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 Treasury is right to be wary of a temporary VAT cut
As calls intensify for a temporary cut to VAT, there are plenty of reasons to be wary
The government is drifting on net zero
Patchy progress points to a lack of political prioritisation and coordination.
Sturgeon’s independence plan is likely to be blocked – but that won’t end the row
The Union will only survive in the long run if based on consent
The government’s food strategy needs further work
The government’s food strategy shows a marked change of approach but a lack of deep analysis
A variety of ministerial leadership styles can help government
Ministers have many different ways of approaching leadership
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