‘Brexit means Brexit’ – but is Whitehall up to the challenge?

Brexit presents the UK civil service with its greatest challenge since the end of the second world war. It must start preparations for withdrawal from the EU whilst simultaneously undergoing a major restructuring. The creation of new ministries, especially the Department for Exiting the European Union, is intended to better equip it to deliver on the promise that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ by enabling clear political leadership and control, as well as policy clarity. Nonetheless, such change entails significant risks in terms of strategy, process and resource allocation and management. If a ‘good Brexit’ is to be achieved, Nick Wright argues these challenges must be addressed before the UK triggers Article 50.