Podcast appearances and mentions of jill rutter

Just hours after Rachel Reeves sets out the budget to parliament, this webinar brought together a team of Institute for Government (IfG) experts to share their instant and essential analysis of the chancellor's plans. Who are the winners and losers of Reeves's tax and spending announcements? How will her measures affect economic growth? Has the chancellor finally set a coherent tax strategy? And what challenges now lie ahead for Keir Starmer's government? To answer these questions and more, this budget day webinar from the IfG brought together an expert line up featuring Dan Haile, Jill Rutter, and Giles Wilkes. The webinar was chaired by Dr Hannah White.

Just hours after Rachel Reeves sets out the budget to parliament, this webinar brought together a team of Institute for Government (IfG) experts to share their instant and essential analysis of the chancellor's plans.   Who are the winners and losers of Reeves's tax and spending announcements? How will her measures affect economic growth? Has the chancellor finally set a coherent tax strategy? And what challenges now lie ahead for Keir Starmer's government?   To answer these questions and more, this budget day webinar from the IfG brought together an expert line up featuring Dan Haile, Jill Rutter, and Giles Wilkes. The webinar was chaired by Dr Hannah White. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With politics fraying and radical parties growing in strength, could the Tories and Labour come together and merge into a grand coalition of the centre? Surely George Osborne and Ed Balls have proven on this podcast that great things can happen when the two parties come together… And, as budget week looms, former Treasury civil servant Jill Rutter asks how Ed and George would get themselves out of the hole Rachel Reeves is in IF there were no political repercussions? And they wonder whether we are still feeling the effects of the mini-budget or if it's unfair for Rachel Reeves to continue blaming Liz Truss for the economic woes? Plus, they explain why too much preparation ahead of a great speech can actually be a bad thing. ~Do you want the opportunity to own a piece of British political history? In memory of the brilliant civil servant Chris Martin, a magnificent Jeroboam of Pol Roger, Winston Churchill's favourite champagne bearing the signatures of all nine living British Prime Ministers is being auctioned to raise money for Sarcoma UK. Place your bid here: https://astarauction.com/Chrismartinquiz The link will remain open until 10:30pm on the 27th November.~Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Boris Johnson's long-serving adviser, Guto Harri reacts to the Covid-19 inquiry findings. Former foreign office minister Dr Kim Howells talks about the dangers from Russia following the sentencing of former Reform leader in Wales, Nathan Gill for taking Russian bribes. The Institute for Government's Jill Rutter discusses the upcoming autumn budget, whilst Rebecca Morley from Friends of Friendless Churches explains why plans to lift the VAT exemption on building works on listed places of worship is a problem. Cardiff University's Dr Andrew Dowling looks back on Spanish dictator Generalissimo Francisco Franco's life and legacy 50 years after his death.Tim Hartley and Esyllt Sears review the papers.

Scotland is just six months away from May's crucial parliamentary election, with First Minister John Swinney preparing to lead the SNP into one of the most unpredictable campaigns since the party entered government almost 19 years ago. On 19 November, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Scotland's First Minister to discuss his priorities ahead of the 2026 Scottish parliament election, the political context in Scotland ahead of the crucial UK budget, and the SNP's vision for Scotland's constitutional future. John Swinney was in conversation with Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, followed by a Q&A with the live and online audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At May's UK-EU summit, Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new Common Understanding between the EU and the UK. The government hailed a new “deal” with the EU which included an agreement on fisheries and a joint commitment to negotiate a ‘youth experience scheme', as well as new arrangements for agriculture, emissions trading,  energy cooperation and defence.  Many of these changes will involve the UK accepting dynamic alignment, with its potential role in “decision-shaping” to be defined. Six months on, how much progress has been made? Have new stumbling blocks emerged? And now the government has started to highlight the economic consequences of Brexit, will it start to seek an even closer relationship?  To explore these questions and more, we were joined by our expert panel: Baroness Ashton, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and member of House of Lords and European Affairs Committee Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe Calum Miller MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs) Sir Ivan Rogers, former UK Permanent Representative to the EU The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank UK in a Changing Europe for kindly supporting this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At May's UK-EU summit, Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new Common Understanding between the EU and the UK. The government hailed a new “deal” with the EU which included an agreement on fisheries and a joint commitment to negotiate a ‘youth experience scheme', as well as new arrangements for agriculture, emissions trading, energy cooperation and defence. Many of these changes will involve the UK accepting dynamic alignment, with its potential role in “decision-shaping” to be defined. Six months on, how much progress has been made? Have new stumbling blocks emerged? And now the government has started to highlight the economic consequences of Brexit, will it start to seek an even closer relationship? To explore these questions and more, we were joined by our expert panel: Baroness Ashton, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and member of House of Lords and European Affairs Committee Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe Calum Miller MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs) Sir Ivan Rogers, former UK Permanent Representative to the EU The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank UK in a Changing Europe for kindly supporting this event.

