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Political Fix

Political Fix

609 episodes — Page 8 of 13

Conservative anger grows over Covid crisis, and should statues be pulled down?

Tory ministers and MPs were furious this week at Downing Street’s refusal to ease the 2m social distancing rule to boost the ailing economy. Will Boris Johnson go against the advice of his scientists and relax it? And is the new track-and-trace programme working as planned? Plus, we discuss the Black Lives Matter protests, the defenestration of Edward Colston in Bristol and whether the UK is descending into a lively debate about its past, or a depressing culture war. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 13, 202031 min

Quarantine fallout, queueing in parliament, chaos at the top and the UK’s offer to Hong Kong

Boris Johnson’s government found itself confused this week about why it was introducing a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals in the UK. Ministers and MPs warned it would undermine the economy, while scientists said it was not required. So why is the prime minister pushing ahead with it? Plus, we discuss the farcical scenes in parliament, the reopening of pubs and restaurants this summer and Britain’s offer to the people of Hong Kong. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 6, 202030 min

The battle to save Dominic Cummings and the launch of test and trace

Westminster has been engulfed by the extraordinary row over Boris Johnson’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings and whether he broke the UK’s lockdown rules. How long will he now stay in government? Why did the prime minister go to extraordinary lengths to save his adviser? And what does it tell us about the state of Downing Street and the Conservative party? Plus, we discuss the launch of the government’s Covid-19 contact-tracing scheme and look forward to lockdown easing next week. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 30, 202028 min

School wars, tracing app woes, Boris Johnson’s health charge U-turn and back to Brexit

The government found itself in a mess this week over whether schools can return on June 1, with teaching unions and local authorities arguing it is not safe. What does it say about the plans for lockdown easing? Plus, we discuss the continued tribulations with the NHS’s contact-tracing app, the prime minister’s rapid U-turn on the health service surcharge, his PMQs clash with Labour leader Keir Starmer and the return of Brexit to the political agenda. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 23, 202028 min

Johnson’s easing plan begins, mixed messaging and the rising cost of furlough

Boris Johnson revealed his gradual plan for taking the UK out of lockdown, but his government’s new strategy was undermined by confused messages. Why has Downing Street struggled this week? Is the prime minister favouring white-collar workers over blue? Plus, we discuss Rishi Sunak’s decision to extend the expensive furlough scheme till October and whether he can avoid mass unemployment. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Laura Hughes and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 16, 202027 min

Slowly easing the lockdown, rising costs and how Keir Starmer will lead Labour

Boris Johnson will finally set his exit strategy this weekend, but any changes will be gradual and limited. Why is the prime minister reluctant to move quickly? We also discuss why the government is failing to continue to meet its 100,000 target for coronavirus tests, growing concerns from the Treasury about the cost of the shutdown and Keir Starmer’s interview with the FT about how he intends to make the Labour party electable again. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 9, 202028 min

Boris Johnson returns, lifting the lockdown with the R rate and Britain’s alarming death rate

The prime minister returned to Downing Street this week and began to set out how the lockdown will end. Why is Johnson relying on the science and the R rate? Are businesses and Britons ready to go back to work? Plus, we discuss the 100k tests-a-day target, why the UK’s death toll is surpassing other European countries and why Labour leader Keir Starmer is being cautious in his criticism. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 2, 202025 min

Coronavirus latest: hitting 100k daily tests, tracing our contacts and Boris Johnson returns

The UK government is confident of reaching its target for daily Covid-19 tests by the end of April, but why is it still struggling to use its capacity? Is the NHS ready for nationwide contract tracing through volunteers and a new app? Plus, we look at what the prime minister faces when he is back in Downing Street, what can be done to help struggling small businesses and how the new Labour leader Keir Starmer performed at his first PMQs. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sarah Neville and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 25, 202026 min

Coronavirus latest: Lockdown extended, exit strategies at home and in Europe and Brexit delay ruled out

Dominic Raab, standing in for Boris Johnson while the prime minister recovers from Covid-19, announced this week another three weeks of social distancing. What can Britain learn from other European countries as they begin tentatively to ease their lockdowns? Plus, we discuss the government’s hardline stance on an extension to the transition period to leave the EU, and what Brussels thinks of it. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Ben Hall. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 18, 202026 min

