NEW REPORT on GB Energy, and the role of the state by @nesta_uk and @Baringa. This work underpins some of what is being announced today. 🧵

1/17nesta.org.uk/report/the-rol… Report argues for 4 enhanced roles for the state: first, as a planner or 'system architect', second, as a 'pre-developer'; third, as investor; fourth as enabler. More on the problem each solves and how below.

2/17

Sunak described this as a new way of doing politics. So let's examine the ingredients: 🧵 Knocking down straw men (or invisible men): he scrapped car pooling, meat taxes, and people being forced to have 7 bins. Problem: they never existed as policies.

My FT article on overconfidence and leadership - also known as the Truss-Kwarteng effect 🧵ft.com/content/ca1759… Leaders, especially in politics, feel the need to convey certainty and conviction. In a crisis, they want to show ‘grip’. Leadership is assumed to involve demonstrating unwavering belief. 2/

Suddenly everyone is talking about energy efficiency! 🔥For the first time ever, it matters both to consumers, and Treasury. Now is our moment, energy wonks: here’s how to seize it. 🧵 Obligate energy companies to tell customers how to save 10-20% on gas bills at no cost: lowering flow temp of boilers (8%); lowering thermostats by one degree (13%). Etc…

The government has finally got to first base in defining what they mean by levelling up. Here are 5 next steps that can help them achieve their goals. (1/10) First, the Missions need an extra level of specificity. It’s not for nothing that policy usually involves a green paper then a white paper as it allows for consultation and revision. I hope these targets are substantially refined before they are set in stone. (2/10)