Politics Uncensored

The Week Unwrapped

Andy Burnham’s first week in Downing Street

Parliament is back after the summer recess, and Andy Burnham has delivered his first major speech as Prime Minister, setting out a vision for Britain centred on regional power, public investment and economic growth. Burnham took aim at decades of deindustrialisation, privatisation and austerity, while also arguing that Brexit had contributed to a period of low growth. Zoë and Ali discuss Burnham’s first performance at the dispatch box, his more left-wing approach compared with Keir Starmer and his and whether he has brought the political analysis he developed before entering Downing Street with him into government.

James Cleverly sets his sights on City Hall

Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly is preparing a bid to become the next Mayor of London, promising a “classically conservative” campaign. Zoë and Ali discuss whether Cleverly is the strongest candidate the Conservatives have, and whether his appeal to the wider London electorate could give him a route to victory. They also look at the tension between Cleverly’s more economically conservative, One Nation-style pitch and Kemi Badenoch’s increasingly culture-war-focused Conservative Party. Could the approach that works for the Tories nationally actually hurt them in London?

Fancy a night at Number 10? 

Booking.com has come under fire after a consumer watchdog managed to create and pay for a fake listing for Number 10 Downing Street. The bogus listing even claimed guests could hang out with Larry the Cat, and 14 people attempted to book the property in just 20 minutes. Zoë and Ali question how such an obviously fake listing was able to remain online, particularly given Booking.com’s claims that AI is used to identify fraudulent listings. They also unpack whether the incident really represents a security risk to the Prime Minister, or is simply an embarrassing failure for the booking platform.

Keir Starmer Resigns as MP, triggering byelection in Holborn and St Pancras

Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stepped down as an MP, triggering a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, the London constituency he has represented for 11 years. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has announced that he will stand, turning what should be a safe Labour seat into an early political test.

Zoë and Ali discuss Starmer’s decision to leave Parliament, particularly after he had previously said he would remain an MP until the next general election. They question why he chose to leave rather than return to the backbenches. They also look at what the by-election means for Andy Burnham, who will face weeks of campaigning and media attention just as he begins his premiership.

Zoë and Ali also unpack why, for the Greens, Polanski’s decision to stand represents a gamble. The party’s polling has fallen from its earlier highs, and a potential defeat for its leader could raise questions about whether the Green surge has plateaued. 

Why are Brits moving house less and less?

New research suggests the UK housing market has become increasingly frozen, with people now moving house roughly once every 21 years, compared with once every nine years in the late 1980s, despite many people still wanting to move. Ben Cooper, research manager and lead at the Fabian Housing Centre, joins Zoë and Ali to explain why so many people are stuck and what can be done about it.

The final Politics Uncensored

Some in house news, this is the final episode of Politics Uncensored on Fubar Radio. Zoë and Ali look back on some of their favourite moments from the show. Zoë will be returning in a few weeks with a brand-new show, so stay tuned….

Guest: Ben Cooper, Research Manager and Lead at the Fabian Housing Centre. You can find him on X here.

Producer: Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped

New data shows one in eight young people out of work or education

Just under one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, according to new ONS data. The latest figures show 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 were NEET between April and June, equivalent to around 13% of that age group

Rupert Lowe set to be paid as much for divisive posts on Elon Musk’s X as for being MP

Rupert Lowe is on course to earn almost as much from posting on Elon Musk’s X as he does from his salary as an MP, raising questions about whether the platform financially incentivises divisive political content. His total income from X since the 2024 general election has now passed £105,000, with more than half of that earned in the first eight months of 2026.

Burnham wants UK to bid for 2042 Fifa World Cup

According to reports, Andy Burnham wants the UK to bid for both the Olympics and the men's FIFA world cup. The Prime Minister told a meeting of regional mayors at No10 North that he was in talks with the FA and Premier League to explore a proposal.

Britain Response to Israel Settlements

The UK has issued its strongest condemnation yet of Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described Israel’s plans to grow the settlements as “unacceptable and destructive”, warning that Britain would not stand by and accept the breakdown of a two-state solution. The plans, known as the E1 project, would involve the construction of around 3,400 homes across 12 square kilometres of land — an area which critics say would effectively divide the West Bank in two.