Coronavirus latest: Boris Johnson in hospital, a route for our lockdown and Keir Starmer’s first week

The health of the prime minister has dominated this week, as the prime minister was admitted to intensive care suffering from Covid-19. Can foreign secretary Dominic Raab fill his shoes? Will the Quad of ministers be important in his absence? Plus, we discuss how and when the UK can exit the lockdown and what Keir Starmer has done in his first week as Labour leader. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 202029 min

Coronavirus latest: Struggles with testing, the blame game begins and Labour’s new leader

The coronavirus crisis deepened this week as Boris Johnson’s government battled to increase the levels of testing, or explain why the UK is having such problems. Who is to blame? We also discuss why chancellor Rishi Sunak is having to provide extra help to small businesses and what Keir Starmer will do if he is elected Labour leader today. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 202024 min

Coronavirus: Britain in lockdown, Johnson tests positive, Sunak's help for self-employed

The prime minister addressed the nation and put Britain in lockdown at the beginning of the week after persuasion alone proved failed to keep people apart. By the end of the week Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock, health secretary, tested positive themselves. Can he run the country from isolation? Plus, we discuss concerns over the shortage of testing kits and PPE for NHS staff. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Clive Cookson and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 202029 min

Coronavirus latest: Johnson’s U-turn, Sunak’s fiscal stimulus and a London lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson significantly upped the UK’s action to tackle coronavirus this week with stringent new social distancing measures, while the chancellor unveiled a huge economic stimulus to keep the economy going. We also discuss the prospect of a London shutdown, how the NHS is coping and how Mr Johnson is coping with the crisis. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sarah Neville and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 202031 min

Rishi Sunak’s debut Budget as coronavirus ramps up

The new chancellor delivered his first Budget this week and pulled off a complicated, uncertain fiscal event. Has he defined what Johnsonism is? How does the Conservative party feel about the big spending increases? And how will it all be paid for? Plus we discuss Boris Johnson's decision to increase the UK's efforts to combat coronavirus, why No10 is relying on behavioural scientists and taking a different approach to the virus from other countries. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris GIles, Laura Hughes and Sarah Neville. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 14, 202039 min

Dealing with coronavirus, the collapse of Flybe and Priti Patel v the civil service

The rapid spread of coronavirus has dominated this week's political agenda, as Boris Johnson tried to grapple with the crisis. Has the government shifted out of campaigning mode and into governing? We also discuss the collapse of Flybe and what it means for the government's levelling-up agenda. Plus, we discuss the resignation of senior civil servant Philip Rutnam and what is to blame for his clashes with home secretary Priti Patel. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Laura Hughes, Miranda Green and special guest Jill Rutter. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 7, 202037 min

Q&A on Scotland, Ireland, Boris Johnson, on business and more

The second part of our first live podcast from Bracken House. Our panel answers questions from listeners on whether we’re heading for a united Ireland, what will happen in the next Scottish elections, whether politics is becoming too cultish, what Bernie Sanders would do for a UK-US trade deal and much more. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 29, 202036 min

Brexit mandates, civil service wars, the Budget and Labour leadership

The first part of our first live podcast from Bracken House. We discuss the UK and EU’s mandates for the negotiations and whether the talks could collapse before they’ve even begun, Priti Patel’s rows with civil servants, what Rishi Sunak will do in his first Budget and how Keir Starmer will lead the Labour party. Presented by Sebastian Payne with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 29, 202045 min

Brexit hostilities resume, and a new immigration system unveiled

The UK and the EU presented somewhat different approaches to the Brexit trade talks this week, with Brussels and London disputing what kind of deal can be struck. Are the parties too far apart or is there a landing zone for an agreement? Plus, we discuss the government’s new immigration system, the policy thinking behind it and whether businesses should be worried. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Brunsden and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 22, 202027 min

Sajid Javid quits, Rishi Sunak rises, and the all-new cabinet

Boris Johnson’s first major cabinet reshuffle did not go to plan this week, as Sajid Javid abruptly quit as chancellor over a row about his advisers. We look at the tension between No 10 and No 11 Downing Street, Javid’s replacement Rishi Sunak, and what lies ahead for the Budget. Plus, we’ll examine the other hirings and firings in the cabinet. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 15, 202031 min

