Political Fix

Ahead of England’s local elections next week, the Political Fix team pick the races to watch and what’s at stake for the main parties, as voters head to the polls to elect 1,600-odd councillors, six mayors and one new MP. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by podcast regulars Miranda Green and Anna Gross, plus the FT’s Northern correspondent Jennifer Williams, to ask whether Reform UK will live up to high expectations, and just how far both Labour and the Tories could fall. They also examine Sir Keir Starmer’s pivot to patriotism and projection of a nostalgic vision of England, as he attempts to see off the threat from Nigel Farage. 

Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social @AnnaSophieGross, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, and Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social

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What to watch in the 2025 local elections 

Starmer plays up patriotic credentials as local elections loom 

Reform UK heads offshore to raise funds from world’s wealthy  

Unite divided: British trade union grapples with twin scandals  

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 Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Georgina Quach. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The UK Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling this week about the legal definition of a woman in equality legislation. Judges ruled that a woman is someone who is born biologically female. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Anna Gross and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the political significance of this decision and the reaction of rival parties, as well as what it’s likely to mean in practice. Plus, FT industry correspondent Sylvia Pfeifer joins the panel to discuss the government’s seizing control of British Steel from its Chinese owner, and what that means for London-Beijing relations.

Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social, @AnnaSophieGross, Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Sylvia @sylviapfiefer @sylviapfiefer.bsky.social 

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Legal definition of a woman refers to ‘biological sex’, UK Supreme Court rules  

British Steel: how its Chinese owner’s plans unravelled  

British Steel’s Chinese owner says UK government must ‘respect’ its rights 

Reform UK targets Labour voters ahead of local elections 

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 Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner, with help this week from Fiona Symon. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The markets have gone haywire since Donald Trump’s announcement — and then pause— of a host of new US tariffs. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker and Miranda Green, plus FT markets columnist Katie Martin, to discuss the impact of this week’s turbulence and what it means for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the UK going forward. As parliament takes a break for Easter recess, the panel also discusses the political year so far.

Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; George @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social and Katie @katie0martin.ft.com 

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The hopeless search for Trump’s cunning plan 

Theresa May: ‘Keep calm and keep talking to Trump’

Scott Bessent, the Treasury secretary shaping Trump’s trade war

Government offers to buy British Steel as negotiations continue

What do young Britons really think?

Listen to Katie’s on the Unhedged podcast here, or by searching ‘Unhedged’ where you listen. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Fiona Symon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner, with help this week from Fiona Symon. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump has shaken up the global economy with his seismic new tariffs this week. UK exports to the US will now face a 10 per cent levy – less than many other countries, but still a major headache for Britain’s fragile economy. Host Lucy Fisher and FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Peter Foster examine the pain this could inflict at home, and what Sir Keir Starmer can – and should – do in response. Plus, ministers have unleashed a raft of policies aimed at longer-term growth, including the expansion of Luton airport. Are these headline-grabbing gimmicks or sensible tactics?

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social, Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Peter: @pmdfoster @pmdfoster.bsky.social 

Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. 

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Britain avoids worst of Trump’s tariffs, but risks remain for Stamer 

UK will refocus quangos to clear ‘way for progress’, says minister 

UK treasury confident Sizewell C nuclear power investors will soon be ‘teed up’ 

Can Cambridge be a model for kick-starting the British economy?

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

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Fiona Symon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Rachel Reeves was forced to slash spending to balance the books in her Spring Statement this week. Welfare spending will be cut more deeply than initially trailed, prompting warnings that 250,000 people — a fifth of them children — could be plunged into poverty. Economists also fear the chancellor will face further tough choices — more cuts or a fresh tax raid — in the autumn. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s George Parker and Stephen Bush, as well as economics commentator Chris Giles to discuss the winners and losers, and the main economic takeaways. The panel also examines the impact of Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war on Britain and the global economy. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb George Parker @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social, Chris Giles @chrisgiles.ft.com

Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. 

