Political economist, author, Observer columnist, President of the Academy of Social Sciences and host of the We Society podcast. All views are my own!
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Joined November 2009
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Last week saw the biggest swing to the Democrats in the House of Representatives since 1932. Now this. Trumps repudiation could hardly be more emphatic. Major Upset, Scott Colom, a Democrat, Wins Mississippi Senate Seat nytimes.com/2026/11/11/us/el… via @NYTimes
As the debate about the impact of social media on children intensifies, here are testimonies from the front line as part of a genuinely innovative research project. Compelling and important.
Is a social media ban the answer to protecting children against social media harms? @o_fieldreid of @AdaLovelaceInst joins @williamnhutton on the We Society to discuss the Institute’s research on young people’s experience of growing up in an online world. podfollow.com/the-we-society…
The straits of Hormuz remaining shut compounding an intensifying stasis in the housing market are economic threats that must be urgently countered. After the Bank’s bleak forecast, Britain’s housing market should prepare itself for a big freeze
observer.co.uk/news/columnis…
The US mid-terms really were a revolution. Southern whites voting for black candidates in droves. The New South Finally Arrives prospect.org/2026/11/06/the-…
Of course affordability and the war were reasons for disaffection with Republicans. But rejection this deep and comprehensive was provoked by a belief that Trump has trashed core American values and decencies. That’s the heart of it. theguardian.com/us-news/2026…
Trump and Vance blame the war for their defeat. Reflex commentary refers to the cost of living and broken promises. But a swing this universal and deep betokens something more profound - a shared belief Trump has betrayed the US and its values. It’s an enormous moment.
A great republic has asserted the values that made it great in a stunning demonstration of the power of democracy. Any Trumpian claim the US midterm elections were stolen is now impossible. A moment in American history.
The New York Times this morning. Trump Has Failed. Hold Him to Account. nytimes.com/2026/10/27/opini… via @NYTOpinion
Take a risk. Talk to a stranger. It will make you - and the stranger- happier. Social connection is the stuff of life
“Social connection is a choice.” ICYMI: In the first episode of season 12 of the We Society podcast, Prof Nicholas Epley joins @williamnhutton to discuss his research into social interaction & its importance for our wellbeing and wider society. Listen🎧➡️ podfollow.com/the-we-society…
Tech billionaires have eroded the American dream. But voters are waking up. So should we in Britain. These trillion dollar companies represent the privatisation of capitalism- and everything from space to AI. We need a strategic response.
observer.co.uk/news/columnis…
I love this Blue Brothers “I’m a soul man” that just dropped into my X feed. Pure joy.
I’ve reached an age when some people offer me their seat on the tube - and I no longer feel any offence to my dignity. I just say yes gratefully. Except I’ve noticed they have one thing in common - they are almost always people of colour. True Brits.
We don’t take enough risks in starting conversations with strangers argues my guest Professor Nick Epley in this the first in our next We Society series. Loneliness is in part self-inflicted. I’m not lonely- but following the Epley doctrine has made me happier. Listen - and try it!
Season 12 of the We Society is here🎙️In today's episode Prof Nick Epley @ChicagoBooth joins @williamnhutton to discuss his decade of research into why we can struggle to connect with one another & why social interaction is so important for our wellbeing.➡️ podfollow.com/the-we-society…
The more I reflect on the budget the more concerned I become. Good news on £20bn for the National Wealth Fund and BBB. And that tax revenues to be devolved. Yes fiscal rules had to be observed, but I worry about tax decisions+cuts deferred and trouble ahead. Hope I’m wrong.
Fast and good summary by my colleague of a budget that while holding the line, helping a bit and indicating a direction of economic travel, abjured determined action. Healey’s warm-up budget will leave radical reformers cold
observer.co.uk/news/national…
They are first steps, but in the budget Burnham and Healey are going to try to signal their distinct direction of travel. A bold budget this week will deliver the business-friendly socialism Britain badly needs
observer.co.uk/news/national…
Just seen the North Sea - Nature Untamed . It’s a wonderful, revelatory, beautiful film about the sea, its fish life and the boundless capacity of nature to rejuvenate. Made by a latter day Cousteau it is Inspiring! If you can - do see it.
Should Britain be in permanent thrall to the dead? Since 2016 1.6 m more Leave voters have died than Remain. There is now a Rejoin majority. kellnerp.substack.com/p/brit…