Campaigns & Reports
Our campaigns and reports focus on the economic issues people care about most, and how governments and businesses can respond. Each report lays the foundation for action grounded in the public’s priorities and backed by rigorous analysis. But we don’t stop at publication. We take our findings to different levels of government, whether local, national or even international actors like the EU. We make our case in the media and push the wider public conversation.
The Third Rail of British Politics
How to Repair the UK-EU Relationship Without Getting Burned
May 2025
Our latest report confronts the third rail of British politics: the UK-EU relationship. While politicians fear touching it, the public is already rethinking our future with Europe. We didn’t assume what kind of UK-EU relationship is needed — we asked people directly. They want economic security, national safety and practical cooperation. Not a rerun of old arguments. Read the report to understand the political risks of a closer relationship with Europe, and how to overcome them.
The aim of The Third Rail was simple: unlock progress on UK–EU cooperation by designing reforms that work economically and politically. That meant understanding what the public wants and crafting policies to meet their tests. Each of our proposals did exactly that. And from 19 May 2025, they are all moving forward.
1) A UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme
We argued that a youth mobility scheme could offer economic gain and public acceptability. With caps, a surcharge to fund cost-of-living relief, no access to benefits and a maximum stay of three years, our proposal would generate up to £1bn annually in fiscal benefits.
2) Carbon and Electricity Market Alignment
We recommended reconnecting the UK and EU carbon markets and joining the EU electricity market to bring down bills and improve energy security. The latest announcements commit to doing just that, offering savings of up to £370 million annually and revenues of £700m–£1.6bn.
3) Independent Dispute Resolution
We identified European Court of Justice (ECJ) jurisdiction as one of the public’s top red lines, and proposed an alternative model rooted in independent arbitration.
The Government has now endorsed such models as the default for future UK–EU cooperation.
4) A UK–EU Defence Pact
Finally, we called for a formal defence pact with access to the EU’s SAFE fund—€150bn in joint defence investment. Today’s policy announcements move decisively in that direction, enabling joint procurement, enhanced security and better value for the taxpayer.
Papers and Polling
The Good Growth Foundation regularly conducts surveys to gauge public opinion on today’s most pressing issues. Our research is rooted in understanding what people want from their government, ensuring that policy discussions align with public priorities. Through proactive polling, we stay closely attuned to shifting sentiments, providing valuable insights that help shape informed decision-making.
Polling Archive
Our polling has been conducted both in house and with agencies, including JL Partners and Opinium Research.
Previous Reports
Mind the Growth Gap
What politicians are missing when it comes to growth
January 2025
Our foundational report reveals the growth gap: the divergence between what politicians think good growth looks like, and what people actually want. Rather than deciding ourselves what good growth is, we went directly to the public to find out. We haven’t just diagnosed the problem – we’ve set out how to bridge the growth gap too.
