David Aaronovitch and guests take a deep dive into the Windsor Framework. The original protocol was deemed unworkable but does this new deal solve Northern Ireland's trading arrangements?Guests: Peter Foster, FT’s public policy editor & editor of the newsletter “Britain After Brexit” Anand Menon, director at UK in a Changing Europe Sam McBride, Northern Ireland Editor of the Belfast Telegraph & Sunday Independent Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute For Government Produced by: Kirsteen Knight, Daniel Gordon and Ben Carter Edited by: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

In this insightful discussion, James Heale, a contributor from the Institute for Government, and Jill Rutter, a former civil servant, dive into Labour's ambitious plans for the civil service. They unpack the innovative mission-driven governance model aimed at enhancing collaboration across departments. The duo highlights the challenges of interdepartmental cooperation and the vital role of leadership for successful execution. Additionally, they explore the power dynamics within the political advisory circles as Sue Gray prepares to navigate this new landscape.

Jill Rutter, a senior fellow at the Institute for Government and former civil servant, joins the hosts to unpack the political maneuvers of Keir Starmer's leadership. They discuss how new prime ministers shift government operations and examine Starmer's mission-led approach. The conversation highlights the ongoing complexities between civil servants and ministers, especially in the context of housing and criminal justice reforms. Rutter also shares insights into the Labour Party's public safety strategies and the challenges that lie ahead for the UK government.

Last week, the government unveiled around £30bn worth of cuts to public services as it attempts to plug a fiscal hole. Governments have attempted to rein in spending in the past and struggled to do so.Philip Coggan takes a look at why public spending tends to rise in the long run and the continuing political battle to contain it. Guests: David Gauke, former Conservative MP and Treasury minister from 2010 to 2017 Carys Roberts, Executive Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research Jagjit Chadha, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow of the Institute for GovernmentProducer: Ben Carter Production co-ordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: James Beard Editor: Clare Fordham

The Northern Ireland Protocol – agreed between the United Kingdom and the European Union in 2019 – has been a source of tension since it came into force at the start of 2021. The protocol, which creates a special trading arrangement for goods coming in and out of Northern Ireland (the only part of the UK with a land border with the EU), was supposed to protect the integrity of the EU single market, maintain the peace on the island of Ireland and provide Boris Johnson with a way to finally get Brexit done. But fast-forward to today and the protocol is as contentious as ever. Unionists in Northern Ireland say the protocol is undermining the region’s place within the UK. Brexiteers say it is hampering Britain’s ability to make trade deals with the rest of the world. And the Government has now proposed a bill to make unilateral changes to the protocol which they say will preserve the Good Friday Agreement, changes which EU leaders say they will resist with legal action. How do we make sense of this thorny issue? Should the protocol be kept intact to maintain trust between the UK and the EU, or should it be rewritten to preserve the UK’s political stability? Speakers:Jill Rutter - Senior research fellow of UK in a Changing EuropeClaire Hanna MP - SDLP Member of Parliament for South Belfast since 2019Darren McCaffrey - Political Editor and Breakfast Presenter at GB NewsModerator:Emma Vardy- BBC Ireland Correspondent covering both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices