As MPs head back to their constituencies for the summer, the Political Fix panel reflects on the year in opposition for Kemi Badenoch and her Conservative party. Host George Parker is joined by Robert Shrimsley to discuss their exclusive interview with the party leader, along with Anna Gross and Jim Pickard to talk Reform, the right-wing agenda, and the rhetoric that some fear could stoke a repeat of last summer's riots.

* The figure referenced regarding £45bn cost of net zero comes from the IFG (Institute for Government) not the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies), and the website for the new party founded by Jeremy Corbyn is yourparty.uk.

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Anna @AnnaSophieGross

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:   

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says she is Britain’s Javier Milei 

Jeremy Corbyn sets up ‘Your Party’ to attract leftwing voters from Labour

Starmer, Farage and the fight to own fairness

Nigel Farage pledges to deport serious offenders

Pressure grows to shut Blackpool asylum hotel over safety concerns

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the gravest security lapses in UK history came to light this week after a judge lifted a superinjunction on a catastrophic data leak that could have affected 100,000 Afghans, as well as British spies and special forces members. Political Fix’s Lucy Fisher, one of the journalists who broke the story, returns to the show to talk with host George Parker about how the FT uncovered the secret scheme, the superinjunction that was imposed on her, and the political fallout from the exposé. And the FT’s Jim Pickard and Ashley Armstrong join to discuss the reaction to Rachel Reeves’ Mansion House speech, as well as Keir Starmer’s suspension of more MPs. 

Follow George Parker on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Lucy Fisher @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social; Ashley Armstrong @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social 

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:   

UK set up secret Afghan immigration scheme after data leak and gagged media 

The British state's battle to contain the fallout from catastrophic Afghan data leak

‘What reforms?’ City leaders underwhelmed by Rachel Reeves’ financial strategy 

Keir Starmer suspends four rebel Labour MPs

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmanuel Macron made his state visit to the UK this week – the first EU leader to do so since Brexit. It heralded a reset between France and Britain, dubbed the ‘entente amicale’ by King Charles. Macron and Starmer announced a joint crackdown on migration with a ‘one-in one-out policy’ for asylum seekers and closer cooperation on defence. But it wasn't all hard talk, with much of the limelight focused on a soft-power push: the announcement that the Bayeux Tapestry will be returning to the UK for the first time in more than 900 years. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Anna Gross and the FT’s Europe editor Ben Hall to discuss what this ‘entente amicable’ might mean for the UK.

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Anna @annasophiegross.bsky.social  

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:   

Britain, France and the necessary relationship 

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announce migrant returns deal

How the British Museum secured chance to host Bayeux Tapestry after 900 years  

Small boat crossings to UK soar in first half of year 

Inside Politics: Jake Berry’s defection signals Tory party is in deep trouble 

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks a year of Keir Starmer’s government. But if Labour was expecting to celebrate the anniversary – it didn't pan out that way. Despite claiming a narrow victory with the contentious welfare bill, the government appeared to have one of its roughest weeks on record. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss how Labour got here, and where it can go next. To mark the occasion, they are also joined by a cut-price supermarket cake.  

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb 

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:   

How Keir Starmer fumbled his first year in power

Why Starmer and Reeves got this one wrong

Robert’s column: Crying for a lost Labour government

Which UK taxes are expected to rise in the autumn budget? 

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer faced a huge rebellion from within his own party this week after scores of MPs opposed changes to make it tougher to collect some disability benefits. This episode — recorded just before the prime minister’s concessions on welfare reform — unpacks why the rebellion took place, what it says about Starmer’s leadership and where next for Labour. Host Miranda Green is joined by Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard — check out their recent articles below for fresh analysis on the government climbdown. 

Plus, FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman on Starmer’s performance at the Nato summit and the impact on the UK of global uncertainty.  

