Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Starmer vs Robbins: Why the Mandelson row keeps getting worse
Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Peter Ricketts joins the team to work out where a week of blame and counter-blame has left the government.
The vetting system needs to survive the Mandelson test
Political appointments require a different vetting process to officials.
Policy making in a crisis: A civil servant’s guide
What works in crisis policy making, what doesn’t and why.
The Mandelson vetting blame-game is causing serious damage to ministerial-civil service relations
The sacking of Olly Robbins has been badly handled by Keir Starmer.
Misleading parliament and correcting the parliamentary record
The clearest rules about making inaccurate statements to parliament mostly come from outside of parliament.
Government security vetting
How does the UK government's national security vetting system work?
The government still needs a coordinated story on its response to the Middle East war
Keir Starmer needs to seize the news agenda and communicate his response to the Iran crisis.
The “welfare versus defence” framing oversimplifies the difficult trade-offs
Lord Robertson is wrong to suggest welfare cuts alone can pay for defence.
Is the UK (and Keir Starmer) under attack?
The team discuss Britain's national security - and what Keir Starmer should do about it.
Designing and delivering employment support
How can government better support people out of work due to ill health?