Save Brick Lane Campaign

Plans for a 500 million pound redevelopment plans for Brick Lane in East London were approved last month by Labour. This has cleared the way for the construction of a data centre, office and apartments on the Truman Brewery Estate, despite opposition from the local council and campaign groups.

Producer:

Monica Lillis and Yasmin Stephenson

The Week Unwrapped

Farage wins in Clacton, meanwhile Count Binface gets more than 25% of the vote

We start with the news from the Clacton by-election, where Nigel Farage comfortably held onto the seat, securing more than 63% of the vote. Farage stood down as an MP in July, forcing the by-election. This came amid scrutiny over whether he should have declared a £5 million gift he received from a billionaire party donor in 2024. A parliamentary standards watchdog had been investigating the claim, but that investigation was paused when Farage resigned. Now that the Clacton seat is once again in the hands of Farage and Reform UK, the investigation is again underway. Zoë and Ali discuss this political move and the impressive performance by Count Binface.

Reform’s Tice urges people to enjoy heatwaves

The party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, has been accused of spreading misinformation after he dismissed efforts to tackle the climate crisis at a press conference earlier this week. He said that there was no evidence that net zero would stop climate change, and urged British people to enjoy the hot weather. He also suggested that one of the benefits of warmer weather will mean that English wine will get better. His comments come amid one of the UK’s hottest summers on record, with extreme heat linked to thousands of deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. Zoë and Ali unpack why they think this is out of touch, and how this summer will act as  a ‘sea change” for climate awareness publicly.

Scientists 'stunned' by children's lung recovery in ultra low emission zone

There is evidence however, that some climate policies do work… A new study shows that children’s lungs have grown bigger and stronger since the introduction of Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emission Zone or ULEZ in 2019 - which restricts the most polluting vehicles from entering London. Examinations of the capital’s school children before and after the policy was introduced, found a restoration of lung capacity that had been previously stunted by exposure to pollution. Zoë and Ali discuss the good news, and how controversial the policy was when it was introduced.

The Scrutiny of Jason Arday - are Black Academics held to a different standard in the UK?

Jason Arday, a 41-year-old academic who resigned as Cambridge’s Professor of Sociology of education earlier this month, was found dead on Friday. In recent weeks, allegations surrounding his PhD thesis, alongside other claims about his achievements and charitable work, had come under intense scrutiny in the press. His story was dissected in more than 200 articles across the majority of the British media. His death has sparked widespread reaction. At the time of recording, more than 120,000 people have signed a petition calling for a public inquiry, which argues that Arday’s death was “the direct, foreseeable and foreseen result of press harassment”. So, what does the scrutiny surrounding Arday tell us about the pressures and expectations placed on Black academics in Britain? Dr Femi Owolade, Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society joins us to share his take. 

NUS campaign for Automatic Voter Registration

Students here in the UK have launched a campaign calling on the government to make it easier for people in full-time education to register to vote. The National Union of Students and Purpose Union are calling for a nationwide automatic enrolment system, which they say would remove the need for universities and colleges to manually encourage students to register. As of 2023, 60% of those aged 20 and under were not registered to vote. So could a new system help remove some of the barriers facing young voters and encourage more young people to have their say at the ballot box? Favour Samuel, President of the NUS joins us 

Guests:

Dr Femi Owolade, Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. You can find him on X here.

Favour Samuel, President of the NUS. You can find her on Instagram here.

Producer:

Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped

Voters head to the polls in Clacton-on-Sea by-election

Voters are heading to the polls in Clacton-on-Sea for perhaps the weirdest by-election in a generation. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his seat last month following scrutiny over his financial support. He said he hoped that the vote would silence his critics and prove he has a mandate with voters. And a record 34 candidates are standing, presenting voters with the longest ballot paper in history. Zoë and Ali discuss what they think might happen.

Trump confirms he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible Iran threat

Donald Trump confirmed this week that he secretly swapped planes after leaving a Nato summit in Turkey, due to a possible Iranian assassination threat. The Washington Post revealed that after publicly boarding Air Force One, the US President was covertly smuggled onto a catering truck and then moved to a different military aircraft. Meanwhile, over 100 aides, officials and reporters remained on the flight, raising questions about whether he knowingly put them at risk. Zoë and Ali question the unprecedented move.

