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 reassurances on Northern Ireland risk angering more people
The Government's latest proposal doesn’t provide a way out of the Northern Ireland backstop and won’t swing any votes.
The Government needs to be realistic about what the NHS can achieve on its own
The new NHS long-term plan sets a largely sensible direction of travel. But by itself it will not solve the NHS’ biggest issues.
Parliament needs to find an alternative to no deal Brexit
Parliament is still avoiding doing the only thing that will stop no deal – coming up with an alternative plan.
The Prime Minister should not flout international law to save her deal
A beefed-up role for Parliament's role in the Irish backstop could render the UK in breach of international law.
The Government should publish the real Single Departmental Plans
Publishing proper spending plans would demonstrate the Government’s commitment to being open with Parliament and the public.
Brexit billions sound big, but won’t solve ‘no deal’
The decision to agree this latest cash injection is being reported as part of a wider ramping up of preparations for a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
Government should admit that the UK will not be ready for no deal
It’s time for the Government to be honest about no deal.
Domestic policy delays are a Brexit issue
The Prime Minister’s choice to focus her political energy on Brexit is understandable, but ultimately a false economy.
How the Prime Minister could break the stalemate on Brexit
Time is short and the Government needs to get over the meaningful vote hurdle to unlock possible ways forward.
Student loans were an accounting wheeze – now they are a fiscal headache
Spending review decisions should be based on what is really happening, not accounting illusions,