Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government

Procurement is central to the operation of modern government but, following a series of high-profile scandals, is often controversial. Much of the criticism has focused on the role of the biggest suppliers, some of whom have become household names for the wrong reasons. But who are these big suppliers and how dependent is the government on them?This special episode of Inside Briefing will tell you everything you need to know about how much the government actually spends with big suppliers, the kind of services these companies provide, how well do they perform compared to other suppliers, and how effective the government is at holding them to account.With IfG programme director Nick Davies, former Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, Capita Public Service CEO Richard Holroyd, the TUC’s Director of Organising Public Services and Skills Sian Elliott, and Gus Tugendhat, Founder of Tussell.This podcast episode is kindly supported by Tussell. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Donald Trump pauses his trade war (well, except in the case of China) the podcast team are joined by economist and author Duncan Weldon to make sense of the president’s wild economic rollercoaster ride – and the uncomfortable choices it means for Keir Starmer.The PM and his team have some levers to pull, and this week they eached for a familiar one labelled ‘Quango Bonfire’. So what has been announced, and will it work? Plus: What does the government want to do about immigration? A white paper is on the way. But an IfG paper is out now. 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

Spring has nearly sprung, but the fiscal forecasts made for a rather gloomy spring statement for Rachel Reeves. Stewart Wood, a Labour peer and former adviser to Gordon Brown, joins the podcast team to assess the state of the economy - and Reeves’s attempts to turn it around. How much will welfare cuts upset Labour backbenchers? What could Donald Trump's tariffs mean for Reeves's plans? And just how difficult are the choices awaiting the chancellor as the spending review approaches?Plus: New IfG research focuses on left behind groups - and sets out some of the tensions in how the government is approaching one of its missions and milestones.Presented by Alex Thomas.With Jill Rutter, Gemma Tetlow and Sophie Metcalfe.Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Rachel Reeves just days away from setting out her spring statement to parliament, chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP drops into the podcast studio to discuss the Treasury’s new plans for watching the pennies.So what could the chancellor do? What shouldn’t the chancellor do? The podcast team weigh up her options - and analyse the government’s controversial welfare reforms.Plus: IfG senior fellow and public policy expert Nick Timmins gives his expert take on the big decision to abolish NHS England.Presented by Emma Norris.With Cath Haddon and Tom Pope.Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK, discusses his bold plans to reform the civil service and abolish NHS England. He argues for a cultural shift in public service, empowering leaders and front-line staff to drive change. Alex Thomas, a civil service expert, offers insights on the urgent need for accountability and improved performance management. Gus O’Donnell, a former Cabinet Secretary, shares his perspective on navigating bureaucracy and emphasizes the importance of genuine reform over mere structural changes in government.

So much has happened since that explosive – and unsettling – White House press conference bust-up between Donald Trump and Vlodymer Zelensky, but does Keir Starmer have a workable plan for peace? UKICE’s Anand Menon joins the podcast team to reflect on another extraordinary week of UK/US/EU relations. Despite the focus on international affairs, the government also needs to deal with tough spending choices with not a lot of money to spend. After the aid budget, what could be next to face some cuts? PLUS: What is going wrong with prisons in England and Wales? A new IfG reports reveals some stark data – and sets out how to turn performance around. Hannah White presents.With Jill Rutter and Anand MenonProduced by Candice McKenzie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer has completed his first visit to the White House – and delivered a letter from King Charles to Donald Trump. So just how special is the special relationship looking this weekend? Defence expert Karin von Hippel, formerly of RUSI, joins the podcast team to look back on a huge week for international relations. Does the PM’s plan to boost defence spending by cutting the international aid budget add up. We’ll look at the sums - and weigh up the consequences of this trade-off. PLUS: The boss of the NHS is on the way out and local government finances are under massive pressure. Presented by Hannah White.With Alex Thomas and Stuart Hoddinott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Ricketts, former UK national security advisor, dives into the intriguing dynamics of the UK's position amidst Donald Trump's recent comments on global issues, particularly Ukraine. He discusses the shifting nature of UK-US relations, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining strong alliances under Trump's unpredictable leadership. The conversation touches on Keir Starmer's potential diplomatic role and the UK's ambitious defense policy overhaul, all while balancing the complexities of international security with a dash of political reflections from notable figures.

The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, to discuss his priorities for reforming UK defence. With war in Europe, instability in the Middle East and a new US administration, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has taken centre stage during the Labour government’s first six months in power. But with increasing threats, how will the MOD ensure it stays ahead of the UK’s adversaries and deliver maximum value for taxpayers? How will it contribute to the government’s missions, particularly economic growth? Healey opened the event with brief remarks on his defence reform programme, after which he was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government, before taking questions from the audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices