
Politics At Sam and Anne's
383 episodes — Page 5 of 8

Starmer holds fire on Trump’s Liberation Day
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy present their guide to the day ahead in British politics. It’s a big day and nobody quite knows how it’ll end. President Trump will share the details of his tariff plan about 9pm UK time. As we record, the message from the UK government stays the same – it’s a cool and calm approach, talks continue and no retaliation immediately. But is tonight’s Rose Garden moment really about economics - or more about international power dynamics? Also today, it’s the last PMQs before Easter so a chance to seek some clues about how Keir Starmer is feeling about any deal.

Are you in the right cabinet gang?
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look ahead to the day in British politics.There's a cabinet meeting this morning - so it's a good time to discuss the dynamics around that table and why who is in what WhatsApp group matters. And what are the potential repercussions of one gang being in favour and another being out of favour?Meanwhile, as Donald Trump's tariffs 'liberation day' looms, what sort of expectation management is the UK government conducting?Are ministers having to water down some of their more hopeful signals on what deal they'll get?

Has Starmer played Trump right?
Your morning politics digest with Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy. Ahead of “liberation day”, when Trump’s new tariffs come into effect, how can and will the UK respond? And what does it mean for Starmer’s broader relationship with the US president? And as Donald Trump appears to be changing his messaging on Putin, how much credit can the UK take? And what does it all ultimately mean for a Ukrainian peace deal?

Trump undermines Rachel Reeves' big day
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy debrief on Rachel Reeves's spring statement - with the added twist of Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on all imported cars. The chancellor has planned to get her fiscal headroom back to £9.9bn with warnings that her buffer looks too small against global events - and, right on cue, the US president has upped his trade war.So is the economy stuck in a "doom loop" or is there a narrative that things could still "go okay" for Labour? Sam and Anne also discuss the re-emerging rumour that the prime minister is on the lookout for a senior economics adviser - and if the Labour rebellion gets bigger and louder with those harsher welfare cuts.

Spring statement: Reeves' eleventh hour blackhole
It's spring statement day – a bigger day than the Treasury probably ever wanted it to be – but definitely not a budget.With Chancellor Rachel Reeves on course to break her own fiscal rules, she'll lay out how she intends to find billions of pounds of extra savings. At the eleventh hour, it looks like welfare cuts will be tougher than first thought – with a hit on Universal Credit.Sam and Anne outline what the calculations are likely to be and how the chancellor will handle the day. And beyond today – if there's no glimmer of growth by the end of the year, how would she approach the autumn budget? Could that be where raising taxes is the only option?

Starmer’s 8 days to convince Trump
Your morning politics digest with Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy. The countdown to Trump’s tariff ‘Liberation Day’ continues with the UK looking at its options ahead of announcing any trade deal. Is abolishing Britain’s digital services tax still one of the most likely moves? That’d mean missing out on hundreds of millions from the likes of Meta and Amazon. Elsewhere, with Rachel Reeves struggling to shake off the story about her Sabrina Carpenter tickets before the Spring statement, there’s another story to trouble the cabinet this morning. There are reports that Angela Rayner wanted to tag a private safari tour onto an official trip. Does it all matter? Sam and Anne start the morning with a disagreement.

What's in Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement?
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy present their guide to the day ahead in British politics. With two days to go until the Spring Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been fighting off talk that she is taking Britain back to austerity. Over the weekend she confirmed plans to cut Civil Service running costs by 15% and her statement is expected to unveil further savings.Reeves could also be on course to break the foundational promise of her Chancellorship - her own fiscal rules. What corrective action is she expected to take? And what else can we expect to hear from the Chancellor on Wednesday?

Badenoch v Farage: I’m a Celeb slapdown
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy present their guide to the day ahead in British politics. As Kemi Badenoch launches her local election campaign, is Nigel Farage right, would a stint on I’m A Celebrity help the Tories' chances?And, why Keir Starmer is continuing to market himself as the securocrat PM.

The Trump-Putin friendship goes on ice
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy present their guide to the day ahead in British politics. Keir Starmer’s team spend the day trying to work out how the Trump-Putin phone call really went down. Could the UK end up sending more military support to Ukraine before any pause in fighting? The idea of an ice hockey game apparently came up on the call – Anne has an important history lesson on that. Around Westminster, it’s PMQs but the Labour charm offensive to convince its backbenchers of its welfare reforms goes on.

Kemi breaks the net zero spell
Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy present their guide to the day ahead in British politics. It’s a big day for more than one reason. We know the details of the government’s welfare reforms will finally come this afternoon. Before that, this morning, Kemi Badenoch will say the UK’s target of hitting net zero by 2050 is ‘impossible’. How will Labour make their arguments in response – and will that be a new test for the Keir Starmer-Ed Miliband dynamic? On welfare, Sam and Anne go through the new details we’ll hear today. And it sounds like changes to PIP payments will need legislation.