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From miserable to mediocre: the Reeves challenge continues 

Spring Statement did not stem the fiscal doom loop 

Reeves’ repair job avoids tax increases – for now 

Ministers play down likely rise in poverty from UK welfare cuts, says charity 

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

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

It’s crunch time for chancellor Rachel Reeves next Wednesday, when she will present her Spring Statement to parliament. Downgraded growth forecasts and deep spending cuts to unprotected departments loom. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regulars Miranda Green, Jim Pickard, and the FT’s economics editor Sam Fleming to debate whether Labour is ushering in a new era of austerity. Plus, FT Brussels bureau chief Henry Foy joins the panel to discuss Europe’s mounting security crisis and how it’s affecting the UK’s reset with the EU.

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social @PickardJE, Miranda Green @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Henry Foy @HenryJFoy, @henryjfoy.ft.com, Sam Fleming @Sam1Fleming

Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. 

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What will be in Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement? 

Starmer is zigging where Blair zagged

EU to exclude US, UK and Turkey from €150bn rearmament fund

Europe is only half awake from its long sleep 

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

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

“The world’s largest quango is scrapped” – that’s how the government framed the abolition of the NHS management body this week. It was the latest target in Sir Keir Starmer’s so-called ‘Project Chainsaw’, his plan to streamline the state. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Anna Gross to discuss the prime minister’s reforms and whether they will drive any improvement in public services. The team also discusses the Labour rebellion brewing over welfare cuts, plus the latest dramatic developments engulfing the Reform party.  

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb, Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social @AnnaSophieGross

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Starmer to abolish NHS England 

Starmer to target ‘cottage industry of blockers’ in overhaul of regulators

Sir Keir Starmer suffers cabinet uprising over UK spending cuts 

Musk expresses support for rival to Reform UK as feud in Farage’s party intensifies 

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

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com 

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

Sir Keir Starmer has won plaudits from across the political spectrum for his handling of the rapidly growing rift between the US, Europe and Ukraine – but can the UK prime minister sustain this diplomatic balancing act? George Parker hosts a discussion that brings together US defence and foreign affairs correspondent, Felicia Schwartz, and Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green.

Follow George on Bluesky or X: @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Robert @robertshrimsley.bskyb.social @robertshrimsley, Felicia Schwartz @felschwartz

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British politics has yet to catch up with Trump’s new order

Farage may have a Trump problem

JD Vance criticised after comments on UK-France peacekeeping plan

Sign up here for 30 free days 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 Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Sound engineering by Joe Salcedo and Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Donald Trump showered praise on Keir Starmer during the UK prime minister’s visit to the White House this week, describing him as ‘special’, a ‘beautiful man’ and a ‘tough negotiator’. Host Lucy Fisher speaks to George Parker — who was there in the Oval Office — plus fellow Political Fix regulars Miranda Green and Stephen Bush about the upshot of the visit, from a potential UK-US trade deal and tariffs exemption to the PM’s failure to clinch a watertight US ‘backstop’ in Ukraine. The team also discussed the government’s changing spending priorities, ahead of development minister Anneliese Dodds’ dramatic resignation on Friday. 

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, George @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social

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Can Starmer rise to meet his Bismarck moment?

After chiding US allies, Donald Trump lavishes praise on ‘special’ Keir Starmer

What is at stake in the US-UK trade talks?

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

Presented by Lucy Fisher. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

The future of Ukraine and the defence of Europe will dominate when Keir Starmer jets out to the White House for talks with Donald Trump next week. Can the UK prime minister help save 80 years of Pax Americana? Or is the US on the verge of becoming an ‘adversary’ to Europe? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Gideon Rachman and John Paul Rathbone to discuss the military implications for Britain and Europe, as calls grow for rapid rearmament across the continent.

Plus, the FT’s media editor Dan Thomas joins the panel to lift the lid on the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (Arc) conference this week, at which Nigel Farage, Jordan Peterson and Kemi Badenoch spoke. Part ‘megachurch’, part political rally, Lucy, Dan and Robert unravel what the movement is.

Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman; JP Rathbone @JP_Rathbone; Dan Thomas @DanielThomasLDN

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How Europe can defend itself without US help 

France and UK plan air power-backed ‘reassurance force’ in postwar Ukraine

The MAGA-fied right are missing Britain’s real crisis

Part megachurch, part political rally: inside London’s ‘right-wing Davos’ 

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

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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