Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
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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
UK–EU future relationship: UK ratification
On 24 December, the UK and EU reached an agreement to govern their future trading and security relationship from the end of the Brexit transition peri
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
Coronavirus: how countries supported wages during the pandemic
This explainer summarises how different countries supported wages during the pandemic, and how those schemes developed and changed during the crisis.
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
Trade: the UK landbridge
The UK landbridge refers to the route that connects the Republic of Ireland to the rest of the EU via mainland Britain’s road and ports network.