Scotland is just six months away from May's crucial parliamentary election, with First Minister John Swinney preparing to lead the SNP into one of the most unpredictable campaigns since the party entered government almost 19 years ago. On 19 November, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Scotland's First Minister to discuss his priorities ahead of the 2026 Scottish parliament election, the political context in Scotland ahead of the crucial UK budget, and the SNP's vision for Scotland's constitutional future. John Swinney was in conversation with Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, followed by a Q&A with the live and online audience.

The First Minister for Scotland joined the Inside Briefing team to discuss football, the political context in Scotland ahead of the UK budget, and the SNP's vision for Scotland's future. Meanwhile, the Home Secretary announced significant reforms to the UK's asylum and migration system. We discussed how the plans landed, what might happen next and what challenges lie ahead. And this week saw the final instalment of the IFG's public services Performance Tracker. We talked to the team about the government's record on public services since the election, where the greatest risks lie and what the Prime Minister needs to do to turn things around before the end of this Parliament. Presented by Catherine Haddon. With Nick Davies, Cassia Rowland, and Jill Rutter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ambitious Labour politicians might or might not be eyeing up the top job. No. 10 isn't working well. The Prime Minister is on the defensive. Here we go again.   Wes Streeting, the health secretary, is in the headlines - accused of plotting a leadership challenge against the prime minister. Streeting has dismissed the attacks as “self-defeating nonsense” and has urged Keir Starmer to sack whoever is briefing the media. So what does this all say about how Number 10 is working, or not, and what impact does this type of row have across government?   PLUS: Wes Streeting really wants to be talking about his plans for turning around NHS performance. But our new report has some mixed news about how that is going.    Catherine Haddon presents. With Alex Thomas, Jill Rutter, and Stuart Hoddinott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The IfG DevoLab is a new initiative from the Institute for Government dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. On 6 November, the IfG hosted its third IfG DevoLab event in Leeds, at which speakers from three regions set out how the powers and profile of mayors are being used to improve transport connectivity within and between their regions. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #3 were: ‘Improving transport connectivity in West Yorkshire', by Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford City Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Transport Committee ‘Connecting Liverpool City Region through Merseyrail', by Huw Jenkins, Lead Officer - Transport Policy at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority ‘Mayoral partnerships with Great British Railways' by Richard Crabtree, Head of Mayoral Partnerships at Shadow Great British Railways The three speakers were joined by Tom Bridges, UK Government Business Leader at Arup, for a broader discussion of how devolution can improve transport connectivity, how the government can support innovation and learning, and whether there is a case for further devolution in this area. This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. We would like to thank Arup for kindly supporting this event. We are also grateful to our strategic partner L&G for its wider support of the IfG DevoLab series.

