Political Fix

This week we delve into the plan for reshaping the UK’s railways. Is £100bn of investment the biggest change in a generation, or will it prove to be a massive disappointment? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard discusses this with a special guest: George Osborne, the former chancellor and chair of the Northern Powerhouse Project.

Plus, it’s been a torrid week for Boris Johnson but does any of it matter? The Tories may be behind in the opinion polls but is the party hanging with him and for how long? Political editor George Parker analyses the situation with FT contributing editor Camilla Cavendish.

Audio source: BBC / Sky / ITV

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

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This week we examine the row about outside interests for British MPs. Is it acceptable to be earning hundreds of thousands of pounds a year on top of their parliamentary work? And do voters care? Chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley will analyse the situation with political correspondent Laura Hughes.

Plus, we look at the very odd case of the 92 hereditary peers in the House of Lords - the last vestiges of aristocracy in our politics. How do they still exist and will their time ever come to an end? Political editor George Parker will take us into this slightly mad world - along with special guest Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government think tank.

Audio source: BBC

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

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This week we discuss the chaotic events surrounding the botched reform of the parliamentary standards committee. We look at why No 10 was so eager to save disgraced MP Owen Paterson and where the row goes next. 

Political editor George Parker, political commentator Robert Shrimsley and political correspondent Laura Hughes will explain all.

And we look back at the first week of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where more than 120 world leaders gathered to make headway on climate change. Breakthroughs were made on cash and deforestation, but there was scant progress on coal. 

Our environment correspondent Leslie Hook and chief political correspondent Jim Pickard take us behind the scenes.

Audio source: Sky News

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

-Follow @Seb Payne, @George Parker, @Robert Shrimsley

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This week we examine the philosophy behind this year’s Budget and whether this is a marked change in how the Conservatives look at the economy. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss.

And we look ahead to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where world leaders will, or won’t, step up on tackling climate change. Will Boris Johnson’s bold ambitions be met? Or will it turn out to be another missed opportunity? Climate reporter Camilla Hodgson and columnist Pilitia Clarke will explain.

Audio source: BBC

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

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Rishi Sunak delivered his 2021 Budget that pledged to increase spending, cut taxes and burrow away money for saving too. Is it all things to all people and will it help with the cost of living crisis? Political editor George Parker and economics editor Chris Giles will dissect. 

Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Breen Turner.

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This week we discuss the return of Covid to the news agenda and ask whether the government will implement its so-called Plan B of measures as infections and hospital admissions rise rapidly. Political editor George Parker will give his analysis, along with health and science reporter Oliver Barnes.

And we remember Sir David Amess, the veteran Conservative politician who was killed in his Essex constituency last Friday and examine what can be done to improve the security of MPs. Mark Francois, the Conservative MP and longstanding friend of Amess, will discuss along with Rosie Duffield, the Labour MP for Canterbury.

Audio source: BBC

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

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This edition of Payne’s Politics was recorded before the news of the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess who died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex on Friday.

This week we discuss the latest with the UK’s shortages. Should the government be doing more and should the Treasury intervene? Political editor George Parker and chief political correspondent Jim Pickard will take us into the corridors of power.

And later, we’ll be returning to Brexit and how to resolve the issue of the controversial Northern Ireland protocol. Can the UK and EU find a resolution that meets both of their red lines? And how bad are relations at the moment? Public policy editor Peter Foster will analyse, with special guest Georgina Wright from the Institut Montaigne.

Audio source: BBC and Sky News

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

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This week we analyse this year’s Conservative party conference. First, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech: how credible was it? Can low-skilled immigration be simply replaced without a big inflation risk? Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley analyse.

And then, we look at the other main theme of this year’s conference: levelling up. Did we gain any extra insight from Johnson and Michael Gove on what it means, how it can be delivered and what success looks like? Two special guests will explore: Rachel Wolf of Public First and Paul Swinney from the Centre for Cities think-tank.

Audio source: BBC

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

-Follow @Seb Payne, @Robert Shrimsley, @George Parker

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This week, we’ll be analysing Labour’s annual jamboree and whether Sir Keir Starmer has met expectations. How did he take on the left and what was the core message of his keynote speech? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe will explore.

Later on, we’ll turn our attention to the cost-of-living crunch approaching this winter. There are widespread fears across Whitehall that the situation could get worse, with inflation rising, fuel and food prices set to soar and even fears there might not be enough turkeys for Christmas. So what is causing all this disruption and is it about to get worse? George Parker and Chris Giles discuss the issues.

Audio source: BBC

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

-Follow @Seb Payne, @Jim Pickard, @George Parker

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This week, we analyse Boris Johnson’s trip to America, his address to the UN, his one-to-one with President Joe Biden and the health of the so-called special relationship. Joining to discuss are our political editor George Parker, and political and diplomatic correspondent Laura Hughes.

Plus, we’ll be looking forward to the Labour party conference in Brighton next week. Keir Starmer has published a 14,000 word pamphlet setting out his vision for the country, but is anyone listening? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard will discuss along with special guest John McTernan, the former Labour advisor and sometimes FT writer.

Audio source: BBC

Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Sean McGarrity.

-Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk

-Follow @Seb Payne, @Jim Pickard, @George Parker

-Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/newsletters

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