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 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
Boris Johnson is a weakened prime minister
Boris Johnson’s vote of no confidence victory is a fragile one given the number of MPs who voted against him
Stopping the civil service fast stream is a short-sighted mistake
Pausing the civil service fast stream for “at least a year” is a consequence of the government’s wrong-headed approach to workforce management
The new ministerial code fails again to improve standards
The new ministerial code fails to introduce urgently needed changes and further entrenches the prime minister’s power over standards in government
The Privileges Committee’s questioning of Boris Johnson has constitutional significance
The prime minister now faces an inquiry by the Commons Privileges Committee into whether he lied to parliament.
The chancellor has changed direction but policy uncertainty comes with costs
The chancellor has demonstrated clear thinking about current problems – but uncertainty over policy brings real costs