The IfG DevoLab is a new initiative from the Institute for Government dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets.   On 6th November, the IfG hosted its third IfG DevoLab event in Leeds, at which speakers from three regions set out how the powers and profile of mayors are being used to improve transport connectivity within and between their regions.  The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #3 were: ‘Improving transport connectivity in West Yorkshire', by Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford City Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Transport Committee ‘Connecting Liverpool City Region through Merseyrail', by Huw Jenkins, Lead Officer - Transport Policy at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority ‘Mayoral partnerships with Great British Railways' by Richard Crabtree, Head of Mayoral Partnerships at Shadow Great British Railways  The three speakers were joined by Tom Bridges, UK Government Business Leader at Arup, for a broader discussion of how devolution can improve transport connectivity, how the government can support innovation and learning, and whether there is a case for further devolution in this area. This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.  Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. We would like to thank Arup for kindly supporting this event. We are also grateful to our strategic partner L&G for its wider support of the IfG DevoLab series.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Sam Alvis, Associate Director for Environment, Energy Security and Nature at IPPR Sam Peacock, Managing Director for Corporate Affairs, Regulation and Strategy at SSE Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Energy UK and SSE. 

President Trump's return to the White House has reshaped the world trade order – posing risks, but also offering opportunities, for the UK.   What can be done to make the UK become a more attractive destination for foreign investment? How should the UK deal with the US - and approach its relationship with China? How can the government help UK businesses and will its new industrial and trade strategy help secure the UK's economic future?   We discussed at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth with an expert panel, featuring:   Clive Jones MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Trade Helen Bower-Easton CBE, Director of Communications at the Financial Conduct Authority Joanna Cound, Global Head of Public Policy at BlackRock UK Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government   This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.   This event was held in partnership with the City of London Corporation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Speakers:    Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Sam Alvis, Associate Director for Environment, Energy Security and Nature at IPPR Sam Peacock, Managing Director for Corporate Affairs, Regulation and Strategy at SSE Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.   This event was held in partnership with Energy UK and SSE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour is heading back to Liverpool for its annual conference, so what does Keir Starmer need to do to lift the party's spirits and get some momentum behind his government? Former Number 10 adviser Tom Webb joins the podcast team to preview a massive couple of days for the prime minister and his team. The November budget will loom large over Liverpool – so how might the chancellor approach the tricky question of raising taxes? A new IfG report has the answers. Plus: The Liberal Democrat conference saw Ed Davey say a lot about Nigel Farage – but what did we actually learn about where the UK's third party is trying to position itself?   Presented by Hannah White. With Tom Pope and Jill Rutter. Produced by Milo Hynes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's return to the White House has reshaped the world trade order – posing risks, but also offering opportunities, for the UK. What can be done to make the UK become a more attractive destination for foreign investment? How should the UK deal with the US - and approach its relationship with China? How can the government help UK businesses and will its new industrial and trade strategy help secure the UK's economic future? We discussed at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth with an expert panel, featuring: ➡️ Clive Jones MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Trade ➡️ Helen Bower-Easton CBE, Director of Communications at the Financial Conduct Authority ➡️ Joanna Cound, Global Head of Public Policy at BlackRock UK ➡️ Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation ➡️ Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the City of London Corporation.

The industrial strategy has emerged after a long gestation, with June's white paper containing an exhaustive list of policy commitments intended to deliver Labour's promise to “lay the foundation for a decade of growth”, create hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs, ensure that every region thrives, and put Britain “at the forefront of the technological revolution”.   The strategy identifies 37 different ‘Frontier Industries' within the eight growth sectors already set out in the green paper from October 2024, with these sectors treated as enablers of productivity to other parts of the economy – not just as vehicles of growth in themselves. So how can this ambitious idea be delivered successfully?    What combination of market and regulatory reforms can help to deliver this aim? What will be the role of public sector financial institutions like the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank? What is the role for private finance? Is the government's push to encourage more pension fund investment in British industry welcome or risky? And with the industrial strategy containing so many goals, industries and policy instruments, has the government taken on more than it can realistically deliver?     To explore these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including:   Sam Lister, Director General for Industrial Strategy at the Department for Business and Trade Paul Nightingale, Professor of Strategy at the University of Sussex Karen Northey, Corporate Affairs Director at the Investment Association Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.   This event was kindly supported by the Investment Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The industrial strategy has emerged after a long gestation, with June's white paper containing an exhaustive list of policy commitments intended to deliver Labour's promise to “lay the foundation for a decade of growth”, create hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs, ensure that every region thrives, and put Britain “at the forefront of the technological revolution”. The strategy identifies 37 different ‘Frontier Industries' within the eight growth sectors already set out in the green paper from October 2024, with these sectors treated as enablers of productivity to other parts of the economy – not just as vehicles of growth in themselves. So how can this ambitious idea be delivered successfully? What combination of market and regulatory reforms can help to deliver this aim? What will be the role of public sector financial institutions like the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank? What is the role for private finance? Is the government's push to encourage more pension fund investment in British industry welcome or risky? And with the industrial strategy containing so many goals, industries and policy instruments, has the government taken on more than it can realistically deliver? To explore these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including: Sam Lister, Director General for Industrial Strategy at the Department for Business and Trade Paul Nightingale, Professor of Strategy at the University of Sussex Karen Northey, Corporate Affairs Director at the Investment Association Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was kindly supported by the Investment Association.

The party conference countdown has begun, and the Westminster Village is set to decamp to Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bournemouth and beyond.   But what this the point of the party conference jamboree?  What is it really like to spend four days locked inside a windowless conference centre and take yp residence at t a hotel bar? How do civil servants manage this temporary Westminster exodus? And does it really make any difference at all?   Join the IfG on another trip to the Inside Briefing vault, as we dig out a fascinating episode that we recorded in 2022 with political journalist and party conference veteran Michael Crick, journalist and author Marie Le Conte, former special adviser Peter Cardwell, and the IfG's very own Jill Rutter.    Presented by Alex Thomas and Hannah White. Produced by Candice McKenzie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is one year since the general election brought Labour back to government and since Keir Starmer walked into Number 10. Instead of a smooth anniversary, the government has been forced to confront a major parliamentary rebellion and roll back on a flagship spending policy. So how has Labour's first year in power really worked out for Keir Starmer? What lessons can they learn for the challenges ahead? Jill Rutter, Claire Ainsley and Sam Freedman join Hannah White to weigh up the government's highs and lows - and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join IfG experts for instant analysis of the 2025 spending review – a critical moment for Keir Starmer's government. Were the spending allocations sufficient to improve public services, deliver growth and make progress on the government's other missions? Which departments will be pleased – and which lost out? And did this multi-year spending review reveal a coherent strategy for the government over the next few years?   To answer these questions and more, IfG experts convened shortly after the chancellor's announcement to provide their initial analysis.   The webinar was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, with a panel including: Nick Davies, Programme Director for Public Services at the Institute for Government Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 spending review on 11 June is a critical moment for Keir Starmer's government. Almost a year since Labour's general election victory, Rachel Reeves will set budgets for departments up to 2028/29 – which will cover most of the rest of the parliament. But the chancellor is facing difficult choices – and her decisions will reveal a great deal about this government's priorities. Will the spending allocations be sufficient to improve public services, deliver growth and make progress on the government's other missions? Which departments will be pleased – and which will lose out? And will this multi-year spending review reveal a coherent strategy for the government over the next few years? To answer these questions and more, IfG experts convened shortly after the chancellor's announcement to provide their initial analysis. The webinar was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, with a panel including: Nick Davies, Programme Director for Public Services at the Institute for Government Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government

Keir Starmer has signed off on a so-called UK/EU reset. So, what's in the new deal and what does it mean for the never-ending Brexit drama? The Guardian's Kiran Stacey joins the podcast team to dig into the detail.   Davie Gauke has been uncorked. So, what is in his review of prison sentencing? The team dig into his recommendations and give their verdict.   Plus: Nick Clegg is back! The former deputy prime minister returned to the British political stage with a big speech at the IfG this week - and he also sat down for an exclusive interview for Inside Briefing. So, is it time to reevaluate the coalition?   Presented by Jill Rutter. With Giles Wilkes and Cassia Rowland  Produced by Candice McKenzie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In contrast to the halting approach to reform from the current UK government, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have moved fast to slash staff and programmes. That has led some of those frustrated with the slow pace of government reform in the UK and elsewhere to see DOGE as a model for radical reformers.    But what are the actual benefits – and costs – of the Trump administration approach? Is there anything to be learnt from DOGE, or is the whole approach misconceived? And what is the better, feasible model for reformers who want to deliver change at rapid pace while avoiding the DOGE template?     To explore these questions and more, the IfG was pleased to bring together an expert panel featuring:   Munira Mirza, former Director of the No.10 Policy Unit Don Moynihan, Professor of Public Policy, Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan Jeni Tennison, founder and Executive Director of Connected by Data Alex Thomas, Civil Service Programme Director at the Institute for Government   The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In contrast to the halting approach to reform from the current UK government, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have moved fast to slash staff and programmes. That has led some of those frustrated with the slow pace of government reform in the UK and elsewhere to see DOGE as a model for radical reformers. But what are the actual benefits – and costs – of the Trump administration approach? Is there anything to be learnt from DOGE, or is the whole approach misconceived? And what is the better, feasible model for reformers who want to deliver change at rapid pace while avoiding the DOGE template? To explore these questions and more, the IfG was pleased to bring together an expert panel featuring: Munira Mirza, former Director of the No.10 Policy Unit Don Moynihan, Professor of Public Policy, Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan Jeni Tennison, founder and Executive Director of Connected by Data Alex Thomas, Civil Service Programme Director at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

Former senior civil servant Jill Rutter joins the podcast to answer listener questions on the inner workings of government.This episode is hosted by the New Statesman's associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Institute for Government webinar brought instant expert analysis of the prime minister's plans to radically overhaul the British state.   Ahead of his speech, Keir Starmer told officials he wants to unshackle them from bureaucracy to stop their talent being "constrained”, and to create an “agile, mission-focused and more productive” civil service.   But planned job cuts across the civil service and a clampdown on quangos and regulators have seen the government's reform blueprint dubbed “Operation Chainsaw” – echoing Elon Musk's DOGE plans for reforming the US government.   So what is in the PM's plan? What will it mean for delivering Labour's missions and its milestones? What should civil servants expect in the coming weeks and months? And how can Whitehall leaders best put the government's reform agenda into action?   To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel including:   Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senior Labour MP Liam Bryne, who chairs the Commons business and trade committee, joins host Alain Tolhurst to discuss how Keir Starmer navigates the post-tariff world, and whether the market turmoil could be an opportunity for Britain. Later in the episode a panel of experts discuss the small matter of what on earth is happening to the global economy - and what that will mean for the UK - after Donald Trump's sudden volte face on Wednesday, abandoning almost all of the tariffs he had meted out on so-called ‘Liberation Day' a week before, but leaving 10% levies on British goods and 25% on steel and the automotive sector. Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and a former senior civil servant, Raoul Ruparel, a former adviser to Theresa May on Europe and a special adviser in the Brexit department, Allie Renison, associate director at SEC Newgate and a former policy adviser to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat MP and his party's spokesperson on trade, try to make sense of what just happened, and explain what might happen next.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot

Keir Starmer commissioned a number of high-profile reviews into difficult policy areas on taking office, but the prime minister seems to have become more sceptical about their value in recent weeks.   At this event, to mark the launch of a new IfG report on lessons from past policy reviews, a panel of former reviewers and commissioners of reviews explored when reviews can lead to real change – and what needs to be done to ensure they succeed.     When is it the right time to launch a review? How should ministers best set up, work with and respond to reviews? And has the prime minister changed his view of reviews – and, if so, why?   Discussing these questions, and more, were:    Rt Hon Ed Balls, former Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and Special Adviser at HM Treasury (and commissioner of several reviews) Dame Carol Black, leader of multiple past reviews, including: the Review of Drugs (2021), Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Obesity: effects on employment outcomes review (2016), Health at Work Review (2011) and Working for a Healthier Tomorrow Review (2008) Dame Tracey Crouch, former Minister for Sport and Civil Society and Chair of the Fan-led Review of Football Governance (2021) Sir Howard Davies, Chair of the Airports Commission (2012–15)   The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rules of global trade have been dramatically ripped up by Donald Trump. So what is the US president's tariff plan actually meant to do? Has a global trade war started? How big a hit will the UK economy take? And what options does Keir Starmer have to fight back?   The government urgently needs to inject some growth into the economy, but can Whitehall make that happen? Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, joins the podcast to argue for more powers to be given away by London.   Plus: Who reviews the reviews? The government has launched a lot of them. But will they succeed? A new IfG report has set out its verdict. We'll talk to its authors.   Tim Durrant presents. With Giles Wilkes, Jill Rutter and Ben Paxton. Produced by Milo Hynes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer commissioned a number of high-profile reviews into difficult policy areas on taking office, but the prime minister seems to have become more sceptical about their value in recent weeks. At this event, to mark the launch of a new IfG report on lessons from past policy reviews, a panel of former reviewers and commissioners of reviews explored when reviews can lead to real change – and what needs to be done to ensure they succeed. When is it the right time to launch a review? How should ministers best set up, work with and respond to reviews? And has the prime minister changed his view of reviews – and, if so, why? Discussing these questions, and more, were: Rt Hon Ed Balls, former Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and Special Adviser at HM Treasury (and commissioner of several reviews) Dame Carol Black, leader of multiple past reviews, including: the Review of Drugs (2021), Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Obesity: effects on employment outcomes review (2016), Health at Work Review (2011) and Working for a Healthier Tomorrow Review (2008) Dame Tracey Crouch, former Minister for Sport and Civil Society and Chair of the Fan-led Review of Football Governance (2021) Sir Howard Davies, Chair of the Airports Commission (2012–15) The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

This Institute for Government webinar brought instant expert analysis of the prime minister's plans to radically overhaul the British state. Ahead of his speech, Keir Starmer told officials he wants to unshackle them from bureaucracy to stop their talent being "constrained”, and to create an “agile, mission-focused and more productive” civil service. But planned job cuts across the civil service and a clampdown on quangos and regulators have seen the government's reform blueprint dubbed “Operation Chainsaw” – echoing Elon Musk's DOGE plans for reforming the US government. So what is in the PM's plan? What will it mean for delivering Labour's missions and its milestones? What should civil servants expect in the coming weeks and months? And how can Whitehall leaders best put the government's reform agenda into action? To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel including: Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

On this episode of The UK in a Changing Europe podcast, leading German journalist and television presenter Theo Koll joins our host Jill Rutter to discuss the upcoming election in Germany that has seen one of the most volatile election campaigns the country has experienced. What can we expect from Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democrats, currently the frontrunners to win? How much of an impact is the far-right party 'Alternative for Germany' having? And what is the most important issue for German voters? Listen in for all of this and more.

Decarbonising the power system by 2030 and accelerating to net zero is one of Labour's five key missions. But this extremely ambitious target means moving much faster than the previous government managed. So how much progress has the Labour government already made, and what more could it do to speed up delivery? The government's first weeks in office saw it remove restrictions on onshore wind farms and put GB Energy and the National Wealth Fund into motion. So what impact have these actions had? What other steps could the government take to accelerate its missions?  And with controversial announcements such as a third runway at Heathrow, what are the potential pitfalls to look out for, both to achieving the clean power mission and then accelerating to net zero? To answer these questions and more, this IfG event brought together an expert panel, including: Rosa Hodgkin, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Fintan Slye, CEO of the National Energy System Operator Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030 Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Decarbonising the power system by 2030 and accelerating to net zero is one of Labour's five key missions. But this extremely ambitious target means moving much faster than the previous government managed. So how much progress has the Labour government already made, and what more could it do to speed up delivery? The government's first weeks in office saw it remove restrictions on onshore wind farms and put GB Energy and the National Wealth Fund into motion. So what impact have these actions had? What other steps could the government take to accelerate its missions? And with controversial announcements such as a third runway at Heathrow, what are the potential pitfalls to look out for, both to achieving the clean power mission and then accelerating to net zero? To answer these questions and more, this IfG event brought together an expert panel, including: Rosa Hodgkin, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Fintan Slye, CEO of the National Energy System Operator Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030 Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event is part of a research project supported by a grant from the European Climate Foundation.