Reform UK Tells Its Activists ‘Don’t Drink and Tweet’

Leaked training videos reveal Reform UK is warning its activists not to ‘drink and tweet’ and to treat ‘every social media post like a press release’ because, as the materials say, its own members are the "biggest threat to Reform."

According to the Byline Times, the videos also appear to tell canvassers to ignore "no junk mail" signs and leaflet houses anyway. They're also told to avoid wearing any party branding while doing so, to stay "unidentifiable." Zoë and Ali analyse what this says about the credibility of Reform’s activists.

Andy Burnham’s Cost of Living Tour 

Andy Burnham is back from his holiday, and this week he’s been touring the UK as part of his plan to “bring back hope” to every postcode. One of the problems he wants to tackle is the state of Britain’s high streets. Burnham has pledged to give local councils more power to stop betting shops and vape shops from “taking over”. Zoë and Ali unpack the changing face of the highstreet and why the new PM needs to tap into the politics of happiness. They also discuss the government's lack of action on the climate crisis so far.

Can the government ease prison overcrowding without risking public safety?

Andy Burnham's move to pause early prisoner releases has sparked backlash from police and the family of PC Andrew Harper, whose killers are due out in January. Shortly after becoming PM, Burnham announced that people convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming offences would be exempt from early release - but manslaughter convictions were not included.

The government is set to release 5,000 offenders later this year to create space in overcrowded prisons. Meanwhile, Reform UK says it would tackle overcrowding by sending foreign offenders abroad to serve their sentences.

With prisons already close to capacity, and ministers warning they could run out of space as soon as November, how will the government balance the need to relieve pressure on the prison system without compromising public safety? Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Revolving Doors, a justice reform charity, joins us to tell us more.

Guest: Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Revolving Doors

Producer: Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped

Bev Craig wins in Greater Manchester
Labour has won a decisive victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral election, with Bev Craig securing a strong result to succeed Andy Burnham. Zoë and Ali unpack what this means for Burnham’s premiership and why the scale of Labour’s win could be an important sign that voters are willing to give the party another chance. 

Jeremy Clarkson’s welfare solution?
Jeremy Clarkson has offered his answer to Britain’s welfare crisis, suggesting in the Sunday Times, that unemployed young people claiming benefits should be made to write weekly letters thanking taxpayers for funding them. Zoë and Ali discuss why they think the proposal is insulting to disabled people and fails to recognise the wider problems facing young people trying to find work. 

Infantino or Autocrat?
We’re dabbling in football again this week...Gianni Infantino is set to remain as FIFA president despite growing criticism of his leadership, including scrutiny over a now-shelved plan involving private investment in FIFA competitions. Some critics of Infantino say he is turning the organisation into a dictatorship, but just how authoritarian does he sound? Zoë and Ali play a game of “Infantino or Autocrat” and attempt to work out whether a series of increasingly bizarre quotes came from the FIFA president or a historical dictator.

The Migration Crisis in Ceuta

Last week, more than 70,000 unauthorised migrants arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, creating the latest flashpoint in Europe’s migration debate. Zoë and Ali are joined by independent journalist Jack Hadfield to discuss what happened. They also challenge his claims about the criminal backgrounds of migrants and examine how Reform UK has responded to the crisis, including its plans to use the Royal Navy to stop small boat crossings. Jack also gives us his take on the division on the British right and why he thinks Nigel Farage is more right wing than Rupert Lowe.

What will US-UK ties look like under Burnham?

Ed Miliband has travelled to Washington to meet his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio, in what was seen as an opportunity to reset relations with an administration that has previously been sceptical of him. Zoë and Ali discuss the meeting, the awkward moment when Miliband was asked about his previous comments describing Donald Trump as a racist and misogynist, and what the encounter tells us about the future of the UK-US relationship under Andy Burnham’s government.

