New journal article explores lessons from Canada and Australia for UK intergovernmental relations

A new open access journal article co-authored by Dewi Knight, PolicyWISE Director, Hannah Ellis, PolicyWISE Research Assistant, and Lottie Marsden, Visiting Research Student, has been published in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Studies, examining how the UK can develop a more collaborative approach to governing across its nations.

The article, “A more collaborative way of governing? Lessons from Australia and Canada for the UK’s Council of the Nations and Regions”, draws on research by PolicyWISE and the Bennett Institute for Public Policy to explore how intergovernmental cooperation can be strengthened in the UK.

Co-authored by Dewi Knight, Alex Walker, Michael Kenny, Hannah Ellis and Lottie Marsden, the paper examines examples from Canada and Australia, arguing that governments can and should work together on shared priorities regardless of where formal policy responsibility lies.

The authors suggest that forums such as the Council of the Nations and Regions provide opportunities for a new style of partnership working between administrations. They argue that increasing political divergence across the UK’s nations makes stronger practical and cultural cooperation essential in addressing major societal challenges including violence against women and girls, climate change and economic growth.

The publication also highlights the importance of improving policy coordination and mutual understanding between governments ahead of future political and electoral change across the UK.

The research was produced collaboratively with colleagues from The Open University, with the authors also acknowledging the support and guidance of Sue Onslow during the publication process.

The article is available open access and free to read here:
Taylor & Francis publication page