Newly elected Labour MP Chris Curtis (Milton Keynes North) joins the podcast to reflect on his whirlwind first year in Parliament. In this candid conversation, Curtis—former pollster and co-founder of Labour's Growth Group—talks about:

• What it's really like being one of 400+ Labour MPs
• His fight for a new £320m hospital in Milton Keynes
• The broken state of the UK government after years of crisis
• Why Labour needs a bigger and bolder plan for change
• Whether Keir Starmer is radical enough to meet the moment
• How political communication needs to evolve
• Why policy bravery matters more than daily headlines
• And yes, whether Parliament is more like a dodgem ride or a ghost train…

This is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in Labour's direction, the challenges of governance, and what it takes to rebuild public trust.

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In this episode, Labour MP Louise Haigh joins Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Calum Macdonald to unpack her recent legislative victory: a groundbreaking new ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) used to silence victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination.

We cover:

• 🔒 Why NDAs are no longer enforceable in harassment or discrimination cases
• 💥 How a former Weinstein assistant helped kickstart a global movement
• 🧑‍⚖️ What this change means for UK employment law and workplace culture
• 🗣️ Louise’s reflections on being more effective outside government
• 🛠️ What’s next: retrospective reform, implementation risks, and holding firms accountable

Louise also reflects on the first year of Labour in power—praising key reforms but warning of a missing "thread" tying decisions together.

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In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to PM Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) unpack Kemi Badenoch’s dramatic reshuffle of the shadow cabinet — is it about party unity, performance, or a subtle pivot toward the centre?

We discuss:

• James Cleverley’s return to the frontbench and Rob Jenrick’s surprise survival
• Kemi’s “think tank” leadership style vs. the need for visible political fight
• Trump’s upcoming visit to Scotland: footgolf diplomacy, tariffs, and political theatre
• Sir Keir Starmer’s warning about social cohesion and rising far-right disinformation
• 
  
• The inside scoop from Jo’s recent appearance on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (including a hilarious paparazzi moment)

📲 Got a question or comment? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”)

📰 Mentioned:

• Will Lloyd’s New Statesman article on Badenoch
• The Times reporting on protests and immigration disinformation

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The podcast discusses the recent Afghan data breach incident, focusing on the implications of a super injunction that was put in place to protect individuals whose details were leaked. The conversation explores the processes that led to the leak, the political responses from government officials, and the public's trust in the political establishment. The role of Nigel Farage in the controversy is also examined, along with the future of Afghan relocation efforts and the ongoing scrutiny of government actions.

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In a world often clouded by political uncertainty, the upcoming deal between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron offers a glimmer of hope. This landmark agreement, set against the backdrop of post-Brexit relations, promises to redefine migration policies and strengthen UK-French ties.

The Promise of Cooperation: As President Macron visits the UK, the focus is on a one-in-one-out migration agreement. This deal aims to return small boat migrants crossing the English Channel to France, while accepting asylum seekers with UK connections. The collaboration extends beyond migration, symbolizing a deeper security cooperation between the two nations.

Gerald Knaus, chairman of the European Stability Initiative, highlights the strategic importance of this relationship. Despite Brexit, the UK and France share common values and interests, from supporting Ukraine to promoting international trade. This deal could set a precedent for Europe, showcasing how countries can tackle irregular migration without compromising human rights.

The optimism surrounding this deal is palpable. If successful, it could transform the political landscape, offering a medium-term victory for Prime Minister Starmer. Drawing parallels with Greece's migration policy success in 2016, this agreement could significantly reduce illegal crossings, addressing one of the UK's most pressing issues.

As the world watches, the Starmer-Macron deal holds the potential to redefine UK-French relations and set a new standard for migration policies. With the right communication and swift implementation, this agreement could mark a turning point in European cooperation. Subscribe now to stay updated on this evolving story.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the implications of a reasoned amendment in the UK Parliament regarding welfare reform. The conversation highlights the complexities of political strategy, the challenges of governance, and the importance of effective communication in policy-making.

• Tensions in the Middle East are impacting UK foreign policy decisions.
• The UK government's position on international conflicts can appear weak.
• Reasoned amendments in Parliament can significantly impact legislation.
• Welfare reform is a contentious issue within the UK government.
• The Labour Party faces challenges in its political strategy and public perception.
• Effective communication is crucial in conveying government policies.
• The role of MPs' personal experiences shapes their political stances.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of diplomatic solutions in foreign affairs.
• The discussion reflects on the evolving political landscape in the UK.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner analyse into the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. They discuss the implications of the CSR on various government departments, the political context surrounding it, and the public's perception of the Labour government's fiscal policies. Key themes include the allocation of funds to the NHS, defence spending, and the challenges faced by policing and education. The conversation also highlights concerns over the credibility of promised efficiency savings and the impact of cybersecurity on government spending. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of government spending, the challenges of achieving economic growth, and the implications for public services. They discuss the Labour Party's current position and the expectations set by their recent budget announcements. The conversation highlights concerns about the sustainability of growth, the burden on taxpayers, and the long-term impact of current policies on public services and investment strategies.

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The conversation analyses the UK's Strategic Defence Review, exploring the implications of military funding, readiness for modern warfare, and the political landscape surrounding national security. The speakers discuss the perceived threats, the public's response to defence spending, and the challenges of aligning military needs with fiscal realities. They also reflect on historical context and the necessity for a robust defence strategy in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. The conversation delves into the complexities of the UK's defence budget, the cultural challenges of recruiting Gen Z into the military, and the implications of political communication on public trust. The speakers discuss the tension between welfare and warfare funding, the role of Zelensky in shaping public perception, and the necessity for a robust parliamentary process in defence discussions. They highlight the generational disconnect regarding defence spending and the urgent need for the government to respond to NATO's spending requirements while maintaining public trust. We're joined by Evie Aspinall Director of the British Foreign Policy Group

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