Guest: Jack Hadfield, Independent journalist. You can find him on X here

Producer: Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped

Rejoin EU, say two thirds of Londoners 

A new poll by a team at Queen Mary University of London, has found that more than 65% of Londoners would vote to rejoin the European Union if a referendum was held 'tomorrow'. The survey also found the figure was even higher amongst young adults ages 18-35. Zoë and Ali unpack why they think this figure is quite low in reality as well as the regional and age-group divisions on Brexit.

Reform UK reports Zack Polanski to police over guillotine T-shirt post

Earlier this week, Reform UK reported Green Party leader Zack Polanski to the police, after he shared what Nigel Farage called an “inciteful post” on Instagram. Polanski re-shared a collection of photos on the social media platform including one of a man wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “We’re only making plans for Nigel” accompanied by an image of a guillotine. The police have said they are taking no further action, and The Green Party leader has so far refused to apologise. This all comes at a time around heightened fears for the security of politicians following the murder of Reform UK Spokesperson, Ann Widdecome. Zoë and Ali discuss why they believe it would benefit Polanski to apologise and the significance of digital communications and social media strategy in politics.

Count Binface reveals his manifesto for Clacton-on-sea by-election

Another update from the Clacton-on-Sea by-election…Nigel Farage’s main rival, Count Binface, has revealed his full manifesto ahead of the vote next month. Some of his pledges include capping the cost of 99 Flake ice-creams to 99p, building at least one affordable house and a windfall tax on cosy crime novels ‘written’ by celebrities. Zoë and Ali tell us why they think the ice-cream issue is more important than some might think. 

The Burnham Bounce

It's only Andy Burnham’s second week as Prime Minister, but it looks like the public are liking what they see. Earlier this week, Labour overtook Reform UK in a voter intention poll for the first time in over a year. It’s being dubbed as ‘The Burnham Bounce’ but how long will the momentum behind the new PM last?

Zoë and Ali unpack the wider context including why weeks of bad headlines for Reform UK and Greens might be contributing to Labour’s revived popularity. After that, Burnham’s policy blitz this week includes reform on education and social care - Zoë and Ali analyse why these changes could be so significant for the country. 

After the break, Zoë and Ali discuss the challenge of climate change for the new Prime Minister. Record-breaking temperatures, drought and wildfires here in the UK, mean that environmental policy is more important than ever. However, with plans for oil drilling in the North Sea set to go ahead, will our new leader take it seriously enough?

Producer: Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped:

Andy Burnham is the UK’s latest Prime Minister

We start with the biggest political story of the week. On Monday, Andy Burnham officially became the UK’s fifth Prime Minister in four years. This comes just over a month after he was elected as MP for Makerfield. Zoë and Ali unpack what they made of his first speech outside Downing Street. 

Mamdani says he lacks legal power to arrest Netanyahu

From a former mayor to a current one. Since campaigning for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani has promised to honour an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, if he were to ever show up in the city. However, in a video posted on social media on Tuesday, Mamdani conceded that he won’t be able to do so without federal government help. Zoë and Ali discuss Mamdani’s popularity, why he didn’t have this particular legal power and the effectiveness of using your words in politics.

Trump backs Gianni Infantino to be next UN boss

Although the World Cup is over, Trump’s friendship with the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino seems to be going strong. Earlier this week, the US President said that Infantino would be his pick to be the next head of the United Nations. He told the New York Post that the football administrator was “respected by everyone around the world", and "recognises he has a special ability to bring people together”.

Ben Habib on Nigel Farage and the upcoming Clacton by-election

Nigel Farage will face a record 33 opponents in the contest he triggered after resigning his seat, citing parliamentary and media scrutiny of his financial affairs. The number of candidates is thought to be the largest in a modern UK by-election, featuring 20 independents and a number of joke contenders. However, with the main Westminster parties not fielding candidates, and questions being asked about the level of support in the constituency, what could this all mean for Nigel Farage and Reform UK? Ben Habib, former MEP, Brexiteer and current Chairman of the Great British Political Action Committee joins us to share his thoughts. He tells us why he thinks the move from Farage was “desperate” and discusses the Reform UK leader’s need for media attention. Habib also speaks about his own affiliation with Restore Britain and where he’s drawing the line. 

What will Andy Burnham’s Britain look Like?

