Daily Politics from the New Statesman

Stephen Bush, Ailbhe Rea and Anoosh Chakelion discuss the government's plans for a prosecution amnesty over the Troubles and why no party in Northern Ireland is particularly happy. They also look at Keir Starmer's new improved operation.Then in You Ask Us, they answer a question on whether in the wake of the Euro 2020, the Conservative party will stick with culture wars?If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss England’s performance in Euro 2020 and what it says about the country feels about itself.Then in You Ask Us, they answer your question whether the Liberal Democrats are a policy desertLISTEN 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.

Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss whether Labour will be able to avoid the usual difficult summer for Opposition parties, and how the loosening of covid restrictions goes will have an impact.Then in You Ask Us, they take your question on why the parties are so bad at picking by-election candidatesIf you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

Anoosh and Stephen discuss the future of the Labour party and how Andy Burnham might fit in to that.Then in You Ask Us, they take your question on who has a better grasp of Englishness: Keir Starmer, Boris Johnson or Gareth SouthgateIf you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

Anoosh and Ailbhe discuss the upcoming Batley and Spen By- Election and why many in Labour think it's not going well for the party.Then in You Ask Us, they take your question on who's doing a better job: Keir Starmer or Boris Johnson To submit a question to You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

Anoosh and Ailbhe discuss the fallout from the Matt Hancock affair and the appointment of Sajid Javid as the new Health Secretary.Then in You Ask Us, they take your question on the troubled future of Keir Starmer's Labour party leadership.To submit a question to You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us keep making these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for £12.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.

Anoosh has been reporting in Batley and Spen ahead of the by-election on 1st July. Here she talks to Stephen Bush and Ailbhe Rea about the mood on the ground, and why George Galloway is posing a problem for Labour.Then, in You Ask Us, Ailbhe, Stephen and Anoosh take your question on Keir Starmer's reshuffle of his top team: was it a sign of weakness, or strength?To submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

Following the Liberal Democrat by-election victory in the "Blue Wall" seat of Chesham and Amersham, Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe dissect the Conservative post-vote blame-game and discuss what the upset means for the party.In You Ask Us, they also look ahead to the Batley and Spen by-election and answer your - many - questions about Keir Starmer's future as opposition leader should Labour lose the seat.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe discuss the Chesham and Amersham by-election. Ailbhe reported from the constituency shortly before the by-election, and here talks through the impact the result will have on the electoral strategy of the UK political parties.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions about Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick: after a report into the unsolved murder of Daniel Morgan depicted the Met as the cause of petty and bureaucratic obstructions to the inquiry, why is Ms. Dick still in post?If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us keep making these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for £12.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 the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea explore the ongoing scandal of flammable cladding which continues to trap over a million people in dangerous tower blocks. Will it take another tragedy for the government to take notice?In You Ask Us, they take your question on the Northern Ireland protocol. What is Boris Johnson's end game?To submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

As Boris Johnson and Joe Biden meet for their first bilateral summit ahead of the G7, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss the impact the US President could have on the UK's attitude to the Northern Ireland protocol.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your question on the government's culture war strategy.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us keep making these podcasts - you can get 12 weeks for just £12. Subscribers also get early access to an ad-free version of the New Statesman podcast, released 12 hours ahead of our public feed.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.

Ahead of the Speaker's decision on holding a vote over the planned cuts to the UK foreign aid budget, Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss the coalition of Conservative rebels who could make life difficult for the Treasury.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on the Prime Minister's religion: does it matter that Boris Johnson is a Catholic?If you'd like to submit a question to You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us to keep making these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for just £12.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.

Stephen Bush and Anoosh Chakelian discuss the acquittal of two former police officers charged with perverting the course of justice by allegedly altering police statements to an inquiry after the Hillsborough disaster.Now a judge has ruled there was 'no case to answer' since the inquiry was 'an administrative exercise' and the accused were not under oath at the time, Stephen and Anoosh ask: what is the point of public inquiries?Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on Keir Starmer's emotional appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

As Westminster reels from Dominic Cummings' excoriating critique of the government's pandemic response, unleashed with full force during Wednesday's marathon select committee hearing, Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe dissect the former senior adviser's claims.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on whether the civil service – so maligned by Cummings  – is adequately represented in journalism.If you would like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman to recieve ad-free early access to these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for just £12 at www.newstatesman.com/subscribe12LISTEN 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.

