Incisive commentary from the IfG’s expert team on issues facing government and key ministerial decisions.
From analysis of key political events such as budgets and party conferences to snap responses to unexpected developments such as government reshuffles, our writers set out their views and analyse what government gets right, what it gets wrong, and what it can do better.
Humza Yousaf’s precarious position puts the SNP – and Scotland – at a crossroads
This week could bring the swift toppling of the first minister and a summer election.
A third of regulators haven’t been scrutinised by parliament – this needs to change
New IfG research sets out why parliamentarians are struggling to hold regulators to account – and what they could do better.
Rishi Sunak’s higher defence spending announcement does not add up
The prime minister should not be allowed to abdicate decisions about how to pay for his spending pledges.
Six things to look out for in the May 2024 local and mayoral elections
These elections will be the last major test of public opinion before the coming general election – but are important in their own right.
Departures of MPs and ministers add to the sense of drift in Sunak’s government
MPs standing down make achieving anything significant in this parliament difficult.
Liz Truss blaming the deep state is an excuse for failure
Liz Truss's deep state delusions are undermining any serious argument she might make.
The PCS challenge on arms sales to Israel shows the strengths and limits of civil service unions
Civil service unions have a particular responsibility to show restraint on political activity.
The government's Sentencing Bill won’t fix its prison problems
Increasing sentences is empty rhetoric given our packed prisons.
Seven things we learned from the Preparing for Power podcast
The general election campaign will dominate the coming months – but time and energy must be spent on preparing for what comes after.
Cat Little starts her new job at a testing time for the civil service
Staff numbers, low morale and structural change are pressing concerns for the civil service.