Daily Politics from the New Statesman

The UK has just voted in its 7th ever Labour prime minister, Keir Starmer. As the results from yesterday’s general election trickled in overnight it became clear that this was not so much a story of Labour victory, as it was of Tory defeat. The last 14 years of conservative rule has dismantled both the country and much of the party’s once loyal supporters. ‘The work of change begins immediately’ said Keir Starmer this afternoon upon arrival at Downing Street straight after accepting the King’s invitation to form a new government.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the country heads to the polls to decide who will be in government for the next five years.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and senior data journalist to go through the key timings and processes of the day, what we know so far and what to look out for.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a final poll published before the election things have never looked worse for the Conservatives, Rishi Sunak has expressed fear that he might lose his seat, and Boris Johnson has been wheeled out at the 11th hour. How long will it take for the Tories to come back from this and where will they begin? Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by the New Statesman’s senior editor George Eaton and David Gauke, former Conservative MP and New Statesman columnist. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another Reform UK candidate has stepped down to back the Tories as the “vast majority” of her fellow candidates are “racist, misogynistic and bigoted”, the Conservatives have launched an attack campaign on Keir Starmer, claiming he is work-shy, and the Tory leadership contest may or may not be underway.Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In order to succeed in a first term in government, to deliver for working people, Keir Starmer will need to enforce some quietly radical change. And doing so will upset quite a lot of people ...It's the last week of the campaign and Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by political editor Andrew Marr, and political correspondent Freddie Hayward.As well as looking at what's happening on our own shores, the team also discuss the election prospects across the channel with the success of the right yesterday in France, and across the pond with the widespread trepidation around Biden's future in US government.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's listener question time! Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, is joined by Finn McRedmond, junior commissioning editor and writer, to answer questions on Northern Ireland, personal approval ratings, presidential debates, and polling influence.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today New Statesman is publishing an election special issue of the magazine which includes our election endorsement as well as in-depth political interviews with Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage, and David Lammy.Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined in the studio by George Eaton, senior editor, and editor-in-chief Jason Cowley.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another flurry of betting allegations. More and more parties are now being dragged into the gambling scandal, but should we discern some distinction between the nature of these bets and their repercussions?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, and Ben Walker, senior data journalist.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything's been going so badly for the prime minister, one can't help but admire the fact that he's carrying on. Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Andrew Marr, political editor, to discuss the developments in the betting scandal, how Nigel Reform lost the right, and why Labour failed to win over the Murdoch empire.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in the penultimate week of campaigning, which may come as a relief to those suffering from election fatigue - maybe no one more so than Rishi Sunak. The prime minister has not had a particularly smooth weekend as the Tory betting scandal continues to rumble on …Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by George Eaton, senior editor, to discuss the latest developments in the gambling scandal, Labour's positions gender recognition and their plans for the House of Lords.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were bestowed yet another leadership TV special last night, Ed Davey said sorry for tuition fees, Rishi Sunak said sorry for Liz Truss, and Keir Starmer said sorry for Jeremy Corbyn. But one unmissable feature of the night was the grimace on the prime ministers face as the impassioned audience put their questions to him.Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent to discuss the TV special and to answer listener questions.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tory gambling scandal respawned last night when it was revealed that a met officer working in Rishi Sunak's protection team had been arrested over alleged bets, and also being looked into by the Gambling Commission is Laura Saunders - a Conservative candidate who happens to be married to the director of campaigns in CCHQ.The team also discuss the three polls published last night; while the predictions may differ, all roads lead to disaster for the Conservatives.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Vote SNP for Scotland to become an independent country" - bold letters shout from the first page of the SNP manifesto. But is there still momentum for independence in Scotland? And what else is John Swinney pledging in his fight to retain seats from the hands of Scottish Labour.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Chris Deerin, Scotland editor, and Ben Walker, senior data journalist.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour are set to win a majority, if not a supermajority, but in these politically fragmented times will people who vote for the party necessarily stay loyal in their support after July the fifth? Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by political editor Andrew Marr to discuss the changing political tides, Starmer's continued struggle with tax and Corbyn, and the potential return of Boris Johnson. Register to vote: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage and Richard Tice have been playing good cop bad cop today in Merthyr Tydfil, not launching Reform UK's manifesto, but the party's "contract". The pitch contains some dramatic pledges and mathematical gymnastics.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of listener questions: How many of them 2019 manifesto commitments have been met?; Who will be the biggest name to lose their seat?; If Jeremy Corbyn wins as an independent, assuming he'd like to continue to sit with old allies, could he sit on the government benches?; Is there a reason why D-Day is a bigger deal than eg Boris stealing a journalist's phone and hiding in a fridge?; What is the best response when a candidate that you do not want to win knocks on your door?Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined by senior editor George Eaton.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the words of ABBA, and Keir Starmer, Money Money Money - the Labour leader announced this morning in Manchester that wealth creation was the ‘number one priority’ for the party.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and senior editor George Eaton to analyse the final manifesto's of the week from Labour and Plaid Cymru, and to review the odds on the latest Tory gaff.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grant Shapps has said that Labour could be on course for a “supermajority”, perhaps a more accurate way of viewing it is that the Conservatives are on course for a "superdefeat". But if the Tory vote crashes the votes aren't necessarily going to Labour, so how will they be split?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to review the polls and also analyse the Green manifesto launch.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Tory manifesto Tuesday and the party is leading with pledges to make homes more affordable for first time buyers as well as a fresh new batch of tax cuts. But where is the money coming from to afford this? When the Conservatives say "welfare reform", what exactly do they mean? Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by political editor Andrew Marr. Together they also discuss the rise of the far right in Europe and what this might mean for a Labour-led Britain. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's manifesto week! It's week three of the election campaign and parties are set to deliver their manifestos in the coming days. This was kicked off today with the launch of the Lib Dem manifesto. So what have they pledged? Do the numbers add up? And does it really matter if they don't?The team also discuss what's been happening politically over the weekend, including Friday's seven headed debate, the continuation of Sunak's D Day-gate, and Macron's decision to call a snap election.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor; Chris Deerin, Scotland editor; and Will Dunn, business editor.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddie, Ben and podcast newcomer Finn McRedmond answer listener questions.By deserting the D-day commemorations, Rishi Sunak has dealt his own campaign a massive blow and handed Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage explosive attack lines.In this special election edition of You Ask Us, the team answer your questions about the threat to the Conservatives from Reform UK and the impact of TV debates. Also polling expert Ben Walker reveals the shocking impact tactical voting could have on the Liberal Democrats election hopes.See the latest polls on the New Statesman's State of the Nation: https://sotn.newstatesman.com/Read: Rishi Sunak's D-Day departure was far worse than a gaffehttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2024/06/rishi-sunaks-d-day-departure-was-far-worse-than-a-gaffeThe Conservative party may not survive this electionhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2024/06/conservative-party-may-not-survive-election-nigel-farageLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most powerful person on the left of British politics is not Keir Starmer. So who is it?This week the New Statesman published the 2024 Left Power List, which ranks the 50 most influential people in British politics. George Eaton edited the list and joins Hannah Barnes and Freddie Hayward on the New Statesman podcast to discuss who's up, who's down, and what their influence means for the general election.Hannah, Freddie and George also discuss the latest events from the general election campaigns including Vaughan Gethin's confidence vote, more questionable Tory donations and Ed Davey's moving campaign video.See the Left Power List in full here: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2024/06/new-statesman-left-power-list-2024LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer and Sunak went head to head for the first time last night in their TV debate. Did we learn anything new? Not particularly. But the story dominating the headlines today is Sunak's claim that people would pay around £2,000 more in tax if Labour wins the election. He said that figure had been calculated by "independent Treasury officials". Starmer called this "garbage".So who's telling the truth?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by political correspondent Freddie Hayward, and senior data journalist Ben Walker, who also takes us on a deep dive of the polls.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage is back ... what does this mean for the Conservatives and the future of the right in Britain?The team also discuss the Lib Dems pledge for social care, and why the main two parties refuse to talk about this issue which is affecting a high proportion of the electorate.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by political editor Andrew Marr, and political correspondent Freddie Hayward.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour have launched their defence plans, leading with their 'triple lock' which focuses on nuclear submarines and a constant at sea deterrent for the UK. Does this departure from Labour's 2016 stance represent a change in the party or a change in the state of global affairs?Meanwhile, today the Conservatives have focused their energy on the Equality Act and its positioning on gender and biological sex.Hannah Barnes, associate editor at the New Statesman, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could the Conservatives become the third party? Is Ed Davey being too frivolous? Has Rishi Sunak made a huge mistake? And why do we still talk about older people like they're the Second World War generation? Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, answer listener questions and give their campaign highlights thus far. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week down, five to go.The Diane Abbott row continues to be a tricky thorn in Keir Starmer's side, and in the past 24 hours there have been more reports that candidates and MPs have been barred from standing. Is this a purge on the left of the party?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, and Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, also discuss the launch of the Green Party's campaign, who are hoping to win four seats, and today's announcements on VAT and the economy.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Labour announced some bold plans for the NHS, stating that they would clear the Tory backlog in their first time. However this has been completely overshadowed by the mishandling of Diane Abbott's position in the party.This morning, Abbott, who has served as Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since being elected in 1987, has announced that she has been barred by the party from standing in the next general election. By lunchtime Starmer was saying that no decision had been taken to block her from standing for Labour. So what's going on and will this botched stage handling backfire for Labour?Hannah Barnes, associate editor at the New Statesman, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, and Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the next six weeks we’re bringing you new episodes every weekday, with updates on the party campaigns, reaction from around the UK and the best polling analysis with our experts. Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Andrew Marr, political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, to discuss the developments over the busy bank holiday weekend: National Service, Triple Lock Plus, 'Sleepy Keir', and the unravelling of the Conservative party.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political advertising in the UK has been a largely regulated space, that us up until about a decade ago.Historically, political advertising has been banned from broadcast aside from a small allotted period of time in the run up to an election. However, as the times are-a-changin, and technology and advertising formats have evolved, political parties have found and embraced some legal loopholes. Our screens are now awash with political adverts, character attacks, and sometimes factually inaccurate messaging - created and paid for by our government and the opposition.So what does it mean now that our leaders are playing dirty? What can we expect to see in the lead up to the general election? And will this have any effect on voters, or is it just Westminster name-calling?Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined by Jonn Elledge, journalist, author and New Statesman columnist.This episode was recorded prior to the calling of the general election last week.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday we published an investigation by business editor Will Dunn into England's water and sewage crisis. Will joins Hannah Barnes, associate editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, on this episode of You Ask Us to answer some listener questions on the water companies.The team also give their 90:50:10 predictions for this year in British politics.Read: The Great Stink: Britain’s pollution crisisListen: The Great Stink: how England came to swim in sewageSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a day of increasing speculation, Rishi Sunak called the next general election which will take place on the 4th of July. Sadly, for him, he was almost drowned by the pouring rain, and drowned out by the pounding of D:Ream's ‘Things Can Only Get Better', the song widely known as Labour's 1997 anthem.To kick of the New Statesman's general election coverage, the team review yesterday's events, the prime minister's potential motives, and the kickstarting of campaigns.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Freddie Hayward, Rachel Cunliffe, and George Eaton.Have you got a question about the election? Get in touch hereLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fuel poverty is on the rise with millions of households in England having to choose whether to “heat or eat”.Last year, the Government estimated almost 9 million households could be classed as “fuel poor”. This means that, after housing costs, more than 10 per cent of their household income would be spent on heating.Covid supply disruptions and the war in Ukraine have contributed to the problem alongside the UK’s economic crisis. In this episode host Zoë Grünewald is joined by British Gas Energy Trust Chief Executive Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taff, Ashley Comley and Chief Executive Officer of Bromley by Bow Centre, Ellen De Decker. They explore reasons for the sharp rise in fuel poverty, what’s being done to support those in need and what needs to change to ensure Government funding gets through to those who need it most.This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by The British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charitable trust funded solely by British Gas. The Trust offers financial support for vulnerable households and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sea is no longer safe to swim in, tomatoes are growing on beaches from seeds in undigested human faeces, and rivers