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Bloomberg Westminster is your daily guide to British politics. In less than half an hour, we'll tell you what's happening and explain why it matters. Plus, interviews with MPs, policy experts, and Bloomberg's own team of political journalists. Presented by Caroline Hepker, Roger Hearing, and Sebasti…

Bloomberg Radio


    • May 3, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 1,153 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Bloomberg Westminster

    Election Inspection: Local Votes Expose Tory Weakness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 13:50 Transcription Available


    Early results from England's elections paint a gloomy picture for the Tories. We dissect the numbers and hear from polling guru John Curtice of Strathclyde University and government minister Andrew Griffith. Plus, UK government reporters Ailbhe Rea and Joe Mayes on what it all means for the upcoming general election and Rishi Sunak's job security. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    London Decides: Who Wants to be The Mayor?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 13:00 Transcription Available


    As voters in England and Wales prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, we zoom in on the London mayoral race. We hear from the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green parties on their plans for the city, while Bloomberg's senior UK government reporter Alex Wickham brings us the details on Labour's campaign. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Where Next for Scotland: Will Humza Yousaf's Resignation Change the UK Election Result?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 12:48 Transcription Available


    After Humza Yousaf declared his intention to step down, Ipsos Scotland's Managing Director Emily Gray discusses the frictions within the SNP, the party's polling and leadership options, and if the trouble at Bute House changes election campaigns run in Westminster. With Bloomberg anchors Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bordering on a Spat: Is Ireland Row a Sign Rwanda Policy is Working?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 13:14 Transcription Available


     A diplomatic row has erupted between the UK and Ireland over migration policy, after Rishi Sunak said the increase in asylum seekers going from the UK to Ireland was a sign his Rwanda deportation deterrent was working. Our Dublin bureau chief Jennifer Duggan and senior UK government reporter Alex Wickham explain the background to the dispute, and the political forces at play. Hosted by Stephen Carroll.We'll bring you more on Scotland tomorrow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Holyrood Hail Mary: The SNP Leader's Fate Hangs in the Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 13:22 Transcription Available


    Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf is facing a vote of no confidence after ending a power sharing agreement with the Green Party. The challenge has seen opposition MSPs from the Scottish Labour and Conservative parties unite against him too. We ask former chief of staff to Nicola Sturgeon, Liz Lloyd if he can survive. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sunak's Sick Note: Is WFH on the way out?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 12:34 Transcription Available


    Our analysis of data from Reed Recruitment shows employers are offering fewer flexible and hybrid-working positions, potentially making it harder to bring people back into the job market. Tackling what the government calls 'sick note culture' and reducing the benefits bill is a key priority for the PM. Bloomberg reporter Irina Anghel walks us through the numbers. Political Editor Kitty Donaldson weighs in on the politics of the debate. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    On the Defensive: Questions Over Sunak's Military Spending Pledge

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 28:33 Transcription Available


    The Prime Minister wants to spend more on defence, but do his numbers add up? We discuss the cost of Rishi Sunak's Warsaw pledge with Ben Zaranko from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. While the PM's away, it was the turn of Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner to fill in at PMQs, which featured jibes about living arrangements, rental market reforms and a nod to next week's local elections. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bruising Win: Sunak Celebrates Rwanda Victory

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 28:08 Transcription Available


    Rishi Sunak's bill calling Rwanda a safe place to send migrants is set to become law after the House of Lords passed it last night. Bloomberg's Ailbhe Rea discusses what happens next, and what the policy might actually deliver after years of wrangling. Plus, checks on the EU food goods coming into Britain are set to be imposed next week. We ask Britain's Exports Minister Lord Malcolm Offord says he's not concerned, his focus is on 'light touch' regulation to boost trade. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Down the Drain: Was Privatising Thames Water a Mistake?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 25:58 Transcription Available


    Thames Water now says it needs to spend nearly £20 billion by 2030 on fixing the water and sewage system, but the company appears to have little prospect of being able to raise the money. Our energy and environment reporter Jess Shankleman and distressed debt reporter Lucca de Paoli unpack the latest turn in the water firm's crisis. Plus, Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Matthew Brooker joins us to discuss the questions raised about Britain's relationship with privatization. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Promised Retaliation: A Strike on Iran Prompts Many Interpretations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 29:39 Transcription Available


    Having helped to repel Iran's attack on Israel last weekend, we discuss the UK's initial reaction to Israel's retaliation overnight with Bloomberg's EMEA News Director Rosalind Mathieson. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says no one wants escalation, but after six months of a war in Gaza, is the conflict destined to grow? Plus, can being cool rub off? We speak to Timothy Paul, one of social media influencers who interviewed Sunak recently about why he did it and the role of TikTok in an election year. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Return To Rwanda: Migration In The Spotlight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 26:02 Transcription Available


    UN data shows 3.2% of the global population are international migrants and in a year of global elections it's a hot political issue. Bloomberg's Senior Economy and Government Editor Alan Crawford joins us to talk through what's at stake. In the UK, much of the debate centres on the government's controversial Rwanda bill. We discuss the legislation with Jenny Jones, a Green party member of the House of Lords, and award-winning journalist Sally Hayden. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hunt's Election Hint: Chancellor Points to Autumn Vote As PMQs Returns

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 26:00 Transcription Available


    Jeremy Hunt tells Bloomberg that interest rate cuts and an improved economic situation will help lift voters' moods ahead of a general election, adding to speculation about an autumn vote. We bring you our interview with the Chancellor, as well as the first Prime Minister's Questions after the Easter recess. Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer traded barbs over Liz Truss's book, and the Conservative party's tax-cutting plans. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Labour and Law: Unemployment Rises and Politicians Criminalise Deepfakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 35:45 Transcription Available


    The latest UK Jobs data saw unemployment jump to a six month high. Bloomberg's economics reporter Irina Anghel joins us to talk through the figures.Plus, the government has announced legislation to criminalise the creation of deepfake images and videos as part of plans to tackle violence against women. We speak to Women and Equalities Select Committee Chair, Caroline Nokes MP and feminist campaigner Patsy Stevenson about the news. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Israel's Next Move: UK & Allies Await Response to Iran Attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 25:48 Transcription Available


    UK jets helped Israel to fend off Iran's first-ever direct attack over the weekend, but Foreign Secretary David Cameron is now urging restraint from the Israeli government in its response. We discuss the foreign policy challenges with Bloomberg Managing Editor Adam Blenford, and Julie Norman, Senior Middle East Fellow at RUSI. Any escalation in the Middle East could drive up oil prices and add to inflation here. Energy market expert Bill Farren-Price from the the Oxford Institute of Energy Studies gives us his analysis. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Treading Water: Thames' Ticking Time Bomb

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 26:03 Transcription Available


    Several banks have started offering the opportunity to bet against Thames Water's debt. It's the latest sign of an impending crisis at the UK's biggest water supplier, after it was labelled 'uninvestable' by its own shareholders. We talk through the company's options and what they could mean for customers and the government, with Bloomberg's Tasos Vossos and restructuring expert Linton Bloomberg from Reed Smith. Hosted By Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Campaigning Talk: What Would a Good Election Look Like for Labour?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 28:16 Transcription Available


    The local election campaign is in full swing, but Rishi Sunak can't escape his own splintered party, with Boris Johnson grabbing the headlines with a speech in Canada. We ask Bloomberg UK Government Reporter Ellen Milligan how it's going for the PM. Labour meanwhile are determined to stick resolutely to their message of 'no complacency'. But what would prove the polls right and be a good election result for Labour on the morning of May 3rd? We get the inside scoop on the party's thinking from Labour Together's Director of Research and polling guru, Christabel Cooper. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Fake It Till You Make It: AI's Disinformation Risk For Elections

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 25:20 Transcription Available


    Meta's Nick Clegg told an event in London the social media giant isn't seeing artificial intelligence being used a on a "systemic basis" to disrupt elections arguing that the technology can be a 'sword and shield' against harmful content. We discuss the risks posted by AI and social media with our technology reporter Mark Bergen, and Keegan McBride from the Oxford Internet Institute. Plus, James Woolcock reviews Rishi Sunak's appearance on a phone-in radio show. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    DC in DC: David Cameron Heads to Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 26:05 Transcription Available


    The UK's Foreign Secretary is in America to lobby for more funding for Ukraine. Our Managing Editor Brendan Scott explains Britain's changing role on the world stage and speculates how Cameron's meeting went with former president Donald Trump. Back at home, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also trying to raise some cash by tightening up non-dom rules. Founder of Tax Research, Richard Murphy, tells us Labour should go after small businesses and sole traders not paying their fair share. Plus, how does the economy change if the next generation are still living with their parents? Bloomberg's economy reporter Tom Rees explains. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Lizzy Burden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The £3 Trillion Man: Britain's Bond Market Whisperer On Borrowing for the Government

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 26:08 Transcription Available


    Robert Stheeman has borrowed more than £3 trillion for the government in his 21 years running the Debt Management Office. He's been speaking to Bloomberg about the challenges of raising debt through a pandemic, the 2008 financial crash, and Liz Truss's premiership. Bloomberg's Alice Gledhill brings us details of her interview. Plus: the Resolution Foundation forecasts average rents will rise by 13% over the next three years. Senior economist Cara Pacitti tells us what's gone wrong in the housing market, and how it could be fixed. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Letter of the Law: Government Rift Over Arms Exports To Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 25:55 Transcription Available


