Working to make government more effective

Working to make government more effective

Northern Ireland Assembly chamber

Devolution to Northern Ireland

We assess the operation of devolution in Northern Ireland and examine the UK government’s approach to Northern Ireland in light of Brexit.

Northern Ireland has a unique system of power-sharing that requires political parties from both the unionist and nationalist communities to be in government together. Such arrangements make government possible, but also difficult, which often results in periods of time without a functional executive.  

Our work on Northern Ireland assesses the functioning of government in Northern Ireland, both with and without ministers in place. We also examine the UK government’s approach to Northern Ireland and how its interests and circumstances are considered in Westminster and Whitehall decision-making. This includes the implications of Brexit, the Northern Ireland protocol, and subsequent UK–EU discussions on changes to the original deal. 

How government works in Northern Ireland

30 JAN 2022 Explainer

Northern Ireland government formation

Northern Ireland has special power-sharing arrangements that require the largest political parties from both communities to be in government.

25 APR 2022 Explainer

Northern Ireland assembly

The Northern Ireland assembly, often referred to as Stormont, is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland.

Governing without ministers

Northern Ireland during the collapse of the power-sharing executive 2017-2020

Read the report
Stormont House

Northern Ireland protocol

27 MAR 2023 Explainer

The Windsor Framework

On 27 February, the UK and EU announced a new ‘Windsor Framework’ to make changes to the protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

26 JUL 2021 Explainer

Northern Ireland protocol: Article 16

Article 16 is a safeguarding mechanism within the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol, the arrangements agreed as part of the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement