As new political forces are remaking the electoral landscape, a new podcast series argues that tackling inequality is now a social and economic necessity for politicians of all parties.
Making Equal is a new podcast series from the Ruskin College, Oxford exploring the major political, economic and social choices shaping inequality in Britain today. Launched in the wake of the local elections – which exposed deep public frustration around economic insecurity, inequality and access to opportunity – the series brings together policymakers, academics and practitioners to examine what a fairer Britain could look like in practice, and what kinds of policy change are needed to achieve it.
Guests across the series include Lord David Blunkett, Lord Steve Bassam, Justine Greening and Professor Kathryn Mitchell (currently leading the government’s Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group), among others.
Episodes are released weekly, and the first episodes include:
What is fairness today in the UK? With Professor Peter John CBE
This conversation with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of West London and Principal of Ruskin College, Oxford explores whether equality of opportunity is enough, or whether society must also confront unequal outcomes. Drawing on more than 30 years in higher education, Professor John also reflects on what education can – and cannot – do to level the playing field.
Fixing Britain’s education system, with Lord David Blunkett
Drawing on decades in public life, Lord Blunkett reflects on the deep roots of inequality in Britain and argues that early year’s provision, lifelong learning and stronger local communities remain essential to restoring opportunity.
Future episodes explore themes and topics including the role of higher education in driving economic growth and reducing inequality; skills; lifelong learning and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE); Pride in Place and community-led change in places and neighbourhoods; and the role businesses can play in rebuilding trust and opportunity across the country.
These conversations are based on the ideas behind Making Equal: New Visions for Opportunity and Growth, the 2025 book published to mark the 125th anniversary of Ruskin College. The book brought together leaders from politics, policy and academia to argue that tackling inequality must sit at the heart of Britain’s future economic and social development.
Professor Graeme Atherton, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Regional Engagement) of University of West London and Vice-Principal of Ruskin College, said:
“Across Britain, many people feel disconnected from opportunity and increasingly unheard within political debate. The recent local elections showed how urgently questions of inequality, place and fairness now need to be addressed. This series brings together voices from across public life to explore how these questions can be addressed through practical policies.”