It has been quite some year for British politics. Sure, there were no mass-ministerial resignations, rule-breaking No10 gatherings or economy-shaking mini budgets, but July's general election saw a change of ruling party for the first time in 14 years.    So did Rishi Sunak's final rolling of the dice really achieve anything? Could the general election ever have turned out differently? And how have Labour adapted to government – and Keir Starmer to the daurning job of prime minister? What was the surprise of the year? What was the moment of election night? And what does it all say about what might come next…?   Sam Freedman, Giles Wilkes, Jill Rutter and Hannah White gather in the IfG studio to look back on extraordinary 12 months for politics and government.   Produced by Robin Leaburn for Podmasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The IfG team has spent the year reading government reviews, white papers, select committee reports, consultations, manifestos plans for change… you get the idea.    But this podcast is going to step away from the treadmill of political news and instead bring the IfG book club to the podcast studio. So put down whichever IfG report you're reading, get yourself a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and join a cast of your IfG favourites to hear their top tips on non-fiction, fiction, biographies, thrillers, science fiction and more.   And look for a festive treat at the end of the podcast too…   Cath Haddon and Nicola Blacklaws present.   With Hannah White, Alex Thomas, Jordan Urban, Stuart Hoddinott, Jill Rutter and Sophie Metcalfe and the IfG choir.   Produced by Robin Leeburn for Podmasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer is preparing to give his big reset speech on Thursday. But the more interesting address is perhaps the one he gave last night at the annual Lord Mayor's Banquet, where the Prime Minister gave his first major speech on foreign policy. The most interesting passage saw Starmer reject the notion that Britain will need to pick sides between the US and the EU under the looming Trump presidency – particularly in the event of a trade war. How long can No. 10 afford to keep their foreign policy preferences ambiguous?  Also on the podcast, Sir Chris Wormald has been announced as the successor to Simon Case as Cabinet Secretary, in another example of Labour prizing experience when it comes to senior civil service roles. Is he a smart pick, given the questions about his performance at the Department of Health and Social Care and his frequent appearances at the Covid inquiry? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Jill Rutter, senior research fellow at UK in a Changing Europe and a former civil servant. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

We are living in a different world. Donald Trump's world. Kim Darroch, the UK's former ambassador to the US, joins the podcast team to make sense of what could be some jaw-dropping appointments to the Trump administration. The UK government has been scrambling to make sense of it all too - responding in measured tones while potentially bracing for impact. So how should Keir Starmer handle the new Trump era? Plus: COP29. The prime minister has been on his travels again - this time to Azerbaijan for a major climate change summit.  Hannah White presents. With Alex Thomas and Jill Rutter. Produced by Candice McKenzie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel Reeves' first budget promises to be one of the most consequential in years. Shortly after the chancellor addresses parliament, IfG experts examined her announcements and make sense of Reeves' plans for the economy. What decisions has she taken on new fiscal rules, tax measures and public services? What does this budget mean for the government's growth mission? Does Reeves have a credible plan for fixing the public spending “black hole”? And what does this budget reveal about this government's priorities? The panel included: Stuart Hoddinott, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute for Government Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

