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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 16/10/2026

No political party is acknowledging the UK’s fiscal reality, argues @tompope.bsky.social. At the party conferences, no party grappled with the real trade-offs underlying their policy choices, nor the big fiscal pressures on the horizon. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/no-p...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

No political party is acknowledging the UK’s fiscal reality | Institute for Government

Party conference season saw all political parties duck the big questions about the economy.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 16/10/2026

EVENT | John Healey’s first budget as chancellor on 28 October is a huge moment for Andy Burnham’s government. Can Healey and Burnham show that they are capable of taking the difficult decisions facing government? Join us as we react to Budget 2026 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/budget...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Budget 2026: What do John Healey’s choices mean for the economy and the government? | Institute for Government

The IfG will set out its expert analysis of the chancellor’s budget and what it reveals about Andy Burnham’s government.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Matthew Barnfield @mbarnfield.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Is British politics uniquely short-termist? Voters seem to think so. @philipjcowley.bsky.social @karlpike.bsky.social and I just released @mileendinstitute.bsky.social polling on political short/long-termism across Europe. The UK stands out from its neighbours. www.qmul.ac.uk/mei/research...

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Finally learning must become a continuing responsibility of government The question is not simply how we track recommendations after an inquiry. It is how we build a system in which learning survives the inquiry, survives a reshuffle and survives the immediate political attention after publication

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

This could be set out by an inquiry before it officially closes - a blueprint for future action. Key to this is that select committees can't be relied on to do all this work themselves. There are currently 15 inquiries ongoing launched by the UK government and thousands of prior recommendations.

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Different oversight and scrutiny mechanisms perform different roles - government owned response and delivery, parliamentary scrutiny, oversight monitoring, implementation monitors & inquiries themselves - so we need an accountability architecture with a clear allocation of complementary functions

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

There were lots of interesting reflections from the panel and the audience - some from me: Implementation doesn't begin when an inquiry reports - ministers shape the prospects for implementation from the moment an inquiry is established Inquiries are often set off on the wrong track at the outset

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 15/10/2026

The Starmer government made fragile progress on criminal justice, but sustaining this requires further action and difficult political choices. @cassiarowland.bsky.social sets out the key findings from Performance Tracker 2026, exploring what is happening in policing, courts, prisons and probation

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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

I spoke to @rmcunliffe.bsky.social about the restrictions on jury trials still on the table, and whether magistrates' courts can cope. Spoiler alert: they can't.

newstatesman.com

Magistrates' courts can't fix our justice deadlock

Despite the fanfare about Burnham saving jury trials, the core of Starmer and Lammy's proposals remain

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 13/10/2026

More prisoners will be freed today under the second phase of the early release scheme. But what is happening in prisons? Performance Tracker finds that recent policy changes have put prisons back at risk of running out of spaces, while probation is struggling to manage offenders in the community.

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

We are hiring! TWO new researcher roles, one with me (and my wonderful colleagues) in the UK government team. Take a look, shout if you have any questions and please do send this on to anyone you think would be interested! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Parliament is back and so is the 'why parliament is weird' substack series from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk If you've ever wondered why there aren't enough seats in the Commons and how MPs reserve a seat when it's standing room only, then I wrote this for you.

instituteforgov.substack.com

Why parliament is weird (no.2): Bums on seats

Why is it so often ‘standing room only’ in the Commons?

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Hannah Keenan @hannahkeenan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Not sure you get to say you'll cut the size of the civil service AND rail against the cabinet secretary getting more powers to direct depts. The reason civil service numbers have kept growing despite a gazillion 'immediate headcount caps' is because there's not enough central (cab sec) control!

ft.com

Reform UK says it would halve size of civil service in radical overhaul

Rightwing anti-immigration party is warning mandarins that they are prepared to counter any ‘sabotage or resistance’

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 23/09/2026

On 28 October, John Healey will deliver his first budget as chancellor. Our chief economist @tompope.bsky.social says to avoid the mistakes of his predecessor, the chancellor needs to be bold. Keep an eye on our website for our budget analysis www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Lotte Hargrave @lottehargrave.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🚨New paper🚨 Very pleased that “Using Gender to Choose: Voter Decision-Making in Low-Information Elections”, coauthored with Ellie Woodhouse, is now out at @jeppjournal.bsky.social. In it, we ask: when voters know very little about candidates, how do they use gender when deciding who to vote for? 🧵👇

Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 17/09/2026

TONIGHT | Does the UK do enough to guard against corruption in public life? With political donations in the news, join us at 17:30 to hear an expert panel discuss what reforms may be needed to strengthen transparency and accountability www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/does-u...

