Politics Weekly UK

With A&E departments at breaking point and the NHS on its knees, what is the government doing to repair the health service? Will it be enough? John Harris hears from an emergency medicine doctor about the dire situation on the ground, and speaks to our political correspondent Kiran Stacey about Labour’s plans to put things right. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at just how serious warnings about the UK’s financial position really are, and what this means for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Plus, why the government is hoping AI could be the magic bullet that revives our economy. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

This episode talks about grooming, rape and trafficking, which some listeners might find upsetting. The government has resisted calls for another inquiry into grooming gangs. But with questions still unanswered, are survivors getting the justice they deserve? And why has the issue become so politicised? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff and Observer columnist Sonia Sodha to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are back in Westminster. This week, they discuss the tech billionaire Elon Musk’s fascination with UK Politics, and how much it matters. Plus, Labour’s new plan for the NHS.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s John Harris gives his top book, music and TV recommendations from 2024.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Politics Weekly UK is taking a break over Christmas. John Harris will be back on Thursday 2 January with his cultural highlights, and in the meantime you can listen back to our previous episodes here.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s Politics Weekly Westminster hosts, political editor Pippa Crerar and correspondent Kiran Stacey, to look back at 2024 and ahead to what 2025 might bring. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the news that a Chinese businessman has been accused of spying. Just how widespread is state-backed espionage in Westminster, and what does it mean for the UK’s relationship with China? Plus, Angela Rayner reveals the government’s white paper on devolution. Could this be the end of the district council?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The UK government has announced it is suspending Syrian asylum claims, after the fall of the decades-long Assad regime. So, what will happen to the Syrians who have made the UK their home? The Guardian’s John Harris hears from one woman settled in Yorkshire. And political correspondent Kiran Stacey joins us to talk through what Rachel Reeves’s spending review reveals about Labour’s priorities. This year the Guardian and Observer’s annual charity appeal is asking for your support to help individuals whose lives have been turned upside as a result of conflict. We’re partnering with War Child and MSF to help support individuals affected by the horrors of war, providing assistance from emergency aid to psychological support. Plus, we’ve also teamed up with Parallel Histories who help schools teach children about contested conflicts. If you can, please donate now at theguardian.com/donate24. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss how the UK government will approach the change of regime in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. And, how deep are tensions between the Labour government and the civil service, and should we be viewing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK as the unofficial opposition? This year the Guardian and Observer’s annual charity appeal is asking for your support to help individuals whose lives have been turned upside as a result of conflict. We’re partnering with War Child and MSF to help support individuals affected by the horrors of war, providing assistance from emergency aid to psychological support. Plus, we’ve also teamed up with Parallel Histories who help schools teach children about contested conflicts. If you can, please donate now at theguardian.com/donate24. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Green party made history in the general election, winning four seats for the first time. But how much will it be able to achieve in parliament when facing the gravity of the climate crisis? The Guardian’s John Harris sits down with Carla Denyer, the Greens’ co-leader and MP for Bristol Central, to ask her what comes next for the party. Because of industrial action taking place by members of the National Union of Journalists at the Guardian and Observer this week, we are re-running an episode from earlier in the year. For more information please head to theguardian.com. We’ll be back with new episodes soon.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at why the government is laying out their ‘plan for change’ five months in. Also, after being voted through the Commons, what next for the historic assisted dying bill?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

As MPs prepare to vote on a bill that would, for the first time, pass assisted dying into UK law, what are the arguments on either side? The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to two campaigners: Liz Carr, an actor and disability activist who believes the bill would endanger many marginalised groups, and Mark Mardell, a broadcaster who thinks the legislation doesn’t go far enough.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss how Rachel Reeves’s budget has upset businesses, as the annual CBI conference takes place. Plus, what is the government’s plan for the welfare state and getting Britain ‘back to work’?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Thousands of farmers descended on Westminster this week, to protest against changes made in last month’s budget over inheritance tax. The government claim that this will affect a small minority of farms. But with slim profits and many farmers saying it will spell the end of their businesses, has the government got it wrong? The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to some of those protesting against the changes, and environmental correspondent Helena Horton Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Keir Starmer’s attempts to reset the UK’s relationship with China at the G20. Plus, rows flare in the Labour party over the assisted dying bill. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