The Starmer backlash
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.With Chancellor Rachel Reeves's spring statement fast approaching, Labour faces a major challenge from its own backbenchers ahead of an announcement to restrict some sickness and disability benefits. Sam and Anne discuss the stakes for Sir Keir Starmer and the plausibility of a party rebellion.Plus, it's classroom war over schools and academies, as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson comes under pressure over her plans to shake up curriculums. But why is the schools bill causing such a stir?

When is Keir Starmer's first reshuffle?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. It’s crunch time for Keir Starmer’s government. With rumours of a cabinet reshuffle rife - when might it take place? And who’s on the chopping block? This at a time when a rebellion over planned cuts to the welfare budget is brewing. Sam and Anne also explain how the subject of civil service reform is in fact very interesting – Keir Starmer will want to take note. Today he’ll apparently be announcing changes to defence spending, AI, and radical reform of the state. WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Starmer and Trump – best of frenemies?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. Tariffs are back on the agenda for this morning’s episode – the US has put them on all steel and aluminium imports, including those from the UK. How do ministers respond now? Does it go any further than the stiffly worded statement from business secretary Jonathan Reynolds? And as the US and Ukraine await Russia’s response to the proposal for a 30 day ceasefire, what is the role of the Starmer government at the moment – and what are the negotiating tactics at play? WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Keir the builder - can he fix it?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. Bats, pylons, and planning reforms - how far is Keir Starmer willing to go to achieve the growth and infrastructure he’s promised, and will Labour’s new reforms help the UK get there? And what has the fallout been after Mike Amesbury announced his resignation, triggering a by election in Runcorn? And over in Riyadh, ahead of peace talks over the war in Ukraine, how significant a role has Keir Starmer’s National Security advisor Jonathan Powell been playing? WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Farage gets tough
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. With Zelensky heading to Saudi Arabia to join US sponsored peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Sam and Anne assess the UK’s response to any concessions Ukraine might be made to make to Russia. And with Mark Carney waiting in the wings to take over from Prime Minister Trudeau in Canada, how will his premiership differ and how will he respond to Trump’s threat of tariffs? Domestically, Labour’s wish for economic growth is well known, but do their planning reforms go far enough to get it? And speaking of Reform - as their internal rows rumble on, Anne and Sam discuss what the latest intervention from an unnamed KC means for the party. WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Fire alarm in the classroom
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. As Matt Wrack, a former hard-left firefighter is endorsed as the the next leader of one of the two main teaching unions Sam and Anne discuss the fall out for the government. Mr Wrack who is the preferred candidate for the NASWT is a former general secretary of the fire brigade's union, but he has no professional educational background. They also discuss the ongoing conversations about defence spending and how Europe will protect itself as both Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer spend their day on defence visits. Plus are there plans to remove President Zelensky from office? Anne has been speaking to members of the Ukrainian government. WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

The plan to save Rachel Reeves
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. The domestic agenda is key today with some hints starting to emerge about what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is planning in her Spring statement in three weeks' time. Sam reveals details of a four-point plan to get big government announcements out there before the statement itself. Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, may or may not help her preparations when he appears before the Treasury select committee today. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Trump tanks Starmer’s plan
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. President Donald Trump has just pulled the plug on US military aid to Ukraine, leaving Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders scrambling to respond. Just yesterday, the prime minister was praised in the House of Commons for his diplomatic efforts, will he now be forced to rethink his approach?In today's episode, Sam and Anne unpack the decision, the ripple effects on European defence, and whether Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron can convince Trump to reverse course.Plus, new polling shows Labour are back in the lead, but is Sir Keir losing focus on the domestic agenda?You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

The case for and against Keir Starmer’s intervention
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. After an extraordinary 96 hours on the world stage, Sir Keir Starmer faces his next challenge: a grilling from MPs in the Commons. In today's episode, Sam and Anne break down how the prime minister positioned himself at the heart of the Ukraine crisis, seizing the moment as mediator between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, hosting a major European summit, and shaping the "coalition of the willing".But how does Starmer's performance play outside Britain? Anne reports from Berlin on how he is viewed in Europe, while Sam lays out the key questions MPs will throw at him today.Plus, Sam and Anne outline what to expect from the rest of the week, from defence spending to farmers' protests and yet another leasehold reform plan.You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Starmer to walk Trump tightrope
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Tim Ross have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. Keir Starmer is in Washington today to meet Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine and Europe’s long-term security. Tim and Sam assess what Keir’s approach might be and what he might actually be able to do. Will he - can he - take Macron’s recent approach of flattery and charm, or will he take a firmer line? Also, ahead of European leaders meeting at Lancaster House on Sunday, Sam and Tim discuss Britain’s increased importance on the European stage as America takes a step back. Plus, Sam and Tim outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

New slogan, same Starmer?
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Poltico’s Anne McElvoy hold their hands up on this episode – that they didn’t see Keir Starmer’s big defence announcement coming yesterday morning. The plan to shift defence spending to 3% of GDP (and a new Downing Street podium slogan) is a pivot for the PM. Sam and Anne discuss the reasons behind it - is this all about having enough to say to Donald Trump in Washington this week? Or is there a glimmer of the vision for Blue Labour Starmer showing through too? They also go over the reaction to the cuts to the international aid budget and whether the politics of that move could be easier for Labour than people might think. Elsewhere, NHS England needs a new boss – will that be the gateway for the reforms which Wes Streeting has talked about? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Kemi v Boris
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. It’s vibes versus facts on the Tuesday episode. Vibes – Downing Street seem happy with the Trump-Marcon meeting. Facts – didn't the US just side with Russia on UN resolutions on Ukraine? Also on this episode – is it the current Tory leader or a previous one getting the most attention at the moment Kemi Badenoch gives a speech on foreign policy today – but has it been overshadowed by Boris Johnson’s comments that “complete untruths” are being said about Ukraine by the Trump administration? And, will today’s speech offer a reset moment for the Tory leader? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Trump makes Starmer’s life harder
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. On the third anniversary of Ukraine’s invasion, Sam and Anne take stock on the milestone’s significance for global politics. With transatlantic tensions remaining, from a controversial UN vote to high stakes talks at the White House, they break down the fresh wave of sanctions and domestic drama. How will Starmer manage Trump when he visits later this week? And conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz received the highest vote share in the German elections over the weekend, securing his place as the country’s next Chancellor. What impact will he have on Europe's political landscape? Plus, Sam and Anne outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Can Starmer save Ukraine?
Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.Although it's recess, Sam and Anne explain why this week could be a major moment in British politics as they discuss whether the Transatlantic alliance has collapsed. Anne shares her insider analysis from the Munich Security Conference where Ukraine was top of the agenda, and Sam breaks down what the implications from the dramatic conference are for Britain. Plus, they outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Happy Birthday Rachel Reeves
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves starts her birthday with good news – the economy grew slightly at the end of last year, according to the early showing of official figures. So where does the glimmer leave her big plan for growth? And what can we read into how the Tories are responding – and who’s responding for them? And, ahead of the Munich security conference, we discuss some of the UK reaction to Trump and Putin’s Ukraine phone call. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Heathrow’s long take-off
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Growth spends another day on the agenda – as Heathrow gets ready to announce multibillion pound expansion plan. How feasible are some of the proposals and the timescale for them? At the same time – there’s a warning to Rachel Reeves that her fiscal plans could mean a squeeze on spending. And who’s the person up for the borders watchdog job who's based in Finland? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Starmer vs bats
Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Today they discuss the sudden major changes to the assisted dying bill from MP Kim Leadbeater which means cases would not need signing off by a High Court judge and whether this could change how MPs vote on the bill. Plus, Sam has been investigating whether Keir Starmer can really deliver his promises to end future bat tunnels. They also discuss the latest on Trump, and friend of the podcast, Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig, shares his exclusive story on a well-known bar in Westminster. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Trump, tariffs and Germany: Do populists rule the world?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.Overnight, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into America would come into affect "soon". Sam and Anne discuss what this could mean for the UK which imports 10% of its steel to the US and whether reverse tariffs could be on the cards.Meanwhile, as Kemi Badenoch celebrates 100 days as Conservative party leader, Sam shares what senior Conservative MPs make of her impact to date. Plus Anne and Sam ask if there are any lessons to be drawn from Germany as far-right chancellor candidates clash in a TV debate.You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Starmer goes nuclear
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Sam and Anne discuss Starmer’s plans to break down barriers to building nuclear reactors in the UK, and Kemi Badenoch’s new proposals for stricter immigration rules in a possible bid to win back voters moving towards Reform. Elsewhere, Jonathan Powell, Starmer’s National Security Advisor, goes to Washington to discuss plans for the Chagos Islands. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Trump raises Starmer’s least favourite subject
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Today, the fallout from President Trump’s claim that the US should take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians, and how Labour might respond. Gabriel Pogrund of The Sunday Times sheds light on Starmer's approach to the Middle East via his WhatsApp correspondence. Elsewhere, Labour are trying to keep their plans for flood defences on the agenda, and control the narrative around the Chagos Islands. And is Rachel Reeves going to have to breach her own fiscal rules? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Is Keir Starmer Trump's new bestie?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Overnight, President Trump decided paused tariffs on Canada and Mexico but pressed ahead with imposing them on China. They've retaliated by putting imports on American gas, coal, oil and farming equipment. But will be the consequences for the UK? Sam and Anne discuss how the UK maps outs its position and asks if the UK could come out on top of this global shootout thanks to Brexit and if a limited US trade deal could be on the card within months. Meanwhile, could this be the start of a new era of three party politics as Reform come out on-top of YouGov poll for the first time.

Starmer dodges tariffs... But for how long?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Donald Trump has been speaking about Keir Starmer and tariffs overnight - announcing the UK would stay tariff free 'for now', hours before our PM heads to Brussels to attend the first summit since Brexit. Sam and Anne discuss what's on the agenda at the EU summit including what the UK government actually want from Brussels post-Brexit and what the EU is actually prepared to give us.Meanwhile Bridget Phillipson will be making her first speech as education secretary ushering in a “new era on school standards” but will this quell criticism for No.10 or just cause more if it? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

John Prescott and the pork pie
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Dan Bloom look at the day ahead in British politics. The Labour party has descended on Hull for the funeral of John Prescott. Sky News' chief political correspondent Jon Craig had many a run-in with the former deputy prime minister and shares some of his best stories - including one involving a pork pie. Elsewhere, Sam and Dan look at the reaction to Rachel Reeves’ big economy speech and Sam bemoans government embargoes. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Is Rachel Reeves ignoring the North?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Today's the day for Rachel Reeves, as she aims to get the economy growing with a big speech this morning. There's the heavily trailed backing of a third runway at Heathrow, as well as the news this morning the government is breathing fresh life into another big project in the south of England - the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. How will it go down with her party around the country?And while the chancellor aims to put the boosters under the economy, the government is reeling from a damaging defeat to its own Rocket Man. Overnight, peers went against the government to give the creative industries greater protection from AI firms using their work to train models without pay. Labour's election mega supporter Sir Elton John was one of many stars to back the amendments to the government's bill. Is the government Alright For Fighting on this?You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Questions over assisted dying
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. As Rachel Reeves puts the finishing touches to her big speech on boosting economic growth tomorrow, new pension rules mean 'trapped surplus funds' can be invested in the wider economy – something proposed by her predecessor Jeremy Hunt. Elsewhere, there is a backlash over a leaked internal Home Office report which has advised widening the definition of extremism to include environmentalists, the far left and men prejudiced against women. And how could the assisted dying law work? Sam and Anne preview the appearance of England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty before MPs scrutinising the bill. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

The week Starmer hands control to Reeves
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. The week beings on Holocaust Memorial Day, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. For that reason, there are no big government announcements today, but Sam and Anne will take you through Westminster’s agenda for the week – a big one for Rachel Reeves. The future of the economy is likely to dominate again with the chancellor giving a speech on Wednesday. An announcement on a third runway at Heathrow is expected. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been praising Sir Keir Starmer after a long chat and Sam and Anne breakdown just how important that is. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Starmer versus the blockers
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Dan Bloom look at the day ahead in British politics. Today Sir Keir Starmer is on the NIMBY offensive to boost economic growth, with plans to reduce the number of times people can go to the courts to block infrastructure schemes. The government hopes it will mean projects like nuclear power stations, wind farms and railway lines can call get built quicker. But can they do it and will it work? Meanwhile with latest borrowing figures surprisingly high, Rachel Reeves is still under a lot of pressure to meet her fiscal rules. But Sam explains why welfare cuts won’t help her at the spring statement. The biggest news of the day though will of course be the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana for the Southport murders. With more details of his horrific crimes to be revealed then, Sam and Dan discuss the continuing political fallout. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

The Rachel Reeves fightback
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Anne is in Davos where Rachel Reeves is kickstarting her economic fightback. The chair of the Competition and Markets Authority has been moved on and there are big moves on AI, nature and unemployment. But will it all create the growth the chancellor is desperately seeking? Meanwhile, back in Westminster, how will Sir Keir Starmer fare in his first PMQs since Axel Rudakubana's guilty pleas over the Southport attack? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Starmer addresses Southport failings
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.Anne is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where powerful figures in finance convene. Sam and Anne unpick President Donald Trump's inauguration announcements of executive orders and their potential impact on UK trade and politics.And Sam and Anne discuss last year's Southport murders and the failures that fueled nationwide unrest. They break down Axel Rudakubana's guilty plea, the political fallout, and what it means for the government. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: [email protected]

