Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
The painful Percy Pig experience is just the start of Brexit border frictions
The reality of the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU is beginning to bite
The cost of coronavirus
There are many costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic, not least the lives lost as a result.
A full-time COP president helps – but a fully-engaged PM is vital to net zero
Jill Rutter says the key question is whether Alok Sharma can find the time to back up his new full-time COP President
The government should be wary of over-promising on vaccinations
The vaccination programme has started very well, but Tom Sasse says focusing attention on highly ambitious targets creates risks
The UK’s new relationship with the EU will still require parliamentary scrutiny
The government should recognise that parliament still has an important role to play in scrutinising the future UK–EU relationship
Coronavirus vaccine rollout
The vaccine rollout is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Nick Hurd
Nick Hurd reflects on his experience working in five departments, for three prime ministers, over nearly a decade.
Lord Duncan
Lord Duncan of Springbank was interviewed on 8 January 2021 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.
Failure to prepare is not a reason for governments to postpone elections
Akash Paun says ministers explore all possible ways to organise the elections safely before putting democracy on hold
Margot James
Margot James reflects on serving in a government with a small parliamentary majority and during the political turmoil of exiting the European Union.