Legal

Newly-released papers show how Number 10 kept the Foreign Office out of the loop over a US briefing on the controversial Strategic Defence Initiative

Newly-released papers show how officials set out to frustrate planned visit by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader

Inquiry into the leaked list of resignation honours will report "as soon as possible", says the Cabinet Office 

Downing Street moves to dampen speculation that Theresa May is considering a rethink on George Osborne's drive to give away powers in exchange for elected mayors

Assistant chief executive of Birmingham City Council tells CSW that central government needs to stop telling town halls to you need to earn your freedom

Former Labour minister Nick Raynsford, a key player in setting up the Greater London Authority, tells CSW that civil servants and ministers are still reluctant to let go of powers

Report on electoral fraud recommends giving Whitehall oversight for the performance management of councils' electoral services

Report commissioned by the Committee on Standards in Public Life says it should accept the lack of political consensus on the introduction of large-scale public funding and seek a “more limited package” of changes

“The civil service has to be free to make whatever preparations it considers necessary and it should not be constrained by instructions from the government," says Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee chairman Bernard Jenkin

Institute for Government warns of "time, cost and distraction that would inevitably come from creating an entirely new organisation"

Foreign secretary tells MPs that government wanted to avoid making "an unwarranted intervention in the course of the campaign" over Britain's place in the European Union

The Grimstone overhaul of the Commissioner for Public Appointments "risks a loss of public confidence and trust" in the way key quango jobs are filled, warn MPs on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee

Former civil servant's report into 2003 Iraq war finds that key departments involved in planning for the aftermath of the US-led invasion failed to share vital advice – with cabinet frequently sidelined

Oliver Letwin tells Foreign Affairs committee that the Brexit unit has no budgetary constraints so far, though it currently only exists in “virtual” form

Former civil servant's report into 2003 Iraq war to make the case for "really careful challenge, analysis and assessment"

Home Office permanent secretary Mark Sedwill is under pressure to take action and deliver better returns on the use of confiscation orders

 Law firm Mishcon de Reya says it would be unlawful for a prime minister to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without a full debate and vote in parliament.

Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee says response to Britain's vote to quit the EU is "a very important moment for the civil service" — and says he wants to defeat critics waiting for Whitehall to fudge its handling of Brexit

Communities and Local Government permanent secretary tells CSW departments must not “hunker down” as new team seeks brightest and best civil servants to lead work on UK’s exit from the European Union

National Audit Office review of government’s bid to cut regulation cost highlights need for better understanding of social impact, and more evaluation of regulatory decisions once implemented

Information Commissioner says “public interest” in naming representatives from US healthcare firms overrides Freedom of Information exemption

Local Government Association says Brexit talks should not simply return legislative responsibilites straight to Westminster

Prime minister says civil servants are "impartial" and "hard-working" after criticism from Ukip

Role of the civil service is to "make sure that we prepare for an incoming prime minister to take decisions", Number 10 says – as constitutional experts flag up a lack of contingency planning for a Brexit vote