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Can we trust Policy Exchange or any think tank?

19 - 03 - 2008
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Anthony Barnett (London, OK): On 6 March Policy Exchange invited me to a showing of Charlie Wilson's War, scheduled for tonight, followed by a discussion. I was very interested in going and asked if I could bring a guest who is a young film maker who I knew had liked the film and would be interested in the discussion. I was told she was "welcome" and I thanked them. Arrangements were made. Two days ago I was informed that they had overbooked and only one person could come from my "organisation". I protested to no avail. Being right-wing used to mean belief in traditional values like one's word is one's bond. Now it seems to mean modelling oneself on low grade carriers who overbook and then bounce you off. I am very cross indeed. The detail of behaviour is revealing. Is it just Policy Exchange? Perhaps all think tanks are undermined when 'what we said yesterday' no longer counts because now it is today.

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Ivor Cornish (not verified) said:

Thu, 2008-03-20 11:36

'PX publishes more detailed, evidence-based research than most think-tanks, and offers one of the most useful fora for democratic discourse today.'

Eleanor, I saw the Newsnight program where one of their reports was completely blown apart.

What ever happened to their legal action?

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Eleanor (not verified) said:

Thu, 2008-03-20 09:25

I too wanted to bring a colleague but was told that the earlier welcome had been extended too eagerly. I understood the reasons, politely and apologetically offered by PX, and was pleased for them that the event was so popular. As anyone who has organised any event knows, it is very hard to predict numbers. I hope that Anthony recovers quickly from his evident disappointment....his comments seem an over-reaction to me.

PX publishes more detailed, evidence-based research than most think-tanks, and offers one of the most useful fora for democratic discourse today.

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Sunny (not verified) said:

Wed, 2008-03-19 22:27

Well, not after those promises they were going to "consider" legal action against the BBC, for exposing how shoddy their report over extremism in Mosques was. Still waiting to see that legal action taking place.

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leon (not verified) said:

Thu, 2008-03-20 00:11

In short no. They are all set up to influence policy, in my experience they're all sympathetic to one party or political persuasion or another.

I don't particularly have a problem with that in its self; what I do take issue is is the lack of transparency, they should be up front with their leanings so their work can be critically assessed.

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guy lodge (not verified) said:

Thu, 2008-03-20 07:58

hi anthony

please feel free to bring any friends you like to the ippr event next week - they will be very welcome!

guy

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