Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Not by design: the erratic evolution of the British constitution since 1997
Politicians must recognise their duty to protect the UK constitution.
How the government can make progress on levelling up despite tight budgets
The government must do more than just revert to its levelling up white paper’s policy positions if it wants to address regional inequalities.
Rishi Sunak’s three Brexit headaches
Brexit is far from done – and Rishi Sunak's party stands in his way of being able to move on.
Sugar tax
The soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), or ‘sugar tax’, is a levy applied to UK-produced or imported soft drinks containing added sugar.
Northern Ireland: Functioning of government without ministers
There has been no first minister or deputy first minister since February 2022. So who is running the government?
Rishi Sunak needs to take action to show he is serious about integrity
The PM should act now to demonstrate his commitment to integrity, asserting his expectations of his ministers from a position of strength.
Ministers should protect the UK’s system of constitutional guardians
With the health of the UK constitution depending on an ecosystem of bodies and individuals, ministers should do more to protect these vital guardians.
What Rishi Sunak’s cabinet committees reveal about how he will govern
Sunak’s cabinet committees reflect a preference for small strategy meetings and the power of Jeremy Hunt, but they also show a severe lack of women.
Maternity leave for ministers
Can ministers take maternity leave?
Constitutional guardians
Ministers must do more to strengthen the UK's constitutional guardians.