Sophy Ridge On Sunday

Sky News’ Yalda Hakim and NBC’s Richard Engel have covered world events for years. Now, they team up for a new podcast to share their experiences from the frontline.    

They debrief from global flashpoints and discuss their encounters with the biggest decision makers. They’ll also be joined by some of those key players to help make sense of world events.  

From conflict in the Middle East, to the US election, and the war in Ukraine there is no better place for analysis and expertise.

New episodes from Richard and Yalda every Wednesday, starting October 9th.

Today, something different – we're bringing you the trailer of an exciting new podcast from Sky called Electoral Dysfunction.

Beth Rigby. Jess Philips. Ruth Davidson.

With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.

Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election. 

With so much at stake, they will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.

Here's the trailer. For more, follow Electoral Dysfunction now wherever you listen to podcasts.

It's Sophy Ridge's final time presenting Sophy Ridge on Sunday, but she doesn't go quietly.

On this week's episode she interviews former Prime Minister Tony Blair and business secretary Kemi Badenoch who is in New Zealand negotiating Britain's biggest trade deal since Brexit.

Plus, in the studio is programme editor Scott Beasley, political correspondent Sam Coates, as well as Sophy's successor, Trevor Phillips.

They discuss the political interviews this week, the highlights of Sophy's interviews during the past six years, the impact of the podcast, and what is to come in Trevor's new show in September.

She could be the most powerful woman in Britain if the election goes her way. Joining Sophy on the podcast is the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, who explains more about her vision for Britain, and why she’s not a big fan of Just Stop Oil.

For the Government, financial secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, defends the Prime Minister’s aim of halving inflation, and answers Sophy’s questions about a mural for child asylum seekers that was painted over by the Home Office because it was deemed too welcoming.

Joined by Sky’s political correspondent Liz Bates, and show editor Scott Beasley, Sophy analyses those interviews and sets up the upcoming week in politics.

Producer: David Chipakupaku
Editor: Paul Stanworth

Host Sophy Ridge interviews Health Secretary Steve Barclay, who has criticised junior doctors, accusing them of "walking away" from talks over pay and conditions.

For teachers, Labour's shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson tells Sophy that giving teachers a pay rise is a "complicated issue".

Joined by Claire Ellicott, deputy political editor of the Mail On Sunday, and show editor Scott Beasley, Sophy analyses those interviews and sets us up for the upcoming week in politics.

Producer: Soila Apparicio

With the Bank of England trying to bring down inflation, interest is now at 5%, its highest rate since April 2008.

The Government is now urging people to "hold their nerve", as Rishi Sunak put it. But Britian may be headed for another Summer of Discontent, with one Treasury minister unable to commit to a public sector pay rise live on Sky News.

On this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear Trevor Phillips' interviews with the Conservatives' John Glenn, Labour's shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy, and the First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf.

Plus, analysis from Trevor, the communications advisor Laura-Emily Dunn, and the show's editor, Scott Beasley.

You can watch Trevor's new documentary, Windrush and Us, here.

Producer - David Chipakupaku
Editor - Dave Terris

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has called a new leaked partygate video "terrible" - and says the fact the event went ahead is "indefensible".

The footage appears to show Tory staff drinking, dancing and joking about "bending" COVID lockdown rules in December 2020.

On this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday podcast, hear Mr Gove's reaction to the clip - and the views of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

They also discuss the mortgage market, Scottish independence and the green transition.

To analyse those interviews, Sophy is joined on the podcast by political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley.

Plus, hear Sophy's exclusive broadcast interview with former Tesco boss John Allan, who was forced to step down over misconduct allegations. Speaking to Sky News, he insisted he was "completely innocent", but admitted making an "ill-judged remark".

After an explosive weekend, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned as an MP, taking supporters Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams with him in exiting the Commons, with whispers that more may follow.

It's left his eventual successor, Rishi Sunak, with an almighty by-election-related headache, as Westminster rolls towards the summer break.

Sir Keir Starmer says the country now needs a snap general election, with Mr Johnson's resignation overshadowing a major u-turn in Labour's £28bn flagship "green prosperity plan", and yet another MP being suspended from the Party, pending investigation.

On this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear interviews with the energy secretary Grant Shapps, and Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Pat McFadden.

Former Downing Street Director of Communications under Mr Johnson, Guto Harri, gives an insight into what his former boss might do next. Plus, hear analysis from the Sun on Sunday's Kate Ferguson, and the Guardian's Peter Walker.

Producer - David Chipakupaku
Editor - Paul Stanworth

MPs return to parliament this week after recess amid some headache headlines for the government surrounding the COVID inquiry and Boris Johnson's WhatsApp messages when he was prime minister.

Meanwhile, immigration minister Robert Jenrick reckons many more migrant boats have been intercepted in the English Channel after "landmark deals" with France.


On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear interviews with Mr Jenrick and Labour's shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who's asked about the party's response to serious allegations involving Geraint Davies MP, who's been suspended under investigation.

On the podcast today, Daily Mirror's political editor John Stevens joins Sophy for analysis and discussion.

Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer
Paul Stanworth - editor

As Home Secretary Suella Braverman faces criticism over claims she asked civil servants to help her avoid completing a driving awareness course alongside other motorists, the Prime Minister is under pressure to launch an investigation into accusations of impropriety in his government.

On the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast, hear Sophy's interviews with Environment minister Thérèse Coffey, Conservative Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street.

Plus, Sophy is joined by Sky's political correspondent Liz Bates and programme editor Scott Beasley to analyse those interviews.