We continue with our top story. Andy Burnham has officially become the UK's fifth Prime Minister in four years. Since taking office on Monday, Burnham has announced his first Cabinet appointments and outlined his initial policy priorities, including a pledge to end rough sleeping, cut VAT on energy bills and pause the early prisoner release scheme. It's been a busy first few days in office, but what do these early decisions tell us about the direction of his government? Zoë and Ali discuss his first policy moves and what they make of his communication style. 

Guest: Ben Habib, Former MEP, Brexiteer and current chairman of the Great British Political Action Committee. You can find him on ‘X’ here. 

Producer: Monica Lillis

No Ali in the studio this week, but joining us to discuss the latest is Ros Taylor, writer, journalist and broadcaster.

The Week Unwrapped:

Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe, dies

Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home in South West England on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. A man in his twenties has been arrested, and counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation. The authorities say the alleged murder was a targeted attack, and are looking into a possible leftwing motivation.  Her death has reignited debate over the safety and security of politicians in this country. Zoë and Ros unpack the shocking news, the media reaction to her death and what it tells us about society. 

Green MP Hannah Spencer to introduce bill on maximum workplace temperatures

Record breaking temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves here in the UK have renewed calls for stronger action on climate adaptation. One of those is maximum workplace temperatures, which Green MP Hannah Spencer is planning to introduce to Parliament. If passed, the legislation will create an independent body to recommend safe temperatures to work in, and set out guidance on how employers should implement them. Zoë and Ros discuss how difficult it is to work in the heat, the importance of climate adaptation and how businesses might be able to adapt.

Australia’s teen social media ban struggles to clear age-verification hurdle, study finds

Last year, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from using social media. But a new study suggests enforcing that ban may be harder than expected. Researchers from testing firm KJR found that several major platforms weren't asking for proof of age when they created test accounts claiming to be 16, raising fresh questions about whether current age-verification technology is fit for purpose. Zoë and Ros analyse why these new laws aren’t working.

Keir Starmer’s Best Moments

Keir Starmer will formally resign as Prime Minister on Monday, after just two years in office. Despite a landslide election win and an end to 14 years of Conservative rule, his time in Downing Street was overshadowed by economic pressures, internal divisions and flailing public support. But was his record more successful than many people give him credit for? Zoë and Ros look back on some of the things he got right including on immigration, progress in the NHS and renewable energy.

Keir Starmer’s Worst Moments

Despite a string of wins, Keir Starmer never managed to win the hearts of the public. Opinion polls suggested he was the most unpopular Prime Minister in modern history. So, where did it all go wrong? Zoë and Ros reflect on what Starmer could have done better, including his communication style and multiple policy U-turns.

Guest: Ros Taylor, Writer, Journalist and Broadcaster. You can find her on X here.

Producer: Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped

Farage Resigns: First Reactions

Another big week in British politics. Nigel Farage announced he will stand down as MP for Clacton. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of his finances. Earlier this week, The Times reported that Farage had failed to declare benefits, including staff and security, provided by his long-time ally George Cottrell. Farage is already under investigation by the Parliament standards commissioner over an alleged failure to register a £5 million gift from a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency billionaire. Since Farage’s announcement, Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain have all ruled out contesting in the Clacton by-election. Zoë and Ali discuss what they made of his resignation speech, whether it was the right decision for the main parties not to stand, and his main challenger: Count Binface.

Trump’s Red Card Intervention 

Heading across the pond now, where the FIFA World Cup and politics have become intertwined once again this week. One of the USA's star players had his one-match suspension, following a red card, overturned by FIFA after intervention from President Donald Trump. The decision has raised questions about the relationship between football’s governing bodies and political leaders, with critics questioning whether the president’s intervention crossed a line. Ali and Zoë unpack the backlash, and discuss why they think this World Cup has been particularly bad for FIFA’s reputation. 

Voting Intention by Taste in Pop Music

A new survey by polling company More in Common suggests your playlist might reveal more about your politics than you think. According to the results, Reform UK voters are most likely to be Dua Lipa fans, One Direction tops the charts for Conservative supporters, while Chappell Roan is the artist of choice for Green Party voters. Ali and Zoë try to make sense of the new figures. 

