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.
Bird flu is another warning to improve the UK’s resilience
The government must take the new strain of H5N1 extremely seriously.
Rishi Sunak's new departments must work together to succeed
Giles Wilkes assesses the thinking behind Sunak’s decisions – and whether or not the restructuring can succeed.
The levelling up white paper one year on: progress on devolution but big tests to come
The next month will be a crucial test of the government’s ability to deliver the levelling up white paper’s devolution vision.
The government must urgently make clear who is responsible for children seeking asylum
The Department for Education must urgently clarify who is responsible for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
Collapsing civil service pay undermines the government’s ability to deliver
Why the civil service strike demonstrates the risks of the government’s attempt to hold down pay.
Jeremy Hunt’s growth plan mixes welcome realism with speculative cakeism
The chancellor’s plan for growth is an evidence-based but policy-lite vision which may end up laying the groundwork for future governments.
The Zahawi row raises the case for temporary ministerial suspensions
A formal suspension mechanism for ministers could be useful but would have downsides.
The government needs to implement long-term policies that tackle obesity
Arguments over ‘cakegate’ should not distract from the government binning or delaying its key policies for tackling obesity.
Energy regulation requires trade-offs the regulator cannot make alone
Government must not cut Ofgem adrift in political seas.
Government is complicated – the IfG Academy can help you understand how it works
Understanding government is not always easy, either for people on the inside or those outside who want to influence it.