Jack Pannell
@jackpannell.bsky.social
Senior Researcher at the British Foreign Policy Group.
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Another big day in foreign policy. What to expect/look out for:
1. Iran - a slight de-escalation this morning after an intense night. Trump wants any US strike to take out the regime. That is difficult given US military build up in the Caribbean due to their attacks on Venezuela.
1. Iran - a slight de-escalation this morning after an intense night. Trump wants any US strike to take out the regime. That is difficult given US military build up in the Caribbean due to their attacks on Venezuela.
January 15, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Another big day in foreign policy. What to expect/look out for:
1. Iran - a slight de-escalation this morning after an intense night. Trump wants any US strike to take out the regime. That is difficult given US military build up in the Caribbean due to their attacks on Venezuela.
1. Iran - a slight de-escalation this morning after an intense night. Trump wants any US strike to take out the regime. That is difficult given US military build up in the Caribbean due to their attacks on Venezuela.
Excited to share my first joint blog post at the British Foreign Policy Group with @evieaspinall.bsky.social. We reflect on the attack on Venezuela over the weekend and what it might men for the future of the rules based order.
Sovereignty, moral high grounds and the future of the world order - British Foreign Policy Group
As President Trump attacks Venezuela and leaves key UN institutions, BFPG explores what it means for future global norms and security.
bfpg.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Excited to share my first joint blog post at the British Foreign Policy Group with @evieaspinall.bsky.social. We reflect on the attack on Venezuela over the weekend and what it might men for the future of the rules based order.
Reposted by Jack Pannell
PODCAST 🎙️ Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect, and a House of Lords battle renewed
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social is in the studio with @akashpaun.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social
Listen to the Inside Briefing 🎧 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social is in the studio with @akashpaun.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social
Listen to the Inside Briefing 🎧 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect, and a House of Lords battle renewed | Institute for Government
The IfG's experts are in the studio to discuss the delay to the 2026 mayoral elections, and the government's plans to instal more peers in the Lords.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 12:43 PM
PODCAST 🎙️ Four mayors delayed, three ministers reflect, and a House of Lords battle renewed
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social is in the studio with @akashpaun.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social
Listen to the Inside Briefing 🎧 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social is in the studio with @akashpaun.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social @jackpannell.bsky.social
Listen to the Inside Briefing 🎧 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Last week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers.
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
December 15, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Last week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers.
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
One of the best thing we do at IfG (in my unbiased opinion) is the Ministers Reflect archive. Megan has summarised our three most recent interviews here, but cannot reccomend enough going down the rabbit-hole of Ministers Reflect interviews as some pre-xmas procrastination.
Excited to publish our latest batch of Ministers Reflect interviews! We spoke with former health secretary and chancellor Sajid Javid, former Wales secretary and chief whip Simon Hart, and former Defra secretary Theresa Villiers.
Some highlights…
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
Some highlights…
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
Ministers Reflect | Institute for Government
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
One of the best thing we do at IfG (in my unbiased opinion) is the Ministers Reflect archive. Megan has summarised our three most recent interviews here, but cannot reccomend enough going down the rabbit-hole of Ministers Reflect interviews as some pre-xmas procrastination.
Reposted by Jack Pannell
1/ Last month, the government released a new list of its parliamentary private secretaries and cabinet committees following September’s reshuffle.
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
December 2, 2025 at 5:17 PM
1/ Last month, the government released a new list of its parliamentary private secretaries and cabinet committees following September’s reshuffle.
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
Reposted by Jack Pannell
This afternoon my colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk will be discussing the second covid inquiry report. Join us online at lunchtime & bring your questions - see you there!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
The Covid Inquiry: What does Module II say about government decision making and political governance? | Institute for Government
Join our IfG experts webinar to unpack the Covid Inquiry's findings and explore their implications for future governance.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
This afternoon my colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk will be discussing the second covid inquiry report. Join us online at lunchtime & bring your questions - see you there!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/covid-...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Worth noting here as well that- unlike in the Commons, where the Speaker selects which amendments are debated- in the Lords, any peer can insist on having their amendment debated and voted on (although there aren't *usually* lots of amendments pushed to a vote)
NEW: 942 amendments have been laid down in the House of Lords ahead of the Assisted Dying Bill's committee stage in the chamber, which starts tomorrow.
This is believed to be a record for a bill at committee stage. It's going to be an intense debate.
This is believed to be a record for a bill at committee stage. It's going to be an intense debate.
November 13, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Worth noting here as well that- unlike in the Commons, where the Speaker selects which amendments are debated- in the Lords, any peer can insist on having their amendment debated and voted on (although there aren't *usually* lots of amendments pushed to a vote)
Reposted by Jack Pannell
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The government must explain and defend its grooming gang inquiry decisions | Institute for Government
Some disagreement when setting up an inquiry isn’t necessarily bad – but how it is handled matters.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
The new Ethics and Integrity Commission has launched today, with a shiny new website (outside the gov. uk brand!)
