Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says we “can’t be deaf and blind” to rising coronavirus cases abroad, insisting progress made by the UK’s vaccination programme can’t be put at risk. He says it’s vital the Government monitors the situation, and he responds to fears the spread of Covid-19 in Europe could put plans to holiday overseas this summer on hold.Concerns around restrictions at home are also gathering momentum, as a growing Conservative rebellion fights to prevent extending the emergency coronavirus laws until October.

Holding out for a holiday? | Ben Wallace & Steve Baker

Sky News’ Sophy Ridge with her agenda-setting political interviews - and analysis of what the guests have had to say.Every week, Sophy speaks to the biggest names in politics and then invites correspondents and commentators into her studio to debrief on the main stories.

News

Politics

Government

News Commentary

Today, something different – we're bringing you the trailer of an exciting new podcast from Sky called Electoral Dysfunction.Beth Rigby. Jess Philips. Ruth Davidson. With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election. With so much at stake, they will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.Here's the trailer. For more, follow Electoral Dysfunction now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Introducing… Electoral Dysfunction

It's Sophy Ridge's final time presenting Sophy Ridge on Sunday, but she doesn't go quietly. On this week's episode she interviews former Prime Minister Tony Blair and business secretary Kemi Badenoch who is in New Zealand negotiating Britain's biggest trade deal since Brexit. Plus, in the studio is programme editor Scott Beasley, political correspondent Sam Coates, as well as Sophy's successor, Trevor Phillips.They discuss the political interviews this week, the highlights of Sophy's interviews during the past six years, the impact of the podcast, and what is to come in Trevor's new show in September.

Sophy hands over Sunday baton | Tony Blair & Kemi Badenoch

She could be the most powerful woman in Britain if the election goes her way. Joining Sophy on the podcast is the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, who explains more about her vision for Britain, and why she’s not a big fan of Just Stop Oil.For the Government, financial secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, defends the Prime Minister’s aim of halving inflation, and answers Sophy’s questions about a mural for child asylum seekers that was painted over by the Home Office because it was deemed too welcoming.Joined by Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates, and show editor Scott Beasley, Sophy analyses those interviews and sets up the upcoming week in politics.Producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Paul Stanworth

Yes to trees, not tree-huggers | Rachel Reeves and Victoria Atkins

Host Sophy Ridge interviews Health Secretary Steve Barclay, who has criticised junior doctors, accusing them of "walking away" from talks over pay and conditions. For teachers, Labour's shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson tells Sophy that giving teachers a pay rise is a "complicated issue". Joined by Claire Ellicott, deputy political editor of the Mail On Sunday, and show editor Scott Beasley, Sophy analyses those interviews and sets us up for the upcoming week in politics. Producer: Soila Apparicio

NHS strikes and the 'complicated' issue of teacher pay rises | Steve Barclay and Bridget Phillipson

With the Bank of England trying to bring down inflation, interest is now at 5%, its highest rate since April 2008.The Government is now urging people to "hold their nerve", as Rishi Sunak put it. But Britian may be headed for another Summer of Discontent, with one Treasury minister unable to commit to a public sector pay rise live on Sky News. On this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear Trevor Phillips' interviews with the Conservatives' John Glenn, Labour's shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy, and the First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf.Plus, analysis from Trevor, the communications advisor Laura-Emily Dunn, and the show's editor, Scott Beasley.You can watch Trevor's new documentary, Windrush and Us, here.Producer - David ChipakupakuEditor - Dave Terris

Holding out for a holiday? | Ben Wallace & Steve Baker

Download our free app to listen on your phone