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 15/09/2026

EVENT | Does the UK do enough to guard against corruption in public life? Thursday 17 Sept, 17:30 With political donations in the news, join us to hear an expert panel discuss what reforms may be needed to strengthen transparency and accountability www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/does-u...

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Agree that's an interesting dimension but also as so many were brand new to parliament when it was first introduced in 2024 (not used to whips or lack of but certainly not used to legislative process) & the level of public scrutiny was so high on an issue many did not expect to deal with so early on

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The increase in inquiries is partly because ministers reach for them more (Home Office launched 3 in 6 months in 2025 and across the UK there were 7 new inquiries in 2025) But also because they're taking longer to finish (or get going - the TEWV inquiry has no chair 9 months after it was announced)

A line chart from the Institute for Government of the number of concurrent public inquiries monthly 1990 to September 2026 where it shows three peaks of 15 in June 2010, 19 in September 2023 and 27 in July 2025

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The Thirlwall inquiry reported today, just over 3 years since the inquiry was announced by Steve Barclay, then Health Secretary into events at the Countess of Chester Hospital There are now 22 public inquiries ongoing across the UK - what are they, how long do they take and what do they cost?

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Public inquiries | Institute for Government

There are 22 ongoing or announced inquiries. But what exactly is a public inquiry?

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

And agree - interested to see what others think now it's over. Lots of good work from others including @danielgover.bsky.social and @hansardsociety.bsky.social on this too

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

There's a few things going on - public understanding definitely an issue given 'quirks' of PMBs (I was on the radio a lot trying to explain it) see also leg process generally. But also yes keen on more deliberative engagement in policy but no not all cases. Depends on context, timing and question.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Cath Haddon @cathhaddon.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Really helpful piece by @sirjjkc.bsky.social for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on the tricky question of how and when retrospective legislation is appropriate and what it it might mean for the legislation currently in Lords on political donations. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/retr...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Legislating for the past: What is retrospective legislation and when is it ok? | Institute for Government

What is meant by “retrospective” legislation, and can it ever be acceptable?

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Giles Wilkes @gilesyb.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

instituteforgov.substack.com/p/have-thing... I have published my first ever Substack for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk . People love to say "things have never been so volatile".... What do they mean, and are they right?

instituteforgov.substack.com

Have things ‘never been more uncertain’?

Giles Wilkes takes time out of his own Substack to talk uncertainty for The Write-Round.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 15/09/2026

The public must be properly engaged before assisted dying legislation returns The outcome Friday's vote raises the broader question of whether private members' bills are a good mechanism for deciding issues of major ethical and social significance www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/assi...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

The public must be properly engaged before assisted dying legislation returns | Institute for Government

Legislation on assisted dying deserves more than the workings of the private members’ bill system.

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I'm always happy to chat though so if you want to reach out please do DM or email me!

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Re the event there are many forums to discuss the policy this was not. Kim as sponsor gave insights into taking the PMB through, Paul/Dan discussed latest research on PMBs & international experience, Luke lifted the lid on bill drafting. It was a fascinating event with a panel focused on the process

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Rajiv thanks for reading the comment. It's hard to convey the nuance & complexity of a 2 year process in one comment but this (latest of several) is written in the context of the process ending, not informed by the outcome. We've been consistent in flagging issues with PMBs regardless of outcome

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

The government has gone the wrong way about legislating on assisted dying | Institute for Government

The row over the assisted dying legislation has exposed the shortcomings of private members' bills.

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The assisted dying bill was voted down by MPs at 2nd reading on Friday, ending the latest chapter in a long running debate in parliament. The outcome raises the broader question of whether the PMB process is a good way to decide on issues of major ethical and social significance - new from me 👇

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

The public must be properly engaged before assisted dying legislation returns | Institute for Government

Legislation on assisted dying deserves more than the workings of the private members’ bill system.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 14/09/2026

Our expert panel is now underway. 🖥 Watch live www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/local-...

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

New from me on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk substack "the write-round" Why can't MPs call each other liars? Part of a new series of 'why parliament is weird' a collection of gripes, oddities and head scratchers...would love to hear your takes on the weirdest things in parliament!

instituteforgov.substack.com

Why parliament is weird (no.1): Why can't MPs call each other liars?

