Ben Wright is joined by the Labour MP and new Chair of the Justice Select Committee, Catherine Atkinson; Conservative health spokesman Neil Shastri-Hurst; and the Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller. The former diplomat and National Security Adviser, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, joins them to discuss the Prime Minister's trip to the UN General Assembly and expected first meeting with Donald Trump. The panel also consider changes to the way courts operate, intended to speed up rape trials. And Harry Farley speaks to grassroots Lib Dems, attending their annual conference in Brighton, about their ambitions for the party. Lara Spirit - deputy political editor of The Sunday Times - brings additional insight and analysis.

Ben Wright is joined by the Labour MP and new Chair of the Justice Select Committee, Catherine Atkinson; Conservative health spokesman Neil Shastri-Hurst; and the Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller. The former diplomat and National Security Adviser, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, joins them to discuss the Prime Minister's trip to the UN General Assembly and expected first meeting with Donald Trump. The panel also consider changes to the way courts operate, intended to speed up rape trials. And Harry Farley speaks to grassroots Lib Dems, attending their annual conference in Brighton, about their ambitions for the party. Lara Spirit - deputy political editor of The Sunday Times - brings additional insight and analysis.

The PM prepares to meet President Trump, and the Lib Dem Conference

Ben Wright broadcasts from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool with guests including the Cabinet minister and Leader of the House of Lords, Angela Smith; Professor of Politics at Liverpool University, Jon Tonge; and Jessica Elgot - deputy political editor of The Guardian. They discuss the Prime Minister's pledge to fix social care and the competing demands on the public purse. Ben reports on the mood among delegates - and with a different perspective, Conservative frontbencher Joy Morrissey also joins the panel down the line. And is it time to reassess the impact of the IMF crisis, fifty years after the dramatic events of September 1976?

Ben Wright broadcasts from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool with guests including the Cabinet minister and Leader of the House of Lords, Angela Smith; Professor of Politics at Liverpool University, Jon Tonge; and Jessica Elgot - deputy political editor of The Guardian. They discuss the Prime Minister's pledge to fix social care and the competing demands on the public purse. Ben reports on the mood among delegates - and with a different perspective, Conservative frontbencher Joy Morrissey also joins the panel down the line. And is it time to reassess the impact of the IMF crisis, fifty years after the dramatic events of September 1976?

Analysis from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool

Ben Wright is at the Conservative Party conference with Tory deputy leader, Alex Burghart, polling expert Scarlett Maguire and Lucy Fisher - Whitehall editor of the Financial Times. They discuss Kemi Badenoch's blueprint for government and her focus on economic growth - with Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson also joining in down the line. Ben spends time speaking to grassroots party members to assess their morale. And the programme includes a report from the Green Party of England and Wales conference in Brighton - where delegates passed a controversial motion declaring that "Zionism is racism".

Ben Wright is at the Conservative Party conference with Tory deputy leader, Alex Burghart, polling expert Scarlett Maguire and Lucy Fisher - Whitehall editor of the Financial Times. They discuss Kemi Badenoch's blueprint for government and her focus on economic growth - with Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson also joining in down the line. Ben spends time speaking to grassroots party members to assess their morale. And the programme includes a report from the Green Party of England and Wales conference in Brighton - where delegates passed a controversial motion declaring that "Zionism is racism".

Live discussion from the Conservative Party conference

Radio 4's Sunday night political discussion programme.

Radio 4's Sunday night political discussion programme.

11/10/2026

Ben Wright is joined by the Labour MP Tom Hayes, Conservative backbencher Joe Robertson and political commentator and former government adviser, Salma Shah. They look ahead to the return of parliament and Andy Burnham's Commons debut as prime minister. They also discuss the multiple challenges facing him, including the early release of prisoners. Jessica Elgot - deputy political editor of The Guardian - brings additional expert analysis. Other topics for discussion include electoral reform and the political significance of the Bayeux Tapestry throughout its history.

Ben Wright is joined by the Labour MP Tom Hayes, Conservative backbencher Joe Robertson and political commentator and former government adviser, Salma Shah. They look ahead to the return of parliament and Andy Burnham's Commons debut as prime minister. They also discuss the multiple challenges facing him, including the early release of prisoners. Jessica Elgot - deputy political editor of The Guardian - brings additional expert analysis. Other topics for discussion include electoral reform and the political significance of the Bayeux Tapestry throughout its history.

Parliament's return, electoral reform and the political significance of the Bayeux Tapestry

We also look at the impact of inheritance tax changes on farmers

We also look at the impact of inheritance tax changes on farmers

Westminster Hour 17 November 2024

Ben Wright and guests discuss what the 2nd Trump Presidency could mean.

Ben Wright and guests discuss what the 2nd Trump Presidency could mean.

Westminster Hour 10 November 2024

Ben Wright and guests discuss Kemi Badenoch's election and the budget

Ben Wright and guests discuss Kemi Badenoch's election and the budget

Westminster Hour 3 November 2024

Ben Wright and guests discuss the forthcoming Budget and the Tory leadership election

Ben Wright and guests discuss the forthcoming Budget and the Tory leadership election

Westminster Hour 27 October 2024

Iain Watson and his guests discuss the NHS and the Conservative leadership election.

Iain Watson and his guests discuss the NHS and the Conservative leadership election.

Westminster Hour 20 October 2024

Ben Wright and guests discuss investment summit in London.

Ben Wright and guests discuss investment summit in London.

Westminster Hour 13 September 2024

Ben Wright and guests are live at the Labour Conference in Liverpool.

Ben Wright and guests are live at the Labour Conference in Liverpool.

Westminster Hour 22 September 2024

Ben Wright and guests discuss migration and missiles for Ukraine.

Ben Wright and guests discuss migration and missiles for Ukraine.

Westminster Hour 15 September 2024

Ben Wright and guests discuss the vote on winter fuel payments.

Ben Wright and guests discuss the vote on winter fuel payments.

Westminster Hour 08 September 2024

Ben Wright and guests preview a new term in Parliament.

Ben Wright and guests preview a new term in Parliament.

Westminster Hour 1 September 2024

The big political stories with lively discussion and expert comment and analysis from politicians and journalists, 10pm every Sunday on BBC Radio 4.

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The big political stories with lively discussion and expert comment and analysis from politicians and journalists, 10pm every Sunday on BBC Radio 4.

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