Evidence briefings

The uneven spread of industry across Britain limits productivity and innovation in low-performing areas, with London productivity 32% higher than the UK average in 2015. A new analysis highlights patterns of industry distribution and business performance across the country.

Income inequality is higher in the UK than in several other European countries, and is set to increase over the coming years. Child poverty is increasingly concentrated among one-earner couples, and policies supporting this group could have the most impact on reducing poverty in the future.

The demand for low-carbon goods and services is increasing rapidly, with a turnover of £43.3 billion in 2015 for low-carbon and renewable energy companies in the UK. A low-carbon strategy for international trade agreements will maximise opportunities after Brexit.

This briefing examines civil society responses to the migration crisis, including the responsibilities assumed by civil society actors (including nongovernmental organisations), gaps in governmental policy, and examples of good practice in refugee reception.

Evidence from the Mediterranean Migration Research Programme on the dynamics of migration to Europe in 2015 and 2016 challenges assumptions about the so-called 'push' and 'pull' factors underpinning the EU policy response.

This briefing discusses recent research from the Mediterranean Migration Research Programme, focusing on search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea, and on states' efforts to manage bodies and human remains and to identify those who die at sea.

This briefing discusses recent research from the Mediterranean Migration Research Programme, focusing on the reception of refugees and migrants and their integration in host states.

By the end of 2015 an estimated 1,008,616 people had reached Europe by sea, more than 84% of them from refugee-producing countries. This report presents questionnaire responses on refugee and migrant reception from Greece, Sicily and Malta, and interviews with migrants and key informants in related sectors.

Rebalancing the economy and closing the productivity gap between Northern cities and London demands radical reform of Britain's political economy, reducing London's dominance.

There are significant geographical differences in UK productivity, which largely may be caused by differences within cities' industry sectors – such as the amount of start-ups and innovation.