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 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.
What the Chancellor should say in the Budget about the next Spending Review
Philip Hammond must use the Budget to set out a radically different way of running the next Spending Review.
What is the 95% the Prime Minister has signed up to in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement?
If far more of the agreement has gone green, it’s time for both sides to publish the updated text.
A longer Brexit transition is a prize worth pocketing
An extension to the transition period won’t solve the Irish backstop problem, but an extra 12 months is still an offer worth having.
Can Cox change the Commons?
Too many MPs feel there is only a downside to tightening up the bullying and harassment procedures to which they are subject.