Trump upends everything
On the day of Donald Trump's second inauguration, Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard have their guide to the day ahead in both British politics, and politics across the pond. So how is Trump 2.0 going to influence the UK? Can Sir Keir Starmer’s government work with President Trump?And with Peter Mandelson due to start as our ambassador to the US, Sam has the inside track on how he got the job. But will the MAGA crowd block his appointment?Meanwhile, what will the UK government slip out on the day when nobody is listening?You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Jack leaves Sam
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard have their guide to the day ahead in British politics – for one last time, because Jack has some big news. Once that’s out of the way, Sam and Jack turn to the state of the UK economy. With growth sitting around zero - what could be about to happen? And how tricky is this going to be for Chancellor Rachel Reeves? Meanwhile, why is prime minister focusing on artificial intelligence? You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Is Keir Starmer really in control?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard are back for 2025 with their guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. How are global events like Trump's moves, China's policies, and the world economy shaping UK politics? Foreign Secretary David Lammy hopes to show Labour and Sir Keir Starmer are in the driving seat - Jack and Sam discuss if he can.Chancellor Rachel Reeves's fiscal rules are under scrutiny, with concerns of higher taxes or spending cuts on the horizon, as she jets off to China with the governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey. And Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to tackle people smuggling - is it realistic?You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Has Rachel Reeves run out of money?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard are back for 2025 with their guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. The economy is back in focus today in Westminster, if borrowing continues to rise, will more department spending cuts have to follow? The Conservatives are putting forward their amendment to the Children's’ Wellbeing Bill as groom gangs, and the man really driving the agenda, Elon Musk, continues to be hotly debated. And will accounts of SAS executions in Afghanistan get a mention in MPQs? You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

How Elon Musk took over British politics
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard are back for 2025 with their guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. As the prime minister attacked those spreading misinformation online about child grooming gangs, how will the backlash from his opponents roll on?The Conservative Party is attempting to force a vote on a new national inquiry into child sexual exploitation, but does it have any legs? The government is already planning to tighten the law in its upcoming Crime and Policing Bill. And, how do you solve a problem like Elon Musk? You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Can Keir Starmer silence Elon Musk?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard are back for 2025 with their guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. The drama is also back - with Elon Musk causing more than a stir in British politics after changing his mind about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. It comes after Musk launched an attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his safeguarding minister Jess Phillips over their handling of past grooming gang cases. How can the government respond to the richest man in the world's running commentary on British politics? Also - the prime minister launches the government's full plan for the NHS this morning, but can it really bring down waiting lists? You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

What will happen in 2025?
On this special episode, Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard preview the year ahead in politics. They predict what Nigel Farage will be up to in 2025, weigh up whether things could look better for the economy and discuss what Kemi Badenoch has up her sleeve. Plus, how will the UK government handle the return of President Trump? You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Starmer's pre-Christmas grilling?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard share their daily guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes.As parliament winds down for recess, Jack and Sam have also reached the final day of the term. They discuss the challenges facing Keir Starmer before his debut at the liaison committee - will his own party give him a tougher time than the Tories?And following a lacklustre PMQs on Wednesday, Jack and Sam look at Labour's plans for NHS reform, housing, and the economy. Are they holding up under scrutiny?You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Will train strikes derail Keir Starmer?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard share their daily guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. Today is the last PMQs before Christmas and Jack and Sam discuss how Keir Starmer is leaving things in Westminster, including an RMT strike on Avanti West Coast planned for the end of the month and into next year. The pair discuss the current state of Britain's rail network and how essential it is for the prime minister to follow through on his promise to fix the country's trains. Plus, could one of the biggest donations in Britain's politics be on the way to Reform after Nigel Farage met Elon Musk at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago mansion?You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Starmer's Final Foreign Trip
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard share their daily guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. As the Prime Minister makes his final foreign trip of the year to Estonia, Jack and Sam discuss foreign policy and Trump’s possible plans for Ukraine, and his views on what’s happening in Syria. Plus, Sam reveals Labour’s controversial plans for AI regulation, and explains why the creative industries are very concerned. You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]

Starmer and the ‘Spy’
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard share their daily guide to the day ahead in politics in under 20 minutes. Will MPs name the alleged spy who links China with the royal family? What did the Prime Minister know about “H6”? Why can’t they be named? And what does this story mean for Keir Starmer’s plan to “reset” relations with China? Plus, Angela Rayner plan’s to overhaul local government. You can send a WhatsApp to Jack and Sam on 07511 867 633 or email them: [email protected]