Devolution
Simply blocking a second Scottish independence referendum could increase support for one
The government must decide how to respond to growing pressure in Scotland for a second independence referendum.
Direct rule in Northern Ireland
Direct rule means that the UK government takes over direct responsibility for government decisions in Northern Ireland.
No-deal Brexit and a quick return to power sharing in Northern Ireland don’t go together
The prime minister's Brexit strategy means he will end up imposing direct rule in Northern Ireland.
Has Devolution Worked?
The success of devolution to Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, London and the English regions since 1999.
In conversation with David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service
The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, to give a keynote speech.
The latest Northern Ireland Bill could cause problems for the Government
MPs in Westminster face a complicated choice between respecting Northern Ireland’s devolved settlement and legislating on UK-wide human rights issues.
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 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.
Local government
The local government system varies in many ways between the four nations of the UK. We explain the structure and political balance in each nation.
Westminster needs to pay attention to the European election results – in Northern Ireland
Just because the Northern Irish European election results came late does not make them any less important for the future of Brexit.