As Westminster braces for Dominic Cummings' appearance at the Health and Science select committee over the Government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss whether his claims - previewed in a rambling, 50-tweet thread - are worrisome... or, indeed, surprising.Then in You Ask Us, they take your questions on why Liz Truss remains popular with the Conservative grass roots.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] the New Statesman helps us keep making these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for just £12.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's approval ratings dipped this week into dangerous territory - falling below both David Cameron's and Ed Miliband's after the same time in office. On this episode, Stephen and Anoosh discuss why the Labour leader should be concerned about this, and what the party should do about it.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on whether a progressive alliance would be a good idea in upcoming by-elections.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

As lockdown restrictions ease in England, Wales and much of Scotland, the country is grappling with a new variant of Covid-19. On this episode, Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss the messaging around unlocking and how the spread of the Indian variant exposes the government's shortcomings.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on what the new dividing lines in British politics will be.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] the New Statesman helps us keep making these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for just £12.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.

Reunited in the studio for the first time in over a year, Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss Tony Blair's dramatic Labour Party intervention in which he claims that 'without total change, Labour will die'. In You Ask Us, the team take your questions on whether the Greens can become the third party in UK politics.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] reading:New Statesman editor Jason Cowley: does Tony Blair really believe he can lead the change Labour needs?Stephen Bush: Who can supply the direction Keir Starmer lacks?Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep making these podcasts. Get 12 weeks for £12 at www.newstatesman.co.uk/subscribe12You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World Review 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 the second of two episodes looking at the results of the May 6 elections, Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe are joined by Chris Deerin to dissect the consequences of the results in Scotland. In You Ask Us, they're joined by polling expert Ben Walker to discuss the wider picture of the local votes around the UK.In the first part of this double episode, the team talk about the fallout of the elections for Labour, and what the reshuffle means for Starmer's leadership. If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

As the dust settles on Keir Starmer's mystifying reshuffle of the Labour party following the local elections, Stephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe discuss what it all means.In an extended 'You Ask Us' they take on as many listener questions as possible from the deluge the New Statesman received in the wake of the election results.This is part one of a two-part special. In part two, the team talk to Chris Deerin about the Scottish results, and Ben Walker about local elections across the UK.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] 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.

As the UK heads to the polls on 'Super Thursday', Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe discuss the things they are most interested to learn from this wide-ranging vote.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on whether Labour are setting out a positive view of their plans for the UK.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewLISTEN 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.

Chris Deerin hosts the fourth and final special Scottish Election episode of the New Statesman podcast, featuring an interview with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and analysis from Ben Walker, Dani Garavelli and the Spectator's Alex Massie.Read Chris Deerin's full interview with Nicola Sturgeon on NewStatesman.comWatch the full conversation with Nicola Sturgeon See the latest polling data in the New Statesman's Scottish independence poll trackerStephen, Anoosh and Ailbhe will return in Thursday's episode of the New Statesman podcast. To submit a question for 'You Ask Us' please email [email protected] courtesy of the BBCWatch the full BBC Leaders' debateWatch interviews with smaller party leaders in The Campaign--Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Contact the team at [email protected] Deerin is on Twitter at @ChrisDeerinBen Walker is on Twitter at @BnhwMore audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewLISTEN 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.

Anoosh, Stephen and Ailbhe are joined by data journalist Ben Van De Merwe to discuss the New Statesman's exclusive research showing how many years of life the UK has lost to Covid-19.Ailbhe is in Hartlepool where she's been following candidates on the campaign trail in a decidedly 'un-electiony' election.And You Ask Us, who will replace Arlene Foster as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party?If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers. 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.

Chris Deerin's guest this week is Kate Forbes, SNP Cabinet Secretary for Finance and young star of the independence movement.She responds to the Institute of Fiscal Studies report which claims the manifestos for the May 6th Scottish Parliamentary elections are united by a "lack of credibility".Also, New Statesman polling analyst Ben Walker joins the podcast to discuss the latest developments in the campaign.See the latest polling data in the New Statesman's Scottish Election poll tracker: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/scotland/2021/04/scottish-independence-poll-tracker-will-scotland-vote-leave-uk--Watch the IFS presentation with the University of Glasgow here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2TvXc8LSjo&t=181sSee Anas Sarwar dance to Uptown Funk here: https://twitter.com/GordonMcKee_/status/1385935122038415360?s=20Douglas Ross' rendition of Atomic Kitten's 'Whole Again' courtesy of @STVnews: https://twitter.com/STVNews/status/1386701339225378817Clips from the #NextLeaderofScotland debate courtesy of Channel 4. Watch the full debate online here: https://www.channel4.com/news/nextleaderofscotland-debate-scotlands-5-main-party-leaders--Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Contact the team at [email protected] Deerin is on Twitter at @ChrisDeerinBen Walker is on Twitter at @BnhwMore audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewLISTEN 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.

Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea address the ongoing public war of words between Boris Johnson and former advisor Dominic Cummings.They discuss allegations (which Number 10 have denied) that the Prime Minister said he'd rather let "bodies pile high in their thousands" than go into a third national lockdown - and why questions over who paid for Downing Street's refurbishment could prove more damaging than anything else.Then, in You Ask Us, the team take your questions on why protests over the Super League weren't policed as agressively as the Sarah Everard vigil.If you'd like to submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers. 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.

Can Labour make lasting political capital from Boris Johnson's texts with James Dyson?Stephen Bush and Ailbhe Rea discuss the fallout of leaked texts from the Prime Minister's phone, and whether it is an effective opposition attack line.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on whether we're heading for a poll on a united Ireland.To submit a question for You Ask Us, please email [email protected] to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers. 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.

Chris Deerin, the New Statesman's Scotland editor, hosts a special edition of the New Statesman podcast.In this episode Chris is joined by Ricky Ross and Darren McGarvey, both musicians and activists for the case of Scottish independence, to discuss the state of the independence movement and why so many artists seem to be in favour of a second referendum.Also, regular New Statesman podcast host Ailbhe Rea joins Chris to discuss the Westminster view of the Scottish campaigns. Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Contact the team at [email protected] Deerin is on Twitter at @ChrisDeerinAilbhe Rea is on Twitter at @PronouncedAlvaMore audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewLISTEN 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 announcement that 12 European football clubs intend to form a 'super league' occupied the top of the news agenda for most of the day on Monday.Why does football - a game designed for entertainment, predominantly followed by men - occupy such a significant place in Britain's public discourse?In this episode of the New Statesman podcast, Stephen Bush and Ailbhe Rea discuss the place of football in news, politics, and political reporting.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on why Britain seems unable to attract a high calibre of mayoral candidate compared to other countries.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions via email: [email protected] can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 lobbying scandal rumbles on, enveloping senior civil servants as well as MPs - and Labour are determined to make this a story about 'Tory sleaze'.In this episode Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss whether public outrage over the story is at a tipping point, and what damage it might do to the Conservative establishment.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on the local authority mayoral elections.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions via email: [email protected] can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 Scottish parliamentary elections are likely to be pivotal for the future of the United Kingdom. So, New Statesman Scotland editor, Chris Deerin, is hosting four bonus episodes in the lead up to the vote on May 6th. Chris will be joined by some familiar voices from the New Statesman team, as well as guests from the world of Scottish politics.In this episode Chris dissects the results of the STV Leaders Debate with the New Statesman's polling supremo Ben Walker, and is joined by Blair McDougal to discuss how the SNP's 14-year incumbency presents an opportunity for an 'insurgent' opposition to make gains.Clips courtesy of STV. The STV Leaders Debate is available to stream on demand via STV player.Stay up to date with the latest polling - visit the New Stateman's Scottish Election poll tracker here:https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/scotland/2021/04/scottish-independence-poll-tracker-will-scotland-vote-leave-ukSubscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Contact the team at [email protected] Deerin is on Twitter at @ChrisDeerinBen Walker is on Twitter at @@bnhw_More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewPeople mentioned in this episode:Nicola SturgeonDouglas RossAnas SarwarAlex SalmondBoris JohnsonTopics discussed:Scottish electionsHolyroodSNPScottish LabourScottish GreensConservativesScottish IndependenceIndependence referendumBrexitLISTEN 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.

Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss what the Greensill lobbying scandal means for British politics, and why the problem isn't going away. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on the national response to the death of Prince Philip: is modern Britain ready for the death of Queen Elizabeth II?Plus: introducing our new Scottish election special episodes, hosted by New Statesman Scotland Editor, Chris Deerin.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions via email: [email protected] can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea look at Keir Starmer's first year leading the Labour party and offer their assessment of his performance. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your question on whether the recent violence in Northern Ireland was inevitable.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' report and whether they can find coherence in its findings and proposals. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your question on the latest polling ahead of the Hartlepool by-election.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea are joined by a very special Guest Stephen: Armando Iannucci. They discuss his piece in the spring special of the New Statesman on the role of Prime Minister at 300, whether The Thick of It has poisoned British politics, and how he's been celebrating the return of the rule of six.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss Alex Salmond launching his new party, Alba, the implications for Scottish voters, and whether Salmond's return to the political arena is appropriate. Then, in You Ask Us, they look at a weekend of briefings about a potential reshuffle to Keir Starmer's top team.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.People discussed in this episodeAlex SalmondNicola SturgeonKeir StarmerAnneliese DoddsBoris JohnsonTopics discussed in this episodeSNPScotlandScottish IndependenceUKAlba PartyLabour PartyLISTEN 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 the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss the concerns around the government's ambiguous hints at a vaccine passport system for the hospitality sector. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on what difference the year's delay will have made to the upcoming local elections.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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.

Protests in Bristol against the controversial police, crime, sentencing and courts bill erupted into violence over the weekend. In this episode, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss what impact this might have on the progress of the bill through parliament.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on the selection of Dr. Paul Williams as the Labour candidate for the Hartlepool by-election.***Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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.

Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea are joined by former Business Secretary and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Vince Cable, to discuss his new book on how politicians have shaped economic policy, as well as Labour and the Lib Dems in the age of covid, and the West's response to China. Then, in You Ask Us, the gang answer your questions on why the government seems to be preparing to increase its nuclear arsenal.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.People in this episodeSir Vince CableStephen BushAnoosh ChakelianAilbhe ReaDiscussed:Joe BidenDonald TrumpXi JinpingEdward RooseveltBoris JohnsonKeir StarmerEd DaveyTopics in this episode:EconomicsUK politicsInternational politicsLabour PartyConservative PartyLiberal Democrat PartyGeneral electionChinaLISTEN 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 the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss the distressing scenes on Clapham Common as police clashed with people attending a vigil for Sarah Everard. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on where Labour should be positioning on the contentious issue of policing.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss the launch of Labour's local elections campaign and their prioritisation of increasing the 1% 'pay rise' offered to nurses. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your question on whether the Tories are starting to regret choosing Shaun Bailey as their London mayoral candidate.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea, somewhat reluctantly, give their takes on the explosive revelations from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Then, in You Ask Us, they answer your question on why the government keeps setting themselves up for U-turns.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea look back at yesterday's budget announcement and what the implications might be. Is austerity back? Has Rishi Sunak got one over on Boris Johnson? And how should Labour respond? Then, in You Ask Us, they take your question on whether Nicola Sturgeon can continue as First Minister after the Alex Salmond inquiry.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss the election of Anas Sarwar as the leader of Scottish Labour, and whether he can turn things around after Richard Leonard's disappointing tenure. Then, in You Ask Us, they answer your question about whether potential Shadow Chancellors are on manoeuvres against Anneliese Dodds.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush and Anoosh Chakelian discuss the anticipated corporation tax changes ahead of Rishi Sunak's budget announcement, as well as what Labour's response could be. Then, in You Ask Us, they try and explain what's going on in Scotland with the Alex Salmond inquiry.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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.