Rachel Reeves' first budget might well be one of the most consequential in years – and is the biggest tax-rising budget in over 30 decades. Spending is up too. As is borrowing. So what does this all mean for the economy, for the government, and for people's pockets?   The IfG expert team gathered just a few hours after the chancellor's statement to MPs to crunch the numbers and explain what the chancellor is trying to do. What decisions has Reeves taken on new fiscal rules, tax measures and public services? What does this budget mean for the government's growth mission? Does Reeves have a credible plan for fixing the public spending “black hole”? And what does this budget reveal about this government's priorities?   Jill Rutter presents. With Giles Wilkes, Tom Pope and Stuart Hoddinott.   Produced by Podmasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour's first 100 days in power have been marked by reports of conflict, dysfunction and delay at the centre of government. Sue Gray's short tenure as Keir Starmer's chief of staff has come to an end, with the prime minister choosing to reset his No.10 team just months after Labour won the general election. What reforms are needed to radically improve the centre of UK government? What does Morgan McSweeney – Starmer's new chief of staff – need to do to make No.10 work for the prime minister and deliver for the country? What lessons should Starmer take from the way former PMs ran their centres of government – and from those who tried to reset their No.10? To answer these questions and more were: Tom Baldwin, author of Keir Starmer: The Biography and Labour's Director of Communications (2010–15) Theo Bertram, Director of the Social Market Foundation and a former Special Adviser in No.10 Henry Newman, former Special Adviser at the Cabinet Office and in No.10 Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government and Chair of the Commission on the Centre of Government The panel was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

This event was held at the 2024 Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. Speakers: Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Sam Hall, Director of the Conservative Environment Network Rosa Hodgkin, Researcher at the Institute for Government Professor Karl Whittle, Professor of Zero Carbon and Nuclear Energy at the University of Liverpool This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was in partnership with The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool.

This event was held at the 2024 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Speakers: Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy at Greater London Authority Clem Cowton, Director of External Affairs at Octopus Energy Ed Cox, Executive Director for Strategy, Economy & Net Zero at West Midlands Combined Authority Rosa Hodgkin, Researcher at the Institute for Government Professor Karl Whittle, Professor of Zero Carbon and Nuclear Energy at the University of Liverpool This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was in partnership with The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool.

What is the difference between a spad and pad? How should people be fast-tracked into big government jobs? And is Labour going about this process the right way – or committing a series of unforced errors?  With the new government on the defensive after a string of eyebrow-raising appointments to civil service roles, ConservativeHome's Henry Hill joins the podcast team to make sense of the row – and explore where Keir Starmer and Sue Gray might have questions to answer.  Plus: Does Rachel Reeves have any money to spend? Presented by Hannah White with Alex Thomas and Jill Rutter. Produced by Milo Hynes  www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour is planning to reform the civil service into five 'missions' that will lead the agenda, moving away from the purely departmental way of arranging priorities at the moment. Cindy Yu talks to James Heale and Jill Rutter from the Institute for Government and UK In a Changing Europe (and a former civil servant) about what these plans really mean. Produced by Cindy Yu.

The Olympic Games is all about sport – but it is unavoidably also all about the politics. So two days after the opening ceremony, the IfG team assembled its crack team of sporting fanatics to discuss the links between power and the Olympic Games.  From claiming credit to trying to duck the blame, prime ministers, presidents and mayors are as involved as any athlete – signing off on bids to host the games, settling on multi-billion budgets, being booed in the stands, and keeping fingers crossed that everything runs smoothly. So just how political are the Paris 2024 Olympics Games? And how do they compare with what has come before – including the 1908, 1948 and 2012 Games in London – and what might follow in Los Angeles, Brisbane and the Games of the future? Podcaster, academic, historian and author David Runciman returns to Inside Briefing for a fascinating tour through the ever-changing relationship between sport and the Olympics that has defined over a century of successful (and not so successful) Games. Hannah White presents with Jill Rutter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do new prime ministers change the machinery of government to help deliver their priorities? John and Rachel are joined by former civil servant Jill Rutter to discuss government transitions and what Keir Starmer has changed since taking the reins of the British state.Guest: Jill Rutter, senior fellow at the Institute for Government and former civil servantHosts: John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about trendy@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is anxiety in parts of Starmer's circle about Sue Gray appointing jobs in a Starmer-led Downing Street. When she's in No.10 she'll ‘be in her natural territory and running rings around everyone', a former colleague told Katy Balls in her profile of 'the Gray lady' for The Spectator this week. How is Sue Gray shaking things up as Keir Starmer's chief of staff?  Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Jill Rutter, former senior civil servant.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson.