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 government’s spending round leaves many questions unanswered
It is encouraging to see the Treasury still showing some focus on how best to spend public money.
The Brexit battle is fundamentally changing the constitution
The incredible strain which Brexit has placed on the constitution is causing lasting damage.
Making prisons safer requires more than a one-off cash boost
Rory Stewart’s 10 Prisons Project was successful – but replicating it across the prison estate will require additional spending.
A new Queen’s Speech may be a shop window for an election campaign
Holding a new Queen’s Speech doesn’t alter the parliamentary arithmetic or boost the government’s hopes of making progress with its legislative agenda
Parliament still has power to shape Brexit – if MPs can agree how to use it
The government is not respecting Parliament’s democratic role in debating Brexit, but it hasn’t denied MPs’ their ability to have their say.
Boris Johnson’s prorogation plans may convince his Brexit opponents to act now
The government’s decision to prorogue Parliament may help leverage more support for its opponents' strategy to legislate against a no-deal Brexit.
Boris Johnson’s European tour has not altered the reality of Brexit
Despite the prime minister’s optimism and an enthusiastic reaction from his supporters, Boris Johnson’s European meetings have yet not shifted the ter
The independent review of High Speed 2 is unlikely to change minds
The independent review of HS2 is asking the right questions, but its short timescale means the review is unlikely to shift the debate.
Missing EU meetings could damage the UK’s post-Brexit interests
The UK should make the most of being part of EU institutions while it still can.
The chancellor’s tax strategy leaves many questions unanswered
Sajid Javid’s talk of a simpler, more efficient tax regime will be harder to achieve in practice than the chancellor's comments suggest.