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.
Political instability cannot excuse the Government’s poor presentation of its Single Departmental Plans
The new Single Departmental Plans don't go far enough to address previous criticisms.
Tory leadership tax and spend pledges are detached from reality of difficult fiscal choices
Fiscal headroom doesn’t mean that Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson can make straightforward public spending promises.
Northern Ireland risks being collateral damage in the Conservative leadership contest
Neither Jeremy Hunt nor Boris Johnson have shown any signs of seriously considering the threat that no deal poses to Northern Ireland.
The Conservative leadership contest is becoming a no deal arms race
By upping their rhetoric to appeal to the hardcore party membership, Hunt and Johnson are steadily moving away from reality.
Both parties need to recognise that civil service impartiality is worth protecting
Both politicians and civil servants need to act as though they understand the value of civil service impartiality.
The Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland must bridge the divides in Scottish politics
The Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland is an innovative approach but it needs buy-in from across the political spectrum.
Parliament’s fight to control Brexit moves to government spending
The plan to control Brexit by controlling spending is unlikely to succeed.
The new Prime Minister needs to be ready to shift gear from campaigning to governing
Winning a campaign is a very different challenge to running the country – both prime ministerial contenders need to start planning for office now.
No deal Brexit could be a legal mess
Leaving the EU without a deal presents significant legal risks.
Five takeaways from London Tech Week
The strategies, visions and funding pledges announced at London Tech Week.