Explainers
Our explainers cover key subjects relating to our work, setting out key facts and figures and answering the most important questions about government.
Explore our explainers
UK net zero target
Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Keir Starmer's first shadow cabinet
Following his election as leader of the Labour Party on 4 April 2020, Keir Starmer conducted an extensive reshuffle of the shadow cabinet.
Criminal justice and devolution
The UK has three separate criminal justice systems: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Trade: tariffs
Tariffs are taxes charged on the import of goods from foreign countries.
Sam Gyimah
Sam Gyimah reflects on working across two departments, dealing with prison riots and government’s relationship with universities.
Coronavirus: impact of government response on public borrowing
The government’s response to coronavirus is designed to minimise the overall social and economic impact and help ensure that vital public services can
UK–EU future relationship: fisheries
British fishing organisations believe that the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy means that they have not received their fair share of quotas.
Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE)
SAGE is an expert group activated in an emergency to integrate independent scientific research and analysis from across government, academia and indus
Acting prime ministers
The UK does not have a formal constitutional role of a deputy or caretaker prime minister who would step in if the PM were unable to perform their job
Coronavirus and devolution
Major public services affected by the pandemic are the responsibility of the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.