Farage’s Resignation Gamble

Back to the top political story of the week….Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP for Clacton. Ellie Hodges, political journalist & commentator joins the show to unpack why, in her view, Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election was an important move and why she believes the ‘establishment’ media are against the Reform UK leader. 

Nato Summit: Key Takeaways

This week saw dozens of world leaders gather in Turkey for this year’s NATO summit. The meeting comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, with the war in Ukraine showing no signs of ending and tensions continuing to rise in the Middle East.  There is also growing pressure from Donald Trump for NATO allies to shoulder more of the burden on defence spending. Kateryna Lisunova, a Ukrainian journalist based in Washington, DC, and media adviser with the American nonprofit Razom for Ukraine, joins us to unpack the key moments.

Guests: 

Ellie Hodges, Political Commentator and Journalist. You can find her on X here.

Kateryna Lisunova, Ukrainian journalist based in Washington, DC, and media advisor with the American nonprofit Razom for Ukraine. You can find her on X here.

Producer: 

Monica Lillis

The Week Unwrapped:

US-UK drug deal could result in 229,000 excess deaths in England, analysis suggests

A pharmaceutical trade deal between the UK and the US could lead to more than 200,000 avoidable deaths over the next decade, according to new analysis by the British Medical Journal. The agreement, struck last December, removed tariffs on UK pharmaceutical exports to the US but committed the NHS to higher spending on branded medicines. This could now see around £45 billion diverted away from NHS care towards purchasing new drugs. 

While ministers called it a “landmark deal”, critics say it amounts to “pacifying Donald Trump and big pharma’s demand for higher medicine prices.” Zoë and Ali unpack the pressure on the UK government from Donald Trump and the impact of Brexit on the pharmaceutical market. 

Refugees would be told to repay around £10,000 under new asylum bill

Asylum seekers will be required to repay up to £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, under new government plans. The scheme, part of a revised Immigration and Asylum Bill introduced to Parliament on Tuesday, aims to recoup the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels, HMOs and other accommodation. But critics say it will push the immigration system in a more restrictive direction. Zoë and Ali discuss why this legislation might be considered cruel and the government’s shifting messaging towards immigration. 

250 years of American Independence 

This Saturday marks 250 years since the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence. But celebrations of the milestone have become politically divided. Congress created the bipartisan America250 Commission in 2016 to plan the anniversary. But upon returning to office last year, President Trump launched a rival organisation, Freedom 250. This weekend, the two groups are hosting separate celebrations: a Trump-led rally in Washington, D.C., while America250 is holding a concert in Los Angeles hosted by Queen Latifah. Zoë and Ali explore the political divisions and issues that the relatively young country continues to face.

Plus: Breaking news whilst we were on air: Keir Starmer has passed emergency legislation to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico! Let’s hope for celebrations, not commiserations!

Burnham sets out Westminster Devolution vision

On Monday, Prime Minister-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, delivered his first major policy speech since winning the Makerfield by-election. 

Speaking at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, the former Mayor of the city set out his plans for the country if he becomes Prime Minister. His offer to the public centres on a major transfer of power from Westminster to local communities. Other pledges include reforming utilities, reindustrialisation, and a major push to build council housing. Burnham is on course to take over from Keir Starmer in just over two weeks’ time - but do his policies hold up? Zoë and Ali give their first impressions of Burnham’s speech, what ‘Manchester-ism’ might look like in practice and how he might get people to trust in politics again.

Starmer unveils Defence Investment Plan 

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled his long-delayed Defence Investment Plan to the public. The plan sets out the UK’s defence budget, including targets for key weapons programmes. Since the resignation of defence secretary John Healey last month, the plan has been revised and extra spending over the next four years has increased to £15 billion. 

However, the plan is already becoming a political headache. Critics say it still falls well short of what is required and questions still remain over how it will be funded. Mason Boycott-Owen, Politico’s UK Defence Reporter, joins us to talk through what the deal entails, why defence is an increasing priority for the UK and the so-called black hole in funding that this will leave for Andy Burnham if he becomes PM. 

Guest: Mason Boycott Owen, UK Defence Reporter. You can find his most recent work here and follow him on ‘X’ here.

Producer: Monica Lillis