Politics Weekly

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey walk us through what we can expect to hear when Rachel Reeves makes her spring statement on Wednesday. With the government facing downgraded growth forecasts, rising borrowing costs and the threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs, how can it boost the economy and save public services? And how will major spending cuts go down with the party and the public?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. This week, John Harris is in Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looks like, and whether it is too late to save this vital service. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether the backlash to the government’s planned benefit cuts will result in a U-turn. And which other departments could face eye-watering cuts?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

After months of speculation, the government will soon lay out plans to change the benefits system. Keir Starmer argues that the current system is ‘the worst of all worlds’. But with deep cuts to disability payments on the table, could the changes come at the expense of the most vulnerable? And will Labour MPs really be able to support this? John Harris hears from the head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, Tom Pollard, and the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are joined by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, to discuss Labour’s plans to tackle the climate crisis, the third runway at Heathrow and how secure the path to a greener future looks in the age of Trump. Plus, are cuts to welfare and foreign aid the best way to balance the budget?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The news that the US had suspended military aid to Ukraine stunned world leaders and led to a rapid reassessment of how much we can really rely on our American ally. Is this the end of the western alliance? John Harris asks our diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, as the UK pledges to boost defence spending by slashing our foreign aid budget, ActionAid’s CEO, Taahra Ghazi, tells John about the fallout for organisations working on the ground. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey reflect on the momentous events of the last few days, after the jaw-dropping exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Keir Starmer takes on a pivotal role in lowering the temperature between the US and Ukraine, will his plan for a ‘coalition of the willing’ work? And, what does it all mean for the future of the war? Pippa and Kiran speak to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh Send your questions and feedback to [email protected] Click here to buy tickets to Pippa Crerar’s Guardian Live event with the health secretary, Wes Streeting. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey have a behind-the-scenes look at Keir Starmer’s trip to meet Donald Trump at the White House, after Pippa travelled with the prime minister to Washington DC. So, how was Starmer’s charm offensive received by the president? And has the trip moved the dial on Ukraine and tariffs? Send your questions and feedback to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

This week, Politics Weekly UK is on the road in south-east Wales, hearing from those in traditional Labour heartlands. But with people increasingly frustrated that public services are crumbling and that nothing seems to change, Nigel Farage’s party fancies its chances at next year’s Senedd elections. John Harris asks why Reform UK is on the rise in Wales and what it tells us about the future of British politics. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to a pivotal week of diplomacy for Keir Starmer as he prepares to visit the White House. With Donald Trump’s hostility towards Kyiv looming large over the three-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, can the prime minister persuade the US president to change tack? Send your questions and feedback to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod