Legal

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

Victorious “Leave” campaigner – and chair of Parliament's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee – tells CSW that there should be a new trade directorate and a rebranding of the entire Business department to reflect the nation's departure from the EU