Politics Weekly UK

With the world watching in horror as a hospital in Gaza was hit, is this a turning point for Israel and Palestine? The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff hears from Médecins Sans Frontières, and talks to the Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland and the former Middle East minister Alistair Burt. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Keir Starmer has laid out his vision for a Labour party in power. The Guardian’s John Harris is at the conference in Liverpool, with the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and columnist Polly Toynbee UK politics live – latest updates. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Rishi Sunak has confirmed the Manchester leg of HS2 will be scrapped and replaced with transport projects in the Midlands and the north. But with the Conservative conference dominated this week by Priti Patel dancing with Nigel Farage, Liz Truss being treated like a rock star and endless tributes to GB News, has the Conservative party been taken over by rightwing populism? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Suella Braverman has grabbed headlines yet again, this time with her speech saying the west faces an ‘existential threat’ from immigration. And after more than a decade could HS2 finally be running out of road? The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff is joined by political correspondent Kiran Stacey and North of England editor Helen Pidd. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Rishi Sunak watered down some of his key green policies on Wednesday. Gaby Hinsliff discusses the changes with the Guardian’s political correspondent Aletha Adu. And as the Guardian launches its Europe digital edition, Gaby is joined by Europe correspondent Jon Henley to look at how politics is shifting, at home and on the continent. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The government has been rocked by allegations of a Chinese spy working in the heart of Westminster. The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to political editor Pippa Crerar and defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh about what this reveals about both our relationship with China, and factions within the Conservative party. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

What a first week back for Rishi Sunak: Gillian Keegan can’t stop making gaffes as schools continue to find out if they have unsafe concrete in their buildings. The Guardian’s John Harris and Gaby Hinsliff speak to a headteacher whose school is affected. Plus, the Guardian political reporter Aletha Adu discusses what’s going on behind the scenes with Labour’s reshuffle. 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 7 September, 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>

Politics Weekly UK is taking a break for the summer. John Harris will be back on Thursday 7 September, 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>

Politics Weekly UK is taking a break for the summer. John Harris will be back on Thursday 7 September, 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>

Politics Weekly UK is on holiday for the next couple of weeks. But we’ve chosen some of our favourite interviews from this year for you to listen to. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Keir Starmer’s Labour party looks closer to power than at any point over the past 13 years, but where is the sense of optimism and vision for the future? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political reporter Aletha Adu and columnist Polly Toynbee. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

As images of wildfires, heatwaves and typhoons spread across the world, the UK government has hinted it could backtrack on its own green commitments. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by the Conservative peer and former international climate minister Zac Goldsmith and the Guardian’s political editor Pippa Crerar to discuss why the Conservatives and Labour struggle with climate policy. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Selby and Ainsty byelection holds the highest stakes for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives. Can Labour overturn a 20,000-plus majority? The Guardian’s John Harris goes to the constituency to see what people think. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

UK wages have risen at a faster pace than expected but inflation is still worryingly high. The Conservatives seem to be edging back towards austerity and Labour doesn’t want to offer ‘false hope’ on the economy. Is the politics of hope dead? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by former Tory minister David Gauke and Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The NHS turns 75 this week. But facing a staffing crisis, an ageing and unhealthy population, and increasingly poorer health outcomes for patients, what will be next for our beleaguered national health service? The Guardian’s John Harris discusses the possible treatment plans with Pat Cullen, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, and Isabel Hardman, a political journalist and author of Fighting for Life, a new book on the NHS. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Politics Weekly UK is on the byelection trail again, this time in Boris Johnson’s old seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Rafael Behr to speak to residents, businesses and the MPs David Simmonds and Steve Reed about what the battle for the former prime minister’s seat tells us about the state of the nation. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

This week, Politics Weekly UK is in Frome in the south-west of England before one of three confirmed byelections. Against a backdrop of high inflation, painful mortgage rates and more allegations of Tory sleaze, the Guardian’s John Harris speaks to people about whether they think anyone is able to bring them the change they need. And whether they are better off voting with their heads or their hearts. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Conservative party is not far from all-out war, from Rishi Sunak’s public criticism of Boris Johnson to Nadine Dorries decrying ‘posh boys’ for blocking her peerage. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar and the former Tory cabinet minister David Gauke to try to untangle the mess. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Labour looks closer to power than it has been for the last decade, but as it nears the next election, some big tensions are starting to become clear. One is its plan for a green economy, another on the candidates being selected. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnists Rafael Behr and Gaby Hinsliff to look at what Keir Starmer will do next.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The legal tug of war between the Covid inquiry and the Cabinet Office continues this week. Gaby Hinsliff sits in for John Harris, and talks to the former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell and the former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal about the possible reasons for the government’s position. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Rishi Sunak is fighting fires this week as Boris Johnson and Suella Braverman steal the headlines. And as new net migration figures are released on Thursday, can the prime minister take back control of the narrative? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnists Rafael Behr and Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Some of the big figures on the political right, including two cabinet ministers, have been speaking this week at the National Conservatism conference in London. How much sway does this vocal group have over government? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by the former Tory minister David Gauke and the Observer’s Sonia Sodha to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Keir Starmer and Ed Davey have both refused to rule out forming a coalition between their parties at the next general election. Following disastrous results for the Conservatives in the local elections, what will this mean for Labour and the Liberal Democrats? The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff, standing in for John Harris this week, asks political editor Pippa Crerar and former Conservative special advisor Salma Shah what a Labour/Lib Dem pact could look like. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

More than a million NHS workers will get a 5% pay rise after health unions accepted a government offer. But the Royal College of Nursing has rejected the offer. The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to Pat Cullen, the general secretary of the RCN and Frances O’Grady, a Labour peer and former general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, about the future for public sector workers. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The UK government has been criticised for its slowness in evacuating UK nationals from Sudan. But what could this mean for the millions of civilians left there in dire and dangerous circumstances? The Guardian’s John Harris asks Africa correspondent Jason Burke. Also, amid a fresh charge of antisemitism and ahead of a big electoral test, has Keir Starmer cleaned up the Labour party? Political editor Pippa Crerar and columnist Gaby Hinsliff join John to discuss the issue. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The UK needs to shift its ‘anti-maths mindset’, according to Rishi Sunak. But while the prime minister wants everyone to learn maths until the age of 18, do the sums add up against a recruitment crisis in teaching? The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to Gill Burbridge, headteacher of Leyton sixth form college, and Guardian columnists Rafael Behr and Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Boris Johnson won an 80-seat majority in 2019, redrawing the electoral map and threatening Labour with another decade in opposition. Less than four years later, the Conservatives are on their third leader in 12 months and are trailing in the polls. So how did the UK get here? The Guardian’s John Harris asks Prof Tim Bale, whose new book, The Conservative Party After Brexit, looks at what went wrong for the Tories. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Who does Labour need to win over – or win back – to form a government at the next election? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff, former Ed Miliband speechwriter Marc Stears and Josh Simons from Labour Together to discuss how the party can target these voters. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Humza Yousaf has become new leader of the SNP. But with Scotland’s path to independence looking further away than ever, can Nicola Sturgeon’s replacement reignite the party and the debate? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Scotland correspondent Libby Brooks, columnist Gaby Hinsliff and former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

With the former prime minister having been questioned by MPs on the privileges select committee, the Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar to discuss Johnson’s fight to save his career, and speaks to those who worked on the frontline of the pandemic. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Next week marks 20 years since the UK joined US and coalition forces in the invasion of Iraq. The Guardian’s John Harris looks back on the war’s troubled legacy and its impact on politics today, with the journalist Audrey Gillan, who reported from Iraq, and the columnist Jonathan Freedland. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Jeremy Hunt has set out his first budget as chancellor. With plans to boost childcare and help people get back to work, can it provide the much-needed growth the economy needs? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by former Conservative minister David Gauke and Miatta Fahnbulleh from the New Economics Foundation to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Another plan has been announced to crack down on so-called small boats arriving illegally in the UK. The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to immigration specialist Zoe Gardner and former Conservative special advisor Luke Tryl, and discusses the history of immigration rhetoric with Guardian political editor Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

After years of tensions, Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen this week unveiled their new Brexit deal to virtually universal praise. But is there a catch? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll, columnist Rafael Behr and former No 10 chief of staff and Conservative peer Gavin Barwell to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