The next opening salvo of Brexit, a crisis for the SNP

The UK and the EU unveiled their mandates for the trade talks this week, setting out the dividing lines for striking a deal this year. Are the sides irreconcilably split, or is there a path towards an agreement on the three key issues? Plus, we discuss the Derek Mackay scandal engulfing the SNP in Scotland — are their hopes of secession in danger? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, Ben Hall, Laura Hughes and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 8, 202029 min

Brexit day finally arrives, and will Boris Johnson back HS2?

The UK has left the EU, three and a half years after the referendum result. What has been the mood leading up to departure day, will anything actually change and how will Boris Johnson define Britain's future position in the world? Plus we discuss the High Speed 2 railway project and why it has been drastically mismanaged. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Gill Plimmer​. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 202028 min

Chancellor Sajid Javid talks up the economy, and what’s next after Brexit Day

UK chancellor Sajid Javid has been in Davos with the world's rich and powerful this week, talking up the UK economy post-Brexit. Is there good news on the economy, and is there more to him than a very junior partner to Prime Minister Boris Johnson? Brexit Day is next Friday, but that doesn't mean it'll all be over. We discuss what happens next - expect a roller-coaster year. Presented by Miranda Green, with Robert Shrimsley, David Bond, Delphine Strauss and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 25, 202023 min

What the EU Brexit negotiations might bring, and how the Labour leadership race is hotting up

What line is Brussels likely to take in the next phase of talks now Prime Minister Boris Johnson has his mandate to act tough? Keir Starmer is ahead in the competition to replace Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn but Rebecca Long Bailey and Lisa Nandy are making their marks. Plus, a discussion of the FT’s profile of the powerful Dominic Cummings in No 10. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Jim Pickard and Sam Fleming.Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 18, 202020 min

Keir Starmer leads the Labour leadership race, Boris Johnson hits his first Brexit obstacle

The contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn is well underway, with Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long Bailey in poll position. Can any of the other candidates halt their momentum? Who will make it on the ballot paper? Plus, we discuss Ursula von der Leyen’s first encounter with Boris Johnson and how he might tackle alignment in a future trade deal. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 202034 min

Interview special: James Blitz

After 28 years at the FT, Whitehall editor James Blitz looks back on his time as political editor and defence editor, and the stories he has covered - including Tony Blair’s election victory, the Iraq war, the fights with Gordon Brown, the future of the armed forces, the civil service and Brexit. Presented by Sebastian Payne and produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 4, 202031 min

Interview special: Lionel Barber

After 14 years of editing the Financial Times, Lionel Barber discusses British politics over the last three decades - including the fall of Margaret Thatcher, her relationship with Ronald Reagan, the first Conservative wars over Europe, the rise of New Labour, the financial crisis, Brexit and Boris Johnson. Presented by Sebastian Payne, and produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 28, 201932 min

Another Queen’s Speech, another Brexit vote - plus Labour leadership latest

Parliament returned this week and Boris Johnson delivered on his election pledge of voting on Brexit legislation before Christmas. We discuss what lies ahead for the government’s programme, the new Bank of England governor and the mini cabinet non-reshuffle. Plus, we examine the latest in the Labour leadership race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon’s efforts to push for another Scottish independence referendum. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shirmsley, Jim Pickard and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 21, 201935 min

Election 2019: Boris Johnson's crushing victory for the Tories

With a majority of 80, Boris Johnson has delivered the Conservative party’s best performance in three decades. With such a significant mandate, the UK is now leaving the EU and the political landscape has been ripped up. We unpick the election result, the key moments throughout the night, its implications for Brexit, the future of the Labour party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Nationalists, the future of the union and more. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard, Laura Hughes and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 13, 201940 min

Midweek update: the final campaign days

Boris Johnson endured some of the most difficult days of the campaign to date, as he struggled to deal with an NHS crisis in Leeds. Will it knock him off course? Plus, we discuss Jonathan Ashworth's leaked comments, why the Liberal Democrats are miserable and how the Conservative campaign is going in target seats in the north of England. Presented by George Parker with Sebastian Payne and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 201915 min

Election week four: Boris Johnson dodges the BBC, Labour’s minority government plans, more reports from the stump

The last full week of the UK’s election campaign was dominated by Boris Johnson’s failure to turn up to an interview with Andrew Neil, yet another anti-Semitism row in Labour and the Brexit party descending into more infighting. We analyse all the latest developments, plus we discuss our exclusive interview with John McDonnell and what is happening on the campaign trail in Kensington and Peterborough. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, George Parker, Jim Pickard and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 7, 201936 min

Midweek update: Conservative nervousness

As the campaign enters the final week, the Conservative party is eager to ensure its lead is not knocked off course. Prime Minister Boris Johnson must hope US president Donald Trump does not destabilise his chances of re-election, and that neither Friday's TV debate nor a collapse in the Liberal Democrat vote produce a boost for the Labour party. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 201918 min

Election week three: trouble for Labour, the big poll and tales from the stump

The UK's general election continued as the opposition Labour party struggled with anti-Semitism and its economic platform. A major new poll suggested the Conservatives are on course for a comfortable majority, but will the polls themselves stop that from happening? Plus, we discuss how the campaign is looking for the Liberal Democrats and Labour from the key seats of Golders Green and Northampton South. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Ben Hall. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 30, 201932 min

Midweek update: Labour enters choppy waters on racism and economics

An unprecedented intervention from the UK’s chief rabbi has knocked Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign off course. A disastrous BBC interview also raised questions about his party’s economic credibility. Can the leak from UK-US trade talks put Labour’s campaign back on track? Plus, we look at the Conservatives’ manifesto, which has already almost been forgotten. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 27, 201919 min

Week two of the election - Labour's radical manifesto and on the road in marginal seats

The second week saw Labour propose sweeping tax and spend changes, the Liberal Democrats struggle to make an impact and the inconclusive first TV leadership debate. We discuss whether the sums made public so far add up and look ahead to the Conservatives' manifesto, too. Plus, we hear what the voting public is saying in marginal seats around the country. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Sebastian Payne and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 201930 min

Midweek update: First TV debate, Lib Dem and Labour manifestos

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn survived their first head-to-head encounter but neither candidate to be prime minister scored major points or made much headway. Plus, we discuss the manifestos from the Liberal Democrats and Labour and where the opposition parties sit in the campaign. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Clips from the ITV debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 201922 min

First week of the election, Labour's big broadband pledge

The first week of campaigning is over, but none of the parties have made much progress. Boris Johnson struggled with the floods, Nigel Farage tied himself in knots on where to stand candidates, Jo Swinson tried to cut through and Jeremy Corbyn unveiled a radical policy to offer free broadband for all. We examine all their campaigns and what might happen next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 201934 min

Midweek update: the Brexit party's dilemma

Nigel Farage's decision to stand down his candidates in Tory-held seats was intended to help the Conservatives, but should he stand them down in Labour marginals, too? How is Jo Swinson going down on the doorstep, and who is winning in the Labour-Tory battle over spending? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 201918 min

Shaky election start for Tories, and ripping up spending rules

The first week of the election did not go to plan for the Conservatives, as their campaign was beset by gaffes and mistakes. Can Boris Johnson get back on track? Is Labour pleased with how its campaign is going, despite the resignation of Tom Watson? Plus, we delve into the new fiscal rules pledged by both parties and what the spending splurge means. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Chris Giles and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSwinney.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 201932 min

Boris Johnson calls the election, moderate Tories flee

The prime minister finally succeeded in calling a general election this week, so Britain is heading to the polls on December 12. How is the campaign going to shake up? How did the launches for Labour and the Brexit party go? What will be the key themes? Plus, we discuss why so many female moderate Conservatives are quitting politics and the changing face of parliament. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 201931 min

Boris Johnson's tumultuous Brexit week, another attempt at an election

The prime minister introduced legislation to parliament this week to deliver Brexit. It may have passed a vote in principle, but the government's rapid timetable for implementing it was rejected. Why did Boris Johnson not agree a slower implementation? And why is he now pushing once again for a general election? We examine the bill, the parliamentary arithmetic and the scenarios of what might happen next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, James Blitz and Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeny.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 201932 min