We spoke to its chair, Doug Chalmers, earlier in the year about the new body and its work...
eic.independent-commission.uk
We spoke to its chair, Doug Chalmers, earlier in the year about the new body and its work...
eic.independent-commission.uk
October 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The new Ethics and Integrity Commission has launched today, with a shiny new website (outside the gov. uk brand!)
We spoke to its chair, Doug Chalmers, earlier in the year about the new body and its work...
eic.independent-commission.uk
We spoke to its chair, Doug Chalmers, earlier in the year about the new body and its work...
eic.independent-commission.uk
Reposted by Jack Pannell
1/ If you've been itching to know how the size of the civil service has changed... we at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have you covered.
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
Civil service staff numbers | Institute for Government
Who exactly are civil servants and how many are there?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
1/ If you've been itching to know how the size of the civil service has changed... we at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have you covered.
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Trump's decaf decertification ends months of anxiety in #Colombia — where soaring #cocaine production has stoked fears of sweeping #U.S. sanctions — but deals a symbolic blow to a country that has historically been one of #Washington's closest allies in the region.
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
For first time in decades, U.S. says Colombia is falling short in drug war
For the first time in decades, the U.S. has decertified Colombia as a drug control partner — a symbolic blow to one of Washington's closest allies in Latin America.
www.npr.org
September 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Trump's decaf decertification ends months of anxiety in #Colombia — where soaring #cocaine production has stoked fears of sweeping #U.S. sanctions — but deals a symbolic blow to a country that has historically been one of #Washington's closest allies in the region.
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/16/n...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Huge new numbers of MPs have been appointed as parliamentary private secretaries in the reshuffle. The government needs to use them well to rebuild links with its MPs, rather than just as a way to buy some of them off
Although PPSs play an important part in maintaining links between ministers and the wider parliamentary party, expanding the payroll vote is no substitute for good party management, says @timdurrant.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/expa...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/expa...
Expanding the payroll vote is no substitute for good party management | Institute for Government
Keir Starmer's government has the joint highest number of PPSs.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Huge new numbers of MPs have been appointed as parliamentary private secretaries in the reshuffle. The government needs to use them well to rebuild links with its MPs, rather than just as a way to buy some of them off
Labour has announced their new PPSs, not part of government, but expected to vote with the party. Just one of the 52 signed the reasoned amendment to the welfare bill.
So no ministers and just one PPS from those that rebelled. Indicates a clear approach to MP dissidence from the leadership.
So no ministers and just one PPS from those that rebelled. Indicates a clear approach to MP dissidence from the leadership.
September 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Labour has announced their new PPSs, not part of government, but expected to vote with the party. Just one of the 52 signed the reasoned amendment to the welfare bill.
So no ministers and just one PPS from those that rebelled. Indicates a clear approach to MP dissidence from the leadership.
So no ministers and just one PPS from those that rebelled. Indicates a clear approach to MP dissidence from the leadership.
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Here's the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk 'seven things we learned from Keir Starmer's reshuffle' from @jackpannell.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social and I with data from @philipnye.bsky.social & our now updated Ministers Database
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/seve...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/seve...
Seven things we learned from Keir Starmer’s first reshuffle | Institute for Government
What does the prime minster’s first major reshuffle tell us about his new-look government?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 11, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Here's the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk 'seven things we learned from Keir Starmer's reshuffle' from @jackpannell.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social and I with data from @philipnye.bsky.social & our now updated Ministers Database
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/seve...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/seve...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Angela Rayner's resignation on Friday means that a contest to replace her as deputy leader of the Labour Party has started.
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Angela Rayner has stepped down as deputy leader of the Labour Party.
So who is in the running to replace her? How will the process work? And when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be?
Read our new explainer from @meganbryer.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
So who is in the running to replace her? How will the process work? And when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be?
Read our new explainer from @meganbryer.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
The 2025 Labour Party deputy leader contest | Institute for Government
Angela Rayner has stepped down as deputy leader of the Labour Party. Who is in the running to replace her and how will the process work?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Angela Rayner's resignation on Friday means that a contest to replace her as deputy leader of the Labour Party has started.
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Read my first explainer at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk to find out how the process will work, who is running, and when will we find out who Rayner's successor will be!
Reposted by Jack Pannell
I reported earlier this year that Labour peers were calling for new limits on debates following an increase in the number of votes taking place in the early hours
This doesn't seem to have changed - Ben Riley-Smith highlights a 3:47am finish this morning
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
This doesn't seem to have changed - Ben Riley-Smith highlights a 3:47am finish this morning
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Labour Peers Want New Rules For Lords Debates After A Rise In Midnight Sittings
Labour peers are calling for new limits on House of Lords debates after what they describe as an increase in the number of votes taking place in th...
www.politicshome.com
September 10, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I reported earlier this year that Labour peers were calling for new limits on debates following an increase in the number of votes taking place in the early hours
This doesn't seem to have changed - Ben Riley-Smith highlights a 3:47am finish this morning
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
This doesn't seem to have changed - Ben Riley-Smith highlights a 3:47am finish this morning
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
With nominations for deputy leader closing tomorrow, @meganbryer.bsky.social has you covered for how the Deputy leadership election will run, who is in the running, and when we can expect Rayner's successor to take up their post.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
The 2025 Labour Party deputy leader contest | Institute for Government
Angela Rayner has stepped down as deputy leader of the Labour Party. Who is in the running to replace her and how will the process work?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
With nominations for deputy leader closing tomorrow, @meganbryer.bsky.social has you covered for how the Deputy leadership election will run, who is in the running, and when we can expect Rayner's successor to take up their post.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/20...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Over on @instituteforgovernment.org.uk live blog we're posting our 'cabinet flashcards' - key info on who's who in Starmer's reshuffled cabinet.
Helping you prepare for - presumably - the hottest round at every pub quiz this week (if your local one hasn't been cancelled due to tube strikes...)
Helping you prepare for - presumably - the hottest round at every pub quiz this week (if your local one hasn't been cancelled due to tube strikes...)
September 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Over on @instituteforgovernment.org.uk live blog we're posting our 'cabinet flashcards' - key info on who's who in Starmer's reshuffled cabinet.
Helping you prepare for - presumably - the hottest round at every pub quiz this week (if your local one hasn't been cancelled due to tube strikes...)
Helping you prepare for - presumably - the hottest round at every pub quiz this week (if your local one hasn't been cancelled due to tube strikes...)
As the second reshuffle of the week kicks off, we have launched our liveblog. We will be covering all the ins and outs as well as top analysis from our IfG experts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
Starmer government reshuffle: PM changes top team after Rayner's exit | Institute for Government
The IfG team analyse the moves as Keir Starmer reshapes his Cabinet.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 5, 2025 at 2:46 PM
As the second reshuffle of the week kicks off, we have launched our liveblog. We will be covering all the ins and outs as well as top analysis from our IfG experts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Posting this again because now I’ve had chance to look at it in detail - Starmer is *well* ahead of other recent PMs when it comes to resignations at this point in their tenure.
Not all because of scandal (though several are) - also higher pressure and expectations on ministers generally?
Not all because of scandal (though several are) - also higher pressure and expectations on ministers generally?
With Rayner stepping down we have hit 10 minister's who have oficially resigned from this government. Make sure you are following @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social meganbryer.bsky.social for what Starmer will do next with his minsiterial team.
September 5, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Posting this again because now I’ve had chance to look at it in detail - Starmer is *well* ahead of other recent PMs when it comes to resignations at this point in their tenure.
Not all because of scandal (though several are) - also higher pressure and expectations on ministers generally?
Not all because of scandal (though several are) - also higher pressure and expectations on ministers generally?
Reposted by Jack Pannell
Reshuffle has started
Lucy Powell out as Leader of the Commons
Ian Murray out as Scottish Secretary
Lucy Powell out as Leader of the Commons
Ian Murray out as Scottish Secretary
September 5, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Reshuffle has started
Lucy Powell out as Leader of the Commons
Ian Murray out as Scottish Secretary
Lucy Powell out as Leader of the Commons
Ian Murray out as Scottish Secretary
Reposted by Jack Pannell
While all eyes have been on Angela Rayner's big announcement, she was not the only minister to go - reports are that Poppy Gustafsson has resigned as UK investment minister meaning 11 ministers have officially resigned (and 1 has been sacked) from the government since the GE
September 5, 2025 at 1:14 PM
While all eyes have been on Angela Rayner's big announcement, she was not the only minister to go - reports are that Poppy Gustafsson has resigned as UK investment minister meaning 11 ministers have officially resigned (and 1 has been sacked) from the government since the GE
With Rayner stepping down we have hit 10 minister's who have oficially resigned from this government. Make sure you are following @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social meganbryer.bsky.social for what Starmer will do next with his minsiterial team.
September 5, 2025 at 11:44 AM
With Rayner stepping down we have hit 10 minister's who have oficially resigned from this government. Make sure you are following @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social @timdurrant.bsky.social @rebeccamckee.bsky.social meganbryer.bsky.social for what Starmer will do next with his minsiterial team.