criminal justice system?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

David Simmonds MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Dr Tom Arnold, Research Associate at the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place
Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Deputy Leader of the Local Government Association Conservative Group
Helen Gbormittah, Regional Director, North West at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place at the University of Liverpool.

How should devolution across the North of England be successfully implemented and enhanced?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Richard Fuller MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute for Government
Ryan Shorthouse, Executive Chair at Bright Blue
Trinh Tu, Managing Director, Public Affairs at Ipsos UK

This event was chaired by Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.



What is the Conservative route to fiscal sustainability?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Caroline Elsom, Head of Reshaping The State at Onward
Eve Norridge, Head of Research at Onward
Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government
This event will be chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with Onward.
 

How should governments rewire the state to get things done?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Baroness Barran MBE, Shadow Minister for Education
Dr Kieran Mullan MP, Shadow Minister for Justice
Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Deputy Leader of the Local Government Association Conservative Group

This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.


How should the Conservative Party rethink its vision for public services?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Mayor Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester
Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity at Essex County Council

This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.


How can mayors improve skills and productivity to drive regional growth?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Rt Hon Lord Willetts, Chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office and former Minister for Universities and Science
Helen Bower-Easton CBE, Director of Communications at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Professor Nigel Brandon OBE, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor of Sustainable Development in Energy at Imperial College London
Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government
Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government

This event was chaired by Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with Imperial College London.

Industrial strategy, tariffs and global trade: Is the government's strategy working?

The leading think tank working to make UK government more effective. 

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