Think tanks play a central role in shaping the UK's policy debate. They generate research, host events, and often provide the intellectual framework that informs MPs, ministers, and the media. For lobbyists, understanding the ecosystem of think tanks, and their political leanings, is essential for effective engagement.
1. Centre-Right & Conservative-Leaning Think Tanks
Policy Exchange
- Focus: Public services, security, housing, environment.
- Leanings: Generally Conservative-aligned; often close to ministers and advisers during Conservative governments.
- Notes: Known for practical policy ideas that frequently find their way into government white papers. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak worked here.
Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)
- Focus: Free markets, deregulation, low taxation.
- Leanings: Libertarian, right-wing economically.
- Notes: Influential within Thatcherite and free-market Conservative circles.
Centre for Policy Studies (CPS)
- Focus: Economic reform, enterprise, low taxes, individual liberty.
- Leanings: Founded by Sir Keith Joseph and Margaret Thatcher; firmly Conservative.
- Notes: Often a testing ground for Conservative economic policy.
Adam Smith Institute (ASI)
- Focus: Market liberalism, privatisation, deregulation.
- Leanings: Libertarian free-market, with some overlap with the IEA.
- Notes: Strong ideological identity; influential in economic policy debates.
2. Centre-Left & Labour-Leaning Think Tanks
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
- Focus: Social justice, economic reform, climate policy.
- Leanings: Centre-left; historically influential with New Labour and now with Keir Starmer's Labour Party.
- Notes: Strong on progressive policy design and public service reform.
Fabian Society
- Focus: Equality, welfare, public services.
- Leanings: Oldest socialist think tank in the UK, formally affiliated to the Labour Party.
- Notes: A key forum for Labour intellectual debate.
New Economics Foundation (NEF)
- Focus: Green economy, community wealth building, public investment.
- Leanings: Left-leaning, progressive economics.
- Notes: Vocal on climate justice and anti-austerity measures.
Resolution Foundation
- Focus: Living standards, wages, inequality, economic reform.
- Leanings: Centre-left, evidence-driven, often cited by Labour and sympathetic Conservatives.
- Notes: Credible and widely quoted in media and Treasury debates.
3. Centrist & Non-Partisan Think Tanks
Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs)
- Focus: International relations, security, diplomacy.
- Leanings: Non-partisan, academic in tone, globally respected.
- Notes: Its events are highly influential. The "Chatham House Rule" originates here.
Institute for Government (IfG)
- Focus: Governance, Whitehall reform, civil service, Brexit implementation.
- Leanings: Formally independent and non-partisan.
- Notes: Highly respected across parties for practical, evidence-based work.
King's Fund
- Focus: Health and social care policy.
- Leanings: Non-partisan, though broadly supportive of NHS reform and investment.
- Notes: Authoritative in health debates.
National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR)
- Focus: Economic modelling, forecasting, policy evaluation.
- Leanings: Independent, academically oriented.
- Notes: Highly technical, often cited in Treasury and OBR debates.
4. Other Influential Players
Legatum Institute
- Focus: Economic freedom, Brexit, prosperity.
- Leanings: Right-leaning; influential in the Brexit debate.
Onward
- Focus: Policy renewal for the Conservative Party, particularly post-Brexit challenges.
- Leanings: Centre-right, modernising Tory faction.
Demos
- Focus: Democracy, social policy, tech, digital society.
- Leanings: Historically centre-left, now more pluralist.
Social Market Foundation (SMF)
- Focus: Market economics with social justice.
- Leanings: Centrist; used by both Conservatives and Labour.
RUSI (Royal United Services Institute)
- Focus: Defence, security, international affairs.
- Leanings: Non-partisan but highly influential with government and military.