Keir Starmer’s controversial reference to an “Island of strangers” as part of his immigration overhaul has sparked a furore, and inspired a comparison to his previous stance on migration. Ed Balls thinks while there’s no doubt it will cause some consternation, it will be a price worth paying. George Osborne, meanwhile, is getting Tory vibes … it all sounds a bit like it could’ve come from a Conservative government to him. 

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is on a glitzy tour of the Middle East, shaking off any suggestion the gift of a plane from Qatar might be running afoul of a little thing called the US constitutional emoluments clause. What’s the foreign policy impact of this trip? 

And speaking of the president, the pair consider Trump’s tariff on film production outside the US. It’s a bid to restore the American film industry to its former glory, but at what cost? And what kind of fallout will there be in the UK’s industry?

Plus, some exciting news from us! We’re doing our first Political Currency live show - we’ll be taking to the stage on Thursday 5th June 2025 at SXSW London. Want a chance to grab a FREE ticket and a pass to the WHOLE six day business conference, worth £600?! Sign up to be a Kitchen Cabinet member to hear how you can get your hands on a ticket! 

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Producer: Miriam Hall

Senior Producer: Silvia Maresca

Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford

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