Checkmate DC’s bold London move
Tristan Breijer is the new London head of Checkmate Government Relations. The move into London gives the US lobby firm its first European base, bringing its global power-broking
History risks repeating itself in Ireland
Peter Foreshaw Brookes | 21st July 2025 | Comment, Politics
Northern Ireland faces legal confusion over UK and EU tobacco laws. A UK generational smoking ban and proposed EU excise hikes risk encouraging smuggling through the region. Critics warn of serious consequences, including illicit trade and organised crime, if legislators in London and Brussels fail to address the legal contradictions.
Subscribe to The Mace
Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.
To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.
Gradually and suddenly: how VAT is slowly killing off traditional private education
Latest Dept of Education figures reveal over 40,000 independent school pupils dropping out since Labour's VAT raid. But, The Mace argues, surging fees, an arms race for facilities
What the Mandelson files reveal about Global Counsel
Lord Peter Mandelson has found himself in the headlines again, as the 'Mandelson Files' reveal the true extent of his involvement in the Labour Party.
Do outsiders in government really work?
As politicians call for more external appointments in Whitehall, Professor Nada Kakabadse argues that the real challenge lies not in recruitment, but governance.
Wigan Man will decide the next Prime Minister
Andy Burnham may struggle to win the Makerfield by-election if ‘Wigan Man’ emerges as the new median voter whom parties must attract to win the next election, says
Brussels Diary by Konstantinos Bogdanos: ‘The local bistros are half-empty as the Belgian middle class finds even a weekend meal an unaffordable luxury”
Konstantinos Bogdanos, our regular Brussels Diarist, on how the bills for Europe’s political class are finally coming due in a city where the Belgian middle-class can't afford to
Time’s up on late payments: How large companies are harming UK’s smaller businesses
Graeme Donnelly, CEO and founder of 1st Formations, explains why the King’s Speech’s proposed crackdown on late payments will help the SME economy.
The Strategist: Dominic Raab, former deputy prime minister joins Kreab London as senior adviser
The former deputy prime minister and foreign secretary will be advising Kreab global clients on defence and intelligence-related issues, as well as international geopolitics and Westminster issues.
The Downing Street revolving door undermines democracy and weakens policymaking
With the battle for Labour's leadership far from over, Lucy Carrier-Pilkington analyses what a change in leader could mean for policymaking.
The Stress Test executive boards should not ignore
The companies that will emerge with their reputation intact will be those that treat brand coherence as a governance discipline.