MPs can be quite rude to each other in the House. So why can’t they call each other liars?

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Daniel Gover @danielgover.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

After MPs voted against assisted dying legislation today, a new piece from me on the outcome: 'Why did MPs vote to reject the assisted dying bill – and what happens now?' @uk.theconversation.com theconversation.com/why-did-mps-...

theconversation.com

Why did MPs vote to reject the assisted dying bill – and what happens now?

It’s the end of the road for this particular bill.

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The assisted dying bill has been voted down by MPs at 2nd reading today. There are strong views on many sides but it also raises questions of whether PMBs are the right way to legislate on complex, ethical issues. We discussed this earlier this year www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/assist...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Are private members' bills a good way for MPs to decide on difficult policy issues? | Institute for Government

An expert panel drew on lessons from the recent assisted dying bill and other PMBs to consider how backbench MPs should approach complex issues.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

UCL Constitution Unit @conunitucl.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We are launching an exciting new project with the Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism and @hhcp-ucl.bsky.social! It seeks to: ℹ️ inform the constitutional content of primary school curriculum and 👨‍🏫 support schools and teachers to deliver this to a high standard. Find out more 👇️

ucl.ac.uk

New cross-UCL project on Constitutional Education in Primary Schools launched

A new project by UCL's Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism, Constitution Unit and Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy seeks to inform the curriculum's content and the teaching of it.

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The government has announced three new taskforces to tackle some of the PM's priorities. Yes we've probably all got 'taskforce fatigue' but there are ways they can be effective - as my colleague @hannahkeenan.bsky.social set outs - it's up the government to make the right choices.

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Hannah Keenan @hannahkeenan.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

@sirjjkc.bsky.social has written for IfG about it here - he's obviously right (and much more knowledgeable than me!) when he says it won't change the day to day for gov lawyers, but it's good framing about agency, and imo it's v good that ministers are not just blaming risk-aversion from the blob.

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

New government, new legal risk guidance | Institute for Government

New guidance is an insight into the government’s attitude to the law and legal risk.

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Hannah Keenan @hannahkeenan.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

New gov legal guidance is good /maybe it's not the blob?? It's v easy to say 'the civil service is risk-averse' and blame the institution for slowing everything down. Civil service is risk-averse in places, but it's not because civil servants inherently don't want to get stuff done...

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Excellent new substack on our recent trip to the basements of parliament...

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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 08/09/2026

Danny Kruger and Antonia Romeo have more in common than they think Reform UK’s head of preparation for government shared his ideas at an IfG fringe event www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/dann...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Danny Kruger and Antonia Romeo have more in common than they think | Institute for Government

Reform UK’s head of preparation for government shared his ideas at an IfG fringe event.

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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

New from me and @jillongovt.bsky.social for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on how Healey should approach tax in his crucial Autumn budget (a subject he was quiet on in his speech today) Key point: set out a strategy and embrace reform. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

How John Healey should approach tax in his first budget | Institute for Government

The 2026 UK budget is fast approaching.

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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/09/2026

‘Does anyone know any postcodes but their own?’ The IfG’s new Substack, The Write-Round, launches with a question over whether Andy Burnham’s hyper-local growth promise could end up being a hostage to fortune for the regional mayor-turned-PM: instituteforgov.substack.com/p/burnhams-p...

instituteforgov.substack.com

Burnham’s postcode lottery

Does anyone know any postcodes but their own?

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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We've launched our new Substack! The Write-Round is a space for us to share some of our big ideas, answer pressing questions and dive into some of our hot takes on government.

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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 04/09/2026

PODCAST 🎙️ The summer recess is over. Parliament is up and running. So how did Andy Burnham's first day back in the House of Commons go? Henry Hill joins us on Inside Briefing to discuss. PLUS: What is Kemi trying to do with her reshuffle? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...

instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Burnham down the House – the new PM's parliamentary debut | Institute for Government

Henry Hill joins the podcast team to make sense of Andy Burnham's first day back in parliament.

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Reposted by Rebecca McKee

Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

If you want MPs to focus more on legislative business (and again, there’s a good argument for that) you have to think about it in the round- staffing levels; what the drivers of increased casework are and how they can be addressed; and, fundamentally, what you think the role of an MP is

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