Follow Miranda on Bluesky: @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen on Bluesky or X @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:    

How Starmer averted ‘civil war’ with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts 

Welfare U-turn permanently alters Labour’s playbook

Morgan McSweeney: Labour’s election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion looms

A defeat Keir Starmer cannot afford

The latest episode of The Rachman Review: ‘Too soon to celebrate peace between Israel and Iran?’  

To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering readers' questions on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Jean-Marc Ek. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will he? Won’t he? President Donald Trump has given little indication as to whether America will join in the conflict between Israel and Iran. So where does this leave the UK and its assets in the region? How does the prime minister play his hand with the president, and what does that mean for his relationship with his own party, especially given Labour's track record? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Middle East editor Andrew England, alongside regular guests Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green, to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's options.

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:   

Starmer puts UK cabinet on alert for potential US attack on Iran

The implosion of Iran’s ‘no peace, no war’ strategy 

Europe set for Iran talks as Trump signals 2-week window to decide on attack

Trump says he ‘may or may not’ strike Iran

To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering reader questions about what's coming next on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s long-awaited spending review dropped this week. Rachel Reeves unveiled funding settlements for government departments – and a newly upbeat tone after the gloomy promise of hard times in her previous Commons set pieces. The NHS and defence were prioritised but other departments and services face a squeeze. Are dividing lines now clear as Labour fights for a second term in power? Why did even the experts call Reeves’ speech “baffling”? Will voters notice any benefit – and in time for an electoral dividend? Host Miranda Green is joined by regular panellists Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard, as well as the FT’s economics commentator Chris Giles, to discuss. 

Follow Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Chris @chrisgiles.ft.com‬, @ChrisGiles_

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:    

Rachel Reeves will be forced to raise taxes in autumn, economists predict 

Only a crisis will wean the west off debt 

England’s social housing funds ‘less generous’ than £39bn settlement suggests

UK suffers worst monthly contraction since 2023

Labour has made its big play. Are you not convinced? 

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. And here’s Chris Giles’ latest newsletter. 

Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has had an action-packed week. She made a U-turn on winter fuel payments, announced plans to spend billions of pounds on new transport schemes and, following the prime minister’s latest announcement, she now has to find yet more money to fund a rise in defence spending. So where does this leave the chancellor ahead of the spending review next Wednesday? And who will be the winners and losers? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley, Sam Fleming and Jennifer Williams to discuss. 

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Sam Fleming @Sam1Fleming, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft, @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social 

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links:   

‘Accept it or you have to walk’: Labour’s UK spending review battles enter final stage  

Rachel Reeves to back Manchester-Liverpool rail link in transport spending boost 

Reeves can no longer outrun Labour’s early choices   

Rachel Reeves vows to reinstate some winter fuel payments this year 

Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf resigns from party 

Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer is Rod Fitzgerald. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 

Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discuss the economic events reshaping the world in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s election. 

Subscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Episodes will also be available on the FT’s YouTube channel.

If you’d like to get in touch and ask Martin and Paul a question, please email [email protected] 

Read Martin’s FT column here

Subscribe to Paul’s substack here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform party leader Nigel Farage clashed on economic issues this week. Farage said his party was the champion of the working class, while Starmer warned Farage’s proposed spending rises amounted to “fantasy promises”. Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush, Chris Giles and Anna Gross to discuss Reform’s fiscal plans. Plus, Labour’s chancellor Rachel Reeves has plenty of fiscal problems of her own. The panel discusses whether or not her economic arithmetic is adding up. 

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Chris @chrisgiles.ft.com‬, @ChrisGiles_; Anna @annasophiegross.bsky.social‬, @AnnaSophieGross

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at [email protected]  

Want more? Free links: 

Do Reform UK’s tax and spending plans add up?

British politics is choice between Labour and Reform, says Starmer

Will Rachel Reeves bend her fiscal rules to help balance the books?

IMF gives Rachel Reeves political cover to ‘refine’ UK fiscal rules

Clips from ITV News on YouTube; Reform UK on YouTube

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of best newsletter at the Future of Media Awards, 2023 and 2024

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Ethan Plotkin. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.