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.
Rail strikes are still the government’s problem
The government cannot credibly refuse to take part in negotiations
Hogan-Howe story shows action is needed on appointments
Appointing Lord Hogan-Howe to head the National Crime Agency would not break any rules – and that is precisely the problem
The role of the law officers: where politics and law collide
Raphael Hogarth arns of the danger of a politician-lawyer giving advice that they believed to be wrong
Lord Geidt’s resignation must lead to a stronger standards system
The government must reform how standards are overseen or risk a greater role for the courts.
Four questions for parliament on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
Jess Sargeant sets out the critical tests MPs and peers need to apply to the government’s contentious new legislation
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill leaves EU little room for manoeuvre
The EU27 know the Northern Ireland protocol needs fixing but the UK’s unilateral approach and unrealistic proposals make that difficult to achieve.
Now or never for the Declaration on Government Reform
The government’s civil service reform plan, launched a year ago today, is falling flat and needs proper commitment, warns Jordan Urban.
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill: legal (and perhaps illegal) goings on
Sir Jonathan Jones assesses how the government received legal advice on the Northern Ireland protocol.
Electric vehicle switch is a test of the government’s net zero approach
The government needs to tackle charging and equity issues to ensure a smooth transition to electric vehicles.
Boris Johnson’s only remaining option is to focus on core priorities
Emma Norris outlines three things Johnson should and shouldn’t do next