Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government

"We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe." George Robertson, former defence secretary and co-author of the government's strategic defence review, has issued a stark warning about Britain's national security. So how serious is it - and what should Keir Starmer do?

PLUS: From defence to employment. A new IfG paper argues the government should go further and faster on devolving employment support - we talk to its authors about a potentially better route back into work.

Hannah White presents.

With Jill Rutter, Ben Paxton and Martha Ford.

Produced by Milo Hynes.
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Oil is in short supply as the Middle East conflict continues. Donald Trump has told the UK to “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.” Economist Duncan Weldon joins the pod team to discuss what the government can actually do to respond to rising energy prices.

The message to consumers so far is keep calm and carry on as usual. But will this messaging hold - and, if not, how bad could things get - and how quickly? 

And finally: It’s a long time since we first heard about Universal Credit. But this major government project has, albeit a little late, nearly reached completion. Nick Timmins, author of a new IfG report on UC, takes a look at a troubled but ultimately successful - maybe - journey.

Alex Thomas presents.

With Jill Rutter.

Produced by Milo Hynes.
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What should the government do about overseas election funding and cryptocurrency donations? Philip Rycroft, who ran the newly-published Rycroft Review into foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics, joins the podcast team to explain the problem and how it could be fixed.

From election funding to funding public services. Labour came into power with a promise to reform the way public services are delivered. But what has actually been done, and is it working? The IfG has issued our verdict.

Plus: Energy bills. Rachel Reeves has been issuing frequent updates on what the government would, or wouldn’t do, to support people. The pod team review her plans.

Alex Thomas presents.

With Catherine Haddon and Stuart Hoddinott. 
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As war in the Middle East disrupts energy markets across the world, what are the implications for households and businesses in the UK and how should government respond to the price shock?

This IfG webinar explored Rachel Reeves’s options for supporting consumers – and what the ongoing conflict could mean for energy policy, the transition to net zero and for the public finances.

What are the implications of different scenarios for oil and gas shipments from the Middle East? What do they mean for the design of support packages? How would different approaches impact government objectives on inflation and growth? Has the government learned the lessons from the response to the 2022 price shock?

And do events in the Middle East accelerate or slow the transition to net zero? Should they lead to a rethink on North Sea licensing?

This webinar featured:


Nick Butler, former Head of Strategy for BP and then senior policy adviser to Prime Minister Gordon Brown


Dan Haile, Senior Economist at the Institute for Government


Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee and former CEO of Energy UK


Andrew Sissons, Director, Sustainable Future Mission at NESTA

This webinar was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.
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How prepared is the government - and how healthy is the economy - for dealing with another energy bill crisis? The podcast team review the prime minister's response and assess the UK's resilience.

The chancellor has delivered a big speech promising more financial devolution to English mayors and closer practical alignment with the EU, but do Rachel Reeves's plans add up?

Plus: Should we fire all the permanent secretaries and directors general and replace them with true believers throughout the civil service? No, not a new IfG report but the latest policy from Reform UK. 

Hannah White presents. With Giles Wilkes, Rosa Hodgkin, and Hannah Keenan.
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