IfG Events

Major reform for the Civil Service was one of the new government’s major priorities… and then the Coronavirus happened. What will bring about more change: the Government’s own plans, or the unprecedented exigencies of this health emergency? Can any Civil Service really be ready for an event like this? The enormity of Corona aside, which innovations might help the Civil Service respond better in “n...

Special Advisers or SpAds play a key role in government, giving ministers political advice and working as all-purpose fixers. In the latest of the IfG’s virtual live events, we ask how they fit into the new administration’s vision of how government should work. Should we accept that we need more, not fewer temporary political appointees to oil the wheels of government? How can ministers get the be...

The emergency Corona Virus Bill contains the most sweeping executive powers we’ve ever seen in Britain – yet the situation is so dire that it has cross-party support. How did we get here? What safeguards does the Bill contain and does the Government have the balance right between emergency provisions and fundamental rights? How does it fit with the Government’s previous views on the Human Rights A...

Boris Johnson’s government has just passed the 100 day mark since the 2019 General Election, a traditional moment to assess how a new administration is doing so far. But the entire political and economic environment has changed beyond imagination in just a week.  Is the Johnson Government back to square one? How are his pledges faring up against the reality of Britain’s greatest challenge since 19...

The Institute for Government’s renowned debates will take place online for the duration of the Corona Emergency. Our first podcast panel discusses the fascinating relationship between the two most most powerful politicians in the country, the PM and the Chancellor. What can make it work and what makes it break down? What might Boris Johnson’s and Rishi Sunak’s relationship mean for the effectivene...