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 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.
The smartest guy in the room: an appreciation of Jeremy Heywood
Jeremy Heywood was a great friend to the Institute for Government, but more importantly was an example of just how good the civil service can be.
The Home Office wrecks its reputation at the Home Affairs Select Committee – again
The Government now needs to put out its definitive advice on EU citizens after Brexit immediately to rectify the damage.
The Budget shows austerity isn’t over – yet
The Chancellor missed the opportunity to have an honest conversation with the public about how he plans to pay for public services.
A reasonable compromise on the European Court of Justice
The role of the European Court of Justice in settling disputes over the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement was one of the issues unresolved in March
What the Chancellor should say about his fiscal objectives in the Budget
Philip Hammond’s Budget must more clearly articulate his ambitions for reducing public borrowing.