Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Costing Brexit: what is Whitehall spending on exiting the EU?
In the six government departments most affected by Brexit, preparations for leaving the EU will cost at least £400m in the 2017/18 financial year.
International Women’s Day 2018: why government still needs to focus on gender
Despite improvements in the representation of women in government, significant barriers to seniority still remain.
What the Chancellor could say in the Spring Statement
The Chancellor and his colleagues in government need to show that they have a plan that recognises the big challenges confronting the UK.
The Welsh and Scottish continuity bills have been published, but challenges remain
The Scottish and Welsh governments' continuity bills have edged intergovernmental relations closer to a constitutional crisis.
Theresa May's Brexit speech: Mansion House
What the prime minister said in her Mansion House Brexit speech on the UK's future economic partnership with the European Union.
May finally tells us what a ‘bespoke’ Brexit deal might look like
The PM used all that detail to argue why it was in the best interests of both the UK and the EU to go where no trade deal had ever gone before.
Confidence motions and parliament
What does ‘confidence’ mean in parliamentary terms?
Scotland and Wales reject the Government’s latest Brexit offer – what next?
Negotiations between the UK and devolved governments are at risk of failure.
A Brexit speech that works for the many, the few (and the EU)?
There is plenty in Corbyn's speech for EU negotiators to dislike. But the tone – and being in opposition – means he is likely to get an easier ride.
Direct rule for Northern Ireland?
The UK Government might feel it needs to accept DUP leader Arlene Foster’s demand for “‘Her Majesty’s government to… start making policy decisions”.