The Politics Show

Labour’s missing money metaphor, the millionaires still getting benefits and Dyson’s £420 toothbrush. 

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Dunn to round up the stories of the week.

READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/bursting-the-bubble/2026/09/andy-burnham-cant-explain-the-economy

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/09/britain-must-stop-paying-benefits-to-millionaires 

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This week was Andy Burnham’s first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.

As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle.

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague.

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As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that makes them worth protecting?

Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Tor Burrows, Chief Sustainability Officer at Grosvenor, to ask whether the current system is fit for a changing climate.

Their discussion explores the barriers to adapting and retrofitting older buildings, from complex planning processes to skills shortages. They also consider how historic buildings could contribute to housing, economic growth and the UK’s climate goals.

They discuss the case for a more coordinated approach across government, a “reuse first” policy and clearer rules for low-risk retrofit. The conversation also looks at what needs to change to keep historic buildings useful, comfortable and resilient for the future.

This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by Grosvenor.

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The investigation into Nigel’s “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham’s Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair’s best dressed list.

Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.

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It’s nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party. 

In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with the public. 

But now the Greens have to contend with a new – and relatively popular – Prime Minister, and internal factions within the party threaten to make life difficult for Polanski as he heads towards the summer conference.

How is the Green leader faring one year on?

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Megan Kenyon

Produced by Chris Stone

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One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham’s premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas. 

Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but the question of whether to go ahead and drill at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites - offshore oil and gas fields that have pre-existing licences - remains.

After a summer of wildfires and heatwaves, but with our energy security and cost-of-living precarious, the new Prime Minister faces a political dilemma.

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

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What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK. 

Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the week.

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On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end.

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

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The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use.

Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or recycle, what role should government and industry play in finding a more sustainable alternative?

Host Emma Haslett is joined by Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and Karl Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Policy at enfinium.

Our panel discusses the UK’s recycling ambitions and the gap between a circular economy and the reality of unavoidable waste, as well as the environmental and community impact of landfill.

They talk about the role of Energy from Waste in diverting waste from landfill, supporting energy resilience and contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They also consider political consensus, community support and the action needed from government and industry.

This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by enfinium.

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After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state.

Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign nationals from most benefits.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s finances has resumed, after he was found to have accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

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