are awash with pig’s blood. When did everything start to go wrong, and who bears the brunt of this grotesque responsibility? The Great Stink by Will Dunn is this week’s cover story and you can find it hereLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a defection listener questions special.We’ve had lots of questions come in this week about defection, prompted by the surprise and somewhat contentious defection of the once Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, Natalie Elphicke, to Labour last week.To help guide us through Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined in the studio by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor at the New Statesman, and down the line by David Gauke, former Conservative MP for South West Hertfordshire and New Statesman columnist.Read: Do Tory defections to Labour herald a realignment?LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning Keir Starmer has laid out six key pledges for a Labour government, should they win power this election year.So what is the Labour leader promising, and will those promises be kept?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined on the New Statesman podcast by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, and George Eaton, senior editor.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just over a month ago Dr Hilary Cass published her landmark review of gender identity services for children and young people.In her last UK media interview before her team wrap up, she spoke to the New Statesman about the four years it took to compile and complete the review, as well as the reflections she’s had since it was published and criticisms that have been leveled against both her findings and her own professionalism.You can read the accompanying article to this interview here: Hilary Cass: “Do I regret doing it? Absolutely not”LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are any Tories desperate enough to take over as Prime Minister?In our listener questions episode, You Ask Us, Rachel Cunliffe, George Eaton and Freddie Hayward answer your questions on whether any Conservative MPs would really want to take over as PM before the next election, and how on earth they will explain Britain's failing economy during the election campaign.To submit a question, visit www.newstatesman.com/youaskusSubscribe to the New Statesman at www.newstatesman.com/subscribeSign up to receive Freddie's daily politics email, Morning Call: morningcall.substack.comLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The longer the Conservatives hang on, the worse it gets. Last week Rishi Sunak lost 474 councillors, the constituency of Blackpool south, and Andy Street’s West Midlands mayoral. And yesterday things went from bad to worse for Sunak with a surprise defection to Labour from Natalie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal.The Conservatives can’t seem to escape this endless decline in support and popularity. So when did it all start to go wrong, and can they stop the train before it completely derails?Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, is joined in the studio by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and George Eaton, senior editor.Read: The Tory doomscrollLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK is on course for a huge rise in preventable illness. The Health Foundation charity predicts that by 2040, one in five adults will be living with a serious condition, such as cancer, dementia or heart disease. Meanwhile, economic activity is stagnating, with roughly 2.8 million people currently out of work due to ill health, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.Our world-leading life sciences sector has the capacity to help reverse this trend. In 2021 alone, it contributed £43.3bn to the UK economy, and supported 646,000 jobs. With the right investment, it could add an additional £68bn to GDP over the next 30 years, create 85,000 more jobs and result in a 40 per cent decrease in disease burden across the UK.This episode, in partnership with professional services firm PwC, explores how greater investment into vital disease areas such as cancer, obesity and immunology could make British society physically and financially healthier.Emma Haslett is joined by Chi Onwurah, the shadow minister for science, research and innovation; Dr Dan Mahony, chair of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) and the government’s life sciences investment envoy; and Stephen Aherne, pharmaceutical and life sciences leader at PwC UK.If you enjoyed this podcast you can find more of Spotlight's policy reporting in our standalone Spotlight podcast feed, or at newstatesman.com/spotlight  LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is the man poised to be the next leader of the UK. But he is also a man of whom many - including those in his own party - have asked: what does he stand for? Four years after Starmer became leader of the Labour party we know a little more about him. We’ve heard about his childhood, the pebble-dashed semi and his time at the Crown Prosecution Service.But what are the principles behind the man and his project ? What do we really know about ‘Starmerism’? Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, is joined by George Eaton, senior editor, who has written this week's cover story.Read: What is Starmerism?LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a terrible night for the Conservatives who have lost councillors, constituencies, and new Mayoral positions to Labour. Keir Starmer has called this result a sign to move on and for Rishi Sunak to call a general election.So far the Tories have held onto the Tees Valley mayoral position but Labour have won in Rishi Sunak's backyard. So as the rest of the results continue to trickle in, Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Ben Walker, senior data journalist, as they analyse what yesterday's elections, and today’s results, tell us about the UK wants from its leadership.