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.
The government must clean up its act on coronavirus contracts
A new National Audit Office report raises serious questions about the way the government has spent public money
Johnson's 10-point net zero statement is encouraging – but not a credible plan
The strong signals of intent in the prime minister’s net zero plan will only be valuable if there is a plan to deliver them
No.10 should give up its control of special advisers
After Dominic Cummings’s departure, advisers should once again report directly to their secretary of state not Downing Street
Dominic Cummings’ exit means little for Boris Johnson’s Brexit decision
Maddy Thimont Jack says Dominic Cummings’ departure will have little bearing on the final stages of UK-EU negotiations
Covid crisis means ministers might regret not extending Brexit transition
The government is yet to show that its decision not to extend the Brexit transition period was the right one
Changing the No.10 cast is not enough to reshape Boris Johnson's premiership
The key question is not who Boris Johnson chooses to replace Cummings but whether he knows what he wants his premiership to achieve
No10 needs a chief of staff with the clear authority of the prime minister
The prime minister should be looking for a top adviser who can exercise authority on his behalf with subtlety and skill
Dominic Cummings’ exit gives Boris Johnson a chance to explain his vision
Dominic Cummings has been right in his calls for change in government, but his antagonism has cost the prime minister widespread support
The EU should be flexible on the Northern Ireland protocol
It is in the interest of the EU – as well as the people of Northern Ireland – to minimise the impact of the protocol
What does a Biden presidency mean for trade?
James Kane explores some of the implications of the US election for a post-Brexit UK–US trade deal