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.
Why government (still) needs to dispose of ‘Take Out the Trash Day’
The habit of issuing a deluge of data and documents as parliament rises for the summer is bad for scrutiny.
Will the Uxbridge by-election prove a crossroads for net zero?
Both main parties have appeared to temper their enthusiasm for ‘green’ policies in the wake of last Thursday’s vote.
A tale of two bills highlights the government's parliamentary problems
The fates of two very different bills in the run-up to the Commons’ summer recess point to problems ahead for the government’s legislative agenda.
The UK can ill-afford a year of drift in government
Amid the expected by-election fallout, Rishi Sunak must start to plan long-term.
Can Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer meet their promises?
With a general election expected in 2024, Emma Norris assesses the prime minister’s and leader of the opposition’s priorities
Rishi Sunak’s public sector pay offer makes sense but is unlikely to stop the strikes
The government appears to have made a breakthrough in ongoing public sector pay disputes, but big questions remain over where the money will be found.
Same-sex marriage legislation shows that policy can lead public opinion
Same-sex marriage legislation, passed 10 years ago today, was a masterclass in building consensus for a contentious policy.
Simon Case belatedly finds his voice to defend the civil service
Simon Case is right to speak out against ministers who describe the civil service as the 'blob'
Electoral reform would have important constitutional implications beyond general elections
Electoral reform would improve representation in parliament, but for it to bring about further benefits for the UK, wider reform would be needed
Government loses judicial review on Covid-19 Inquiry WhatsApps
What is the fallout of Thursday's High Court ruling against the government?