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

Ben Wright and guests discuss air strikes and the Rwanda bill.

Ben Wright and guests discuss air strikes and the Rwanda bill.

Westminster Hour 14 January 2024

Ben Wright and guests kick off a New Year in politics.

Ben Wright and guests kick off a New Year in politics.

Westminster Hour  7 January 2024

Ben Wright and guests with the last Westminster Hour of the year.

Ben Wright and guests with the last Westminster Hour of the year.

Westminster Hour 17 December 2023

Iain Watson and guests discuss the Rwanda Bill.

Iain Watson and guests discuss the Rwanda Bill.

Westminster Hour 10 December 2023

Political debate with Leila Nathoo and guests

Political debate with Leila Nathoo and guests

Westminster Hour 03 December 2023

Ben Wright and guests discuss rising immigration and the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Ben Wright and guests discuss rising immigration and the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Westminster Hour 26  November 2023

Ben Wright and guests preview the Autumn Statement.

Ben Wright and guests preview the Autumn Statement.

Westminster Hour 19 November 2023

Leila Nathoo and guests discuss the future of the Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Leila Nathoo and guests discuss the future of the Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Westminster Hour 12 November 2023

Ben Wright and guests looks ahead to the King's Speech.

Ben Wright and guests looks ahead to the King's Speech.

Westminster Hour 5 November 2023

Leila Nathoo and guests discuss the situation in the middle east.

Leila Nathoo and guests discuss the situation in the middle east.

Westminster Hour 29 October 2023

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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