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.
The Government’s Brexit economic analysis deserves to be taken seriously
MPs should not simply dismiss the analysis out of hand or try to mislead the public about what it shows.
The EU is trying to bypass the UK and improve its links with Australia
The UK will adapt to Brexit – but the rest of the world may be able to move faster to create new post-Brexit relations.
MPs are right to insist government compares the PM’s deal with no Brexit
The Government's economic analysis must reflect the choice between the Prime Minister's deal, no deal, and no Brexit.
The Treasury must radically change how it manages public spending
Next year’s Spending Review must plan for financial risk and bring short-termism to an end.
Rudd offers one last chance to turn Universal Credit around
Amber Rudd will have to start by reversing the defensive response to honest criticism of Universal Credit.
The next big concessions in Parliament won’t be on Brexit
The Government is likely to have to continue with its strategy of making concessions where it can – or make use of other tools.
Best available Brexit not entailing excessive damage?
UK ministers have offered a masterclass in how not to run a negotiation.
Three contradictory promises on the Irish border
At some point soon, the Government is going to have to confront these contradictions head on and decide who they are going to disappoint.
Home Office review could undo corrosive effect of poor advice
Better informed ministers could have helped safeguard the department’s reputation.
The UK can’t rely on WTO rules to soften the blow of no deal Brexit
WTO rules won’t prevent the EU from applying its laws to the UK in the event of a no deal Brexit.