Manifestos still matter even though their promises aren't being delivered
Emma Norris
19 November 2019

As parties prepare to publish their manifestos for government, Emma Norris asks whether they still have a significant role to play in the political process.
Policy making
Political consensus on business can’t hide the policy flaws
Giles Wilkes
19 November 2019

With the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats making their pitches to the business community, Giles Wilkes identifies some surprising signs of consensus – and some problems ahead.
Policy making / Whitehall Monitor > Government finances / Whitehall Monitor > Managing public spending
Asking the OBR to cost manifestos could make sense – but would be complicated
Dr Gemma Tetlow
19 November 2019

While opposition parties would like the Office for Budget Responsibility be cost all parties’ manifestos, Dr Gemma Tetlow says that such a decision should not be taken lightly.
Whitehall
The parties should think carefully before promising new government departments 
Tim Durrant
15 November 2019

While politicians can see a new government department as an easy solution to a tricky issue, Tim Durrant says the process can quickly create more problems than it solves.
Whitehall
The row over the Intelligence and Security Committee may require Parliament to review the committee’s role
Dr Catherine Haddon
15 November 2019

The delayed publication of the ISC’s report into Russian influence on UK elections underlines the need for a fundamental rethink of how Parliament scrutinises intelligence, says Catherine Haddon.
Parliament
British Steel's collapse highlights the complexities of state intervention
Giles Wilkes
14 November 2019

The government's response to the troubles of British Steel shows how state intervention is back in vogue – and is a reminder of how difficult it is to get right, writes Giles Wilkes.
Whitehall
Labour’s timetable for a second Brexit referendum would be hard to meet
Jess Sargeant
14 November 2019

Jess Sargeant says Labour’s commitment to renegotiate a Brexit deal and then hold a referendum within six months leaves no room for error. 
Brexit / Brexit > Parliament
The UK’s refusal to appoint a commissioner is a risk for the EU
Georgina Wright
12 November 2019

Georgina Wright says that the UK’s failure to appoint a British commissioner could delay the start of the new European Commission until 1 February – a decision which would be made with the EU’s interests in mind.
Brexit / Brexit > Negotiations
Both parties' new fiscal rules don’t address the challenges facing public services
Graham Atkins
12 November 2019

Graham Atkins argues that the fiscal splurges of the election campaign trail fail to address the clear pressures in public services. 
Performance Tracker
Election manifestos should be bold about tax reform
Joe Marshall
08 November 2019

Joe Marshall says that politicians should use this general election to set out proposals for much-needed changes to the tax system.
Whitehall Monitor > Managing public spending

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