This week marks one year since Russia sent its troops into Ukraine. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh, and the Ukrainian MP, Kira Rudik, to look at how the war has changed world politics. And, what the future may look like for Ukraine and Russia.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

It’s the end of an era for two politicians: Nicola Sturgeon has announced she will quit as leader of the SNP and Jeremy Corbyn has been blocked from re-entering the Labour party by Keir Starmer. Gaby Hinsliff is in for John Harris and she speaks to Guardian deputy political editor Jessica Elgot and former Conservative cabinet minister David Gauke. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Rishi Sunak has carried out a reshuffle of his ministers and departments in Whitehall. But will it be enough to save his party from electoral wipeout at the next election? To discuss is the Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff, standing in for John Harris, who is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar and former Conservative special adviser Salma Shah. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

It’s been three years since the UK officially left the EU. This week the IMF has predicted we will be the only major global economy to shrink this year. Plus opinion polls suggest people are regretting their vote. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Rafael Behr, Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll and economics editor Larry Elliott to look at what Brexit has delivered. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Rishi Sunak came into No 10 promising to earn our trust. But three months into the job he encounters an inquiry into his party chair, questions over Boris Johnson’s appointment for the BBC chair, and a police penalty for failing to wear his seatbelt. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnists Gaby Hinsliff and Rafael Behr to discuss why the prime minister can’t seem to rid his party of sleaze allegations. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

John Harris joins nurses striking on the picket line to find out what life is really like for them. He speaks to Christina McAnea, the head of the union Unison, to find out what it is like negotiating with Conservative ministers. Plus, John is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks, to run through the ramifications of the UK government blocking Scotland’s gender recognition bill. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Health officials are reporting that the NHS is on its knees. John Harris talks to the Guardian’s health policy editor, Denis Campbell, about what he has seen. Plus, Conservative peer Gavin Barwell and Gaby Hinsliff talk about why NHS reform is such a tricky conversation. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

In a year that saw three prime ministers, two monarchs and a whole lot of political and social unrest, how will 2022 be remembered? The Guardian’s John Harris looks back on the last 12 months, and asks what might happen in the next, with columnist Gaby Hinsliff and political editor Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Faced with a country brought almost to a standstill by strikes, a cost of living crisis, and an increasingly desperate situation in the channel, just what should the Conservative Party be doing to get a grip on the situation? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by the Conservative peer and former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell, and the political strategist Jo Tanner, to ask if, after 12 years in power, the Tories are running out of road.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Twenty points ahead in the polls, the Labour party looks closer to power now than it has done for more than a decade. But what do we really know about Keir Starmer’s vision for government? And how much has the UK’s political landscape changed since the 1997 Labour landslide? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff and Stewart Wood, a Labour peer and former adviser to Ed Miliband and Gordon Brown, to discuss.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Nurses, rail staff and royal mail workers are expected to strike this winter. Will Rishi Sunak’s ‘Operation Get Tough’ have any impact? And as protests continue to rage in China, the PM used the lavish Lord Mayor’s Banquet earlier this week to announce the ‘golden era’ of relations with China is over. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Rafael Behr and Zoe Williams, and will be speaking on China to the Guardian’s former China correspondent Tania Branigan. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The Guardian’s John Harris is in the West Midlands to talk to teachers, librarians and the local council about how more than a decade’s worth of real terms cuts is taking its toll on services. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has given details in his autumn statement of how the government will try to help struggling households, businesses and public services. But after 12 years in power and with the UK now in recession, can the Conservatives convince people they are the right party to turn the economy around? John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and the columnist Rafael Behr to look at what the statement tells us about where we’re headed. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is to deliver the autumn statement later on Thursday. The Guardian’s John Harris will be joined after by political editor Pippa Crerar and columnist Rafael Behr to unpick the government’s plan.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

As global leaders are gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh for the Cop27 summit, the Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Labour’s minister for the climate and net zero, Ed Miliband, and columnist Gaby Hinsliff, to ask what will it take for politicians to finally take the climate emergency seriously? And, we hear from a Just Stop Oil activist on the action they’re taking. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>