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.
How government works in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland government formation
Northern Ireland has special power-sharing arrangements that require the largest political parties from both communities – unionist and nationalist –
Northern Ireland assembly
The Northern Ireland assembly, often referred to as Stormont, is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland: Functioning of government without ministers
There has been no first minister or deputy first minister since February 2022. So who is running the government?
Governing without ministers
Northern Ireland during the collapse of the power-sharing executive 2017-2020
Read the report
Northern Ireland protocol
Three steps the Truss government can take for a Northern Ireland protocol deal
If the UK government is serious about getting a deal this time around, there are three things it must do first.
Four questions for parliament on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
Jess Sargeant sets out the critical tests MPs and peers need to apply to the government’s contentious new legislation
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill leaves EU little room for manoeuvre
The EU27 know the Northern Ireland protocol needs fixing but the UK’s unilateral approach and unrealistic proposals make that difficult to achieve.
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill: legal (and perhaps illegal) goings on
Sir Jonathan Jones assesses how the government received legal advice on the Northern Ireland protocol.
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
What does the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill say – and what does it mean?
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.
Brexit deal: the Northern Ireland protocol
The Northern Ireland protocol aims to avoid the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland in the event that there is a no-deal Brexit.
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
Our team
Jess Sargeant
Associate Director