    A rift has emerged in the cabinet over a plan to suspend arms sales to Israel, with Rishi Sunak and David Cameron caught between Tory factions who support or oppose the move. Over 800 lawyers and academics have signed a letter to the Prime Minister warning Britain is breaching international law by continuing to allow arms sales. One of them, human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield KC, joins us to discuss. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and James Woolcock.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Setting Up A Super-Majority: Poll Predicts A Labour Landslide

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 25:41 Transcription Available


    A new poll is predicting a Labour super-majority of over 400 seats at the next general election. YouGov's Patrick English joins us to discuss the details of their projections, and our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson brings us Westminster's reaction.Plus, financial pressure mounts on Thames Water, the UK's biggest supplier. Our reporter Eamon Farhat tells us what's at stake for the government and investors. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Levelling With Voters: Funding Struggles Threaten To Overshadow Local Elections

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 26:08


    With less than a month to go until local elections in England and Wales, our UK government editor Alex Morales tells us what's at stake for the parties. Local government funding is also in focus, as some councillors call for an independent review of the system for accessing 'Levelling Up' money. Graeme Atherton from the Centre for Inequality and Levelling Up talks us through the scheme's successes and failures, while Nottingham City Labour councillor Graham Chapman shares his experience. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hate Speech vs Free Speech: Why Scotland's New Law Is Making Political Waves

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 25:48 Transcription Available


    Scotland's new law on hate crimes came into force this week, amid criticism from the likes of author JK Rowling. We discuss the law's expanded definition of hate speech with human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. Also in the show: our reporter Jess Shankleman updates us on a crunch week for Thames Water and its financial troubles. Plus: Tiwa Abebayo reports on issues with the government's new childcare plan. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Big Nasties: Government Spending Squeeze And Local Budget Cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 34:58 Transcription Available


    Meg Hillier, chair of the cross-party Public Accounts Committee, is warning of spending 'Nasties' in store for the next government in a new report, Bloomberg's UK Politics Editor Alex Morales brings us the details. Meanwhile, in local government, the spending nasties might already have arrived. Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley tells us how she's tightening the purse-strings in her borough.Plus, John Neal CEO of Lloyd's of London discusses the insurer's latest results and more. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Age-Old Divide: Tory Resignations And The UK's Youngest Baroness

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 23:44 Transcription Available


    Two more Conservative ministers have announced they won't be contesting the next election, prompting a mini-cabinet reshuffle for Rishi Sunak. Bloomberg's Associate Editor Ailbhe Rea joins us with the details.Plus, at 28 years old Carmen Smith is the UK's youngest member of the House of Lords. The Plaid Cymru politician talks to us about youth engagement, Welsh independence, and why she wants to abolish the upper chamber. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and James Woolcock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hacking Democracy: UK, US Sanction China For Stealing Voter Data

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 29:27 Transcription Available


    The UK and the US have accused China of cyberattacks targeting politicians, voters' data, and election regulators in an election year. Our TV anchor and former Beijing Correspondent in London Tom Mackenzie explains how Britain's relationship has gone so awry and what these latest claims mean. Plus, looking for a job? It might help to have the letters 'AI' in your CV. LinkedIN's UK Country Manager Janine Chamberlain speaks to us about how Artificial Intelligence is changing the jobs market. And a Bloomberg exclusive interview with Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee Member Catherine Mann. Hosted by James Woolcock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Locked In: £11bn Commitment To Secure The 'Grey Vote'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 28:15 Transcription Available


    Jeremy Hunt says the pensions triple lock will feature in the upcoming Conservative manifesto and Labour are also 'committed' to the policy. But despite political backing, others disagree - Lord David Willetts, President of the Resolution Foundation tells us why the pension guarantee should be scrapped. Plus, Bloomberg analysis shows local Tory candidates are actively distancing themselves from the party online. We speak to Samuel Power, senior politics lecturer at the University of Sussex about the Conservative party's brand challenge. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    It's All Kicking Off: Bank of England Ponders Cuts As Politicians Talk Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 25:53 Transcription Available


    The latest Bank of England update is moving markets but British Politicians are focused on football. Senior Economics Editor Philip Aldrick brings us the latest on the Bank of England's rate cutting path.Plus, we dissect the controversy surrounding changes to the England Flag on the Nike's Euro 2024 kit with and former England player, football executive and broadcaster Eniola Aluko.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Irish Goodbye: Varadkar's Legacy And Starmer's Race Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 