Boris Johnson's new Brexit deal: what’s in it, how it was struck and will it pass parliament

After a week of intense diplomacy with the EU, Boris Johnson brokered a new withdrawal agreement - without the troublesome Irish border backstop but with a contentious customs border in the Irish Sea. He lost support from the DUP, but does it have a chance of passing parliament? We dig into all the details and drama. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, James Blitz and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 201931 min

The Supreme Court's historic decision on prorogation, Labour and Tory conferences

The highest court in Britain ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament was unlawful, with parliament unexpectedly returning this week. What are the constitutional implications of this landmark decision? What is the Commons planning to do now? And has our political rhetoric become too toxic? Plus, we review a radical Labour party conference, its latest convulsions on Brexit and radical policies on the environment - and look forward to the Tories' gathering next week. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jane Croft, David Allen Green, Laura Hughes, Jim Pickard and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 201933 min

The big Brexit breakthrough? And is Downing Street dysfunctional?

After months of stalemate, a Brexit deal suddenly became increasingly possible after an unlikely breakthrough between Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar on the Wirral this week. What sort of new deal is being cooked up? Can it pass parliament? And will it be ready for October 31? Plus we discuss whether 10 Downing Street is dysfunctional or if the apparent chaos surrounding Dominic Cummings is planned. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 201928 min

Boris’ big Brexit proposal and are the Tories ready for an election?

As the Conservative’s annual conference came to a close in Manchester, Boris Johnson made his bold play on Brexit - proposing the long-awaited ideas to replace the infamous Irish border backstop. Does it have any hope of gaining favour with the EU? And is another Brexit delay inevitable? Plus we’ll be reviewing Boris’ first conference as Tory leader and look at how ready the party is for an election later this year. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 201930 min

Boris Johnson v the Supreme Court and Lib Dems v Labour

Brexit returned to the Supreme Court this week as judges and lawyers debated whether Boris Johnson legally prorogued parliament earlier this month. We discuss what arguments were made and what will happen if the government loses. Plus, we look back at the Liberal Democrats' conference, whether its new Brexit policy will help the party at the next election and how Labour might respond. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Jane Croft and David Allen Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 201930 min

Can Boris Johnson pull a Brexit deal out of the hat, and what excitement will the party conferences bring?

The government is accused of not doing enough preparation to rescue a deal but there are rumours of movement on the Northern Ireland backstop. Plus, as the conference season opens, we discuss who might emerge stronger or weaker - Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson or Nicola Sturgeon. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, David Bond, James Blitz and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Janina Corboye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 201930 min

Boris loses control, what happens next and Labour’s plans for government

The prime minister lost control of his Brexit strategy this week, as parliament forced no deal off the table, 21 Tory MPs rebelled and were ejected from the party. Will Johnson be successful in forcing a snap election? Plus we discuss Labour’s plans for government, the radical redistribution of assets and when it wants Britain to go to the polls. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, James Blitz, Jim Pickard and Chris Giles - plus special guest Maddy Thimont Jack. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 201937 min

Boris Johnson prorogues parliament, what happens next?

The prime minister announced plans to shut down parliament for five weeks this autumn to thwart efforts to stymie his Brexit strategy. Was it wrong, clever or unconstitutional? And what does it mean for legislative efforts to avoid a no-deal Brexit? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and James Blitz of the FT - plus Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 201933 min

Boris Johnson meets EU leaders, and the latest no-deal warnings

The prime minister set off on his first visit to world leaders, meeting Angela Merkel in Germany and Emmanuel Macron in France. What was his Brexit message - and has anything changed? Plus, we discuss the leak of the Operation Yellowhammer document. Presented by Sebastian Payne with James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 24, 201925 min

Prime Minister Jeremy Corbyn's caretaker government?

The Labour leader announced plans this week to form a temporary government to avoid a no-deal Brexit, appealing to other opposition MPs to back his efforts. But he was soon rebuffed by the Liberal Democrats and independents who don't trust him in office. Does this plan to stop a no deal have any chance of success? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and guest Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 17, 201922 min