Boris Johnson has outlined his four-step plan to bring the UK out of lockdown. The Prime Minister announced pupils will return to schools on 8 March, with rules relaxing in phases thereafter. If strict criteria are met, all restrictions on social contact could be lifted by 21 June. On this episode of the New Statesman podcast, Stephen Bush and Anoosh Chakelian look at the plan and read between the lines of Boris Johnson's choice of language. Then, in You Ask Us, they tackle your questions on the seeming mismatch between the drugs policies of major parties and public positioning on that issue.More from the New Statesman:Stephen explains why new Covid-19 variants are the greatest threat to Boris Johnson's lockdown roadmap.Martin Fletcher writes that Boris Johnson must now announce a public inquiry into the UK’s Covid-19 catastrophe.Martha Gill asks: how did the government get duped by the myth of "freedom loving" Britain?Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea are joined by the NS's Special Correspondent, Harry Lambert, to discuss his cover feature on the future of the BBC. Then, in You Ask Us, they take your question about whether Keir Starmer's big speech had real policy substance or was just a sop to the commentariat. Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss the latest chapter in the campus free speech saga. Then, in You Ask Us, they tackle your question of whether Ed Balls' stellar performance on Celebrity Best Home Cook shows he could've achieved more in politics.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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 today's episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss housing secretary Robert Jenrick's narrow offer to leaseholders affected by the cladding crisis brought on in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire and the resultant inquiry. Then, in You Ask Us, they take on your question about why the Liberal Democrats are lagging behind the Greens in current polling.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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.

Rachel Reeves, the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has made an intervention calling for an end to the government’s “outsourcing obsession”. She’s accused the government of handing £2bn of coronavirus contracts to Conservative friends and donors and wasting hundreds of millions of pounds on faulty equipment that can’t be used. Ailbhe has interviewed Ms. Reeves exclusively for the New Statesman, and on this episode of the podcast Ailbhe joins Stephen and Anoosh to discuss the cronyism controversy, and the former shadow work and pensions secretary's return to the front benches. Then, in You Ask Us, they clear up some of the confusion surrounding factionalism and in-fighting within the Scottish National Party.Subscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12.Read more on the New Statesman:Ailbhe's interview with Rachel Reeves MPStephen argues that the apparent polling surge for the Green party matters more for the Liberal Democrats than the Labour party.James Meadway writes that long-term Covid could mean long-term Conservative rule.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewIf you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.Topics in this episode:coronaviruscovid-19government spendingoutsourcinggovernment contractsthe labour partythe conservative partyScotlandthe SNPPeople mentioned in this episode:Rachel ReevesBoris JohnsonKeir StarmerMichael GoveEd MilibandDavid CameronNicola SturgeonAlex SalmondLISTEN 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.

As Stephen writes in his latest political column, a concensus is growing among the commentariat that Keir Starmer is not up to the job. But does this underestimate the gains he’s made outside of the Westminster bubble?On this episode of the New Statesman Podcast, Stephen Bush, Anoosh Chakelian and Ailbhe Rea discuss why this matters for the future of Starmer’s leadership.Then, in You Ask Us, they take your questions on whether Labour needs to embrace flags, veterans and dressing up smartly.We'd love to hear from you.Send us your You Ask Us questions at youaskus.co.uk.You can follow Stephen Bush on twitter @stephenkb. Anoosh Chakelian is @Anoosh_C and Ailbhe Rea is @PronouncedAlva.More audio from the New Statesman: listen to our weekly global affairs show World ReviewSubscribing to the New Statesman helps us keep producing this podcast. You can now subscribe for 12 weeks for just £12. Visit newstatesman.com/subscribe12If you are a New Statesman digital subscriber you can get ad-free access to this podcast by visiting newstatesman.com/nssubscribers.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.