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week ago, Humza Yousaf, first minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, terminated the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. There had been mounting pressure on both Yousaf’s leadership and ending the coalition, but the eventual timing of the termination caused the now former leader to appear panicked and triggered a Scottish government crisis.On Monday, just after 13 months in office, Yousaf resigned, ahead of two no confidence votes. This morning John Swinney announced his leadership to be Scotland’s next first minister, meanwhile this afternoon Kate Forbes has announced that she will not be entering the leadership race.But the SNP was deeply fractured when Yousaf inherited it, would a successor be able to unite it?Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined by Chris Deerin, Scotland editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2022, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees announced that for the first time since records had begun, 100 million people were displaced by war, violence, persecution and human rights abuses.No one wants to leave their home, but for many, the threat of death, danger and destruction leaves them with very little choice. But where can they go? And where will they be met with humanity?Sarah Dawood, senior associate editor at the New Statesman, is joined by former asylum seeker Arman Azadi, who arrived in the UK at 14 years old. After completing school and university in the UK he has worked with charities, governments, and the United Nations to advise on policies concerning displaced children whose lives have been torn apart by war and conflict.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A listener writes in to ask, "Is there any risk of a Conservative - Reform coalition?""Why do journalists not ask “how are you going to pay for it” when it comes to defence spending? Why is Keir Starmer's defence spending target covered so differently to planned green spending?" - another listener asks.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, to answer listener questions.Would you like to ask the team a question? You can do so here!LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Train travel in the UK has become an increasingly painful experience in the past few years. Prices continue to rise at an astonishing rate, meanwhile delays, cancellations and strikes have become the norm. Many have simply given up on this mode of transport.Last night, Labour announced their plan to get Britain’s railways back on track. But what does this mean? And could bringing trains back into public ownership really fix the dire state of rail travel in the UK?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined in the studio by George Eaton, senior editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent. Read: Louise Haigh: Labour manifesto will pledge rail renationalisationLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs have voted to back Rishi Sunak's progressive smoking ban. Can it work?The Tobacco & Vapes Bill includes new legislation to increase the smoking age by one year, every year, banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 1st January 2009. MPs have voted the bill through its second reading and it is now in the committee stage.The tobacco firm Philip Morris International have pledged to move away from selling cigarettes, and instead focus on heated tobacco products. In this episode, Becky Slack is joined by Dr. Moira Gilchrist of Philip Morris International, to discuss the company's plans for a "smoke-free future" and whether Britain - and tobacco firms - really can kick cigarettes for good.This episode was paid for by Philip Morris International. The New Statesman retains full editorial control.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, published his memoir - A Very Private School. This recounted, in devastating detail, the abuse, both mental and physical, that he had been subjected to at his elite prep boarding school. The brutality is laid bare. For centuries in the UK, a private education has been the pathway to opportunity. Today those who attended private schools are five times more likely to hold top jobs in politics, the judiciary, media, and business. Boarding school boys in particular, who represent less than 1% of the population, have been in charge of the country for most of the past 14 years. But at what cost? For both the survivors of these institutions and for the whole country.Read: A boyhood built on fear, The price of private educationLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on the 18th of April, prior to Israel's missile strikes on Iran.Tensions in the Middle East have heightened further after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel last week. This was in response to Israel’s strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria - which killed 16 people. Western leaders came to Israel’s defence and condemned Iran’s attack, but prior to this David Cameron - the UK foreign secretary - had warned that the UK’s support for Israel was ‘not unconditional’. So how have these latest developments divided the government’s stance on Israel’s conflict? And how are Labour planning to act should they come into government amid this war?Anoosh Chakelian, Britian editor at the New Statesman, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, and George Eaton, senior editor.Read: The new Tory divide on IsraelSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics email Morning CallLISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Liz Truss has embarked on the press tour of a lifetime with her new book, Ten Years to Save the West: Lessons from the only conservative in the room. She's been casting blame from the UN to the Bank of England for the failure of her time in office, but does she really believe what she's saying? And how might this affect her standing in the next general election?Anoosh and Rachel also ask Freddie about his recent trip to the National Conservatism conference in Brussels with the likes of Nigel Farage, Suella Braverman, Éric Zemmour, Viktor Orbán, and the Belgian police.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman appMORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.