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.
How Keir Starmer can put country before party as his exit looms
A well-prepared transition of prime ministers would be in the interests of the country.
The WASPI confusion sees Andy Burnham stumble at his first spending test
Popular spending promises aren’t always good politics for would-be prime ministers.
Using WhatsApp in government should come with clear responsibilities
The Mandelson files have again put the use of WhatsApp in government in the spotlight.
The violent disorder in Belfast is a test of leadership and governance
A misjudged ministerial response in Northern Ireland risks being ineffective or even counter productive.
Scrapping the Public Sector Equality Duty won’t create the change Badenoch wants
Kemi Badenoch’s speech at the IfG saw her pledge to abolish the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Salami-slicing capital budgets for defence is bad fiscal policy making
Raiding capital budgets in this way to pay for greater defence capability is the wrong approach.
How government should respond to the killing of Henry Nowak
Henry Nowak's murder must lead to considered and targeted government action.
A ‘radical overhaul’ is the wrong move for the youth justice system
The government’s white paper risks undermining one of the few public services currently working well
Government should approach reducing risk of judicial review with care
The government is seeking a quick solution for its infrastructure frustrations.
Reform UK’s local election gains pose new challenges for Labour mayors
The gains of opposition parties in the May 2026 local elections could make it harder for Labour’s regional mayors to deliver.