After Donald Trump has announced his new defence secretary to be the former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, John Harris speaks to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh, who is in Ukraine. Plus, at Cop29, Ed Miliband has said the green transition is unstoppable even with Trump as president. Is he right? John speaks to the former Green party leader Caroline Lucas Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at the impact of president-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the US on the Labour party, defence, trade and international relations. Plus Kiran heads to the Cop29 climate summit Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Donald Trump is going to be president of the United States for a second time. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Jonathan Freedland, the columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, from Washington DC to ask how so many polls failed to predict his win. And back home in the UK, the political correspondent Kiran Stacey joins John to look at Kemi Badenoch’s first PMQs as leader of the opposition.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at Kemi Badenoch’s plan to get the Conservatives back in power, and consider what she will be like as an opposition leader. Plus, with the US election on Tuesday dominating headlines, how might the UK government be feeling about a possible Trump second term? Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Rachel Reeves has finally laid out Labour’s spending plans in the party’s first budget in almost 15 years. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey to discuss the fallout. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to Rachel Reeves’s budget. Can Labour persuade the country it is on the right track or will criticism of broken election promises on taxes dominate? Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Ahead of the budget next week, the Guardian’s John Harris is in Birmingham, where the city council in effect declared itself bankrupt in 2023. He spends time with people struggling with the severe spending cuts and asks what will happen if the chancellor Rachel Reeves does not offer more financial support Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at Wes Streeting’s plan for a ‘national conversation’ on NHS reform. Plus, with the budget just 9 days away, there is plenty of speculation on what will be in it and how departments are reacting to more cuts Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced a private member’s bill on assisted dying for terminally ill adults. John Harris speaks to her about whether her proposed legislation is the right path, and discusses the benefits and flaws of assisted dying with the columnist Polly Toynbee, who has long argued for a change to the law Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at the government’s international investment summit, and how talk of slashing ‘red tape’ is going down among Labour MPs. And, after the death of the ex-SNP leader and former first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, what will his legacy be? Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick will be the next leader of the Conservatives, after MPs selected the pair to go to a final vote before party members. But who will survive the rough and tumble of Tory hustings? Plus, Morgan McSweeney is now all-powerful in Keir Starmer’s top team – but is this reset enough to stop the chaos in government? John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political correspondent Kiran Stacey to explore these issues Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/politicspod. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss what led to the resignation of Keir Starmer’s chief of staff. Plus, the Conservative leadership candidates go from four to two this week as Tory MPs vote before the final decision goes out to the membership. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Conservative leadership hopefuls took to the stage for the Tory party conference finale on Wednesday. John Harris is joined by the Guardian political correspondent Kiran Stacey to discuss how they performed. Plus, John goes around the hall to see what the mood is really like. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are in Birmingham this week for the Conservative party conference, where the four leadership candidates will get plenty of time to show off their credentials. Plus, Keir Starmer is dealing with international and domestic crises at once, can he cope?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Keir Starmer has made his first conference speech as prime minister, hoping he can persuade the country there is light at the end of the tunnel. But did it work? John Harris talks the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and political correspondent Kiran Stacey after the speech. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are in Liverpool this week for the Labour party conference. Can the government shake off headlines about donations and internal rows? Plus what is the mood really like in the ranks?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The row over ‘frockgate’ continues to trouble the prime minister this week, while his decision to visit his far-right Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, has upset many in his party. The Guardian’s John Harris talks to the political correspondent Aletha Adu, who was travelling with Keir Starmer. Also, the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, Jon Henley, joins John Harris to look at the rise of the far-right on the continent. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk about Keir Starmer’s trip to Rome to meet Italy’s far-right PM, Giorgia Meloni, and discuss migrant boat crossings. Plus, Pippa is in Brighton for the Lib Dem conference. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The government saw off a rebellion over its plans to cut winter fuel allowance this week. John Harris speaks to Caroline Abrahams from Age UK about what this winter will look like for millions of pensioners losing out. Plus, he talks to columnist Rafael Behr about whether the technocrats (Starmer and Reeves) are taking the Labour party in the wrong direction. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk about Labour’s first big test in parliament over their winter fuel payments policy. Plus, will Keir Starmer’s trip to Washington be awkward after his decision on arms licences to Israel?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London was the result of ‘decades of failure’ by central government, the public inquiry into the catastrophe has found. The Guardian’s John Harris looks at the findings of the report with the social affairs leader writer Susanna Rustin. And, as Labour continues to warn ‘things will get worse before they get better’, we are joined by the economists James Meadway and Ann Pettifor to discuss whether a painful period of austerity-lite is the only way through the storm. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk about whether Labour can move away from the doom-and-gloom messaging and towards a more hopeful tone? Plus, MPs will get their first chance to vote on leadership contenders this week. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Green party made history in the general election, winning four seats for the first time. But how much will it be able to achieve in parliament when facing the gravity of the climate crisis? The Guardian’s John Harris sits down with Carla Denyer, the Greens’ co-leader and MP for Bristol Central, to ask her what comes next for the party. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Politics Weekly UK is taking a break for the summer. John Harris will be back on Thursday 29 August, and in the meantime you can listen to our previous episodes here. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s John Harris gives his review of the best books, music and TV from 2024 so far. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Far-right mobs have continued to threaten communities this week, with violence expected at asylum centres and law firms on Wednesday night. Keir Starmer has said he wants sentences handed out by the end of the week to those already arrested but does this leave the root causes of the violence untouched? Gaby Hinsliff speaks to the Guardian’s deputy political editor, Jessica Elgot, and Nazir Afzal, the former chief prosecutor for the north-west of England. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Merseyside police have said members of the far-right English Defence League took part in the riots in Southport on Tuesday night. The clashes followed the spread of misinformation and hatred online after three children were killed in a knife attack. John Harris talks to the Guardian correspondent Hannah Al-Othman, who is in Southport. Plus, our political editor Pippa Crerar’s exclusive report on bullying allegations against the Conservative party leadership frontrunner Kemi Badenoch. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Keir Starmer has suspended seven of his MPs who rebelled against the whip to scrap the two-child benefit cap. So why won’t Labour scrap the controversial limit, and what does this first test of Starmer’s leadership tell us about the party’s financial position? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff and former Downing Street chief of staff and Conservative peer Gavin Barwell to discuss the issue. Plus, the Conservative leadership race begins. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the US presidential race and whether the honeymoon period that Keir Starmer is enjoying will last. Plus, are the Tories really going to wait until next April to elect a new leader?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

There were more than 35 bills in Labour’s first king’s speech. So what does it tell us about the party’s ambitions? And with world events turning darker, can the euphoria around the Labour party last? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the implications for UK politics. Plus, a preview of the king’s speech. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are on two sides of the Atlantic this week. They discuss Keir Starmer’s first foreign trip, and whether the Conservatives can find the soul of their party. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to the first week of the new Labour government. Plus, Pippa is going to be in Washington with Keir Starmer on his first foreign trip as prime minister. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Labour has won a landslide victory, with Keir Starmer saying ‘change begins now’. Is this a new era for the country? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>