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.
A low-key year in Parliament, but it's not all Brexit's fault
The Government’s status as a minority—and Brexit—has significantly curtailed its legislative programme.
The percentage of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests being refused by government has reached a record level.
We now need to see a marked improvement in the Government’s FoI responses, or a convincing justification of why things have changed.
The Home Office offers a fluffy environment for EU citizens in search of settled status
Getting EU citizens' status right would be a big step in restoring confidence that the department can run a new migration system after Brexit.
Government will spend over £10bn on private finance deals this year but can’t tell you if they’re worth it
Any new government review of private finance must build a better picture of whether it is good value.
EU red lines on security cooperation risk an outcome nobody wants
The EU's red lines risk a relationship that dramatically reduces policing and judicial co-operation between the UK and the EU.
The way the Government has announced its plans for the NHS makes those plans harder to achieve
The Prime Minister has made the job of persuading the public that tax rises - or looser fiscal targets - will be needed much more difficult.
For the NHS anniversary, the PM has given us a big glittery box full of question marks
The Government’s plan for a 3.4% increase in NHS spending is welcome as far as it goes but we need more detail.
The battle for control of Brexit
The pitched battle over the ‘meaningful vote’ amendment is a battle between two Conservative factions to get the Brexit they want.
‘Meaningful vote’ on Brexit: a second showdown is likely
The Lords would be justified in sending back their amendments for proper consideration in the Commons.
Three questions the Government needs to answer about NHS funding
The Government must answer three questions if it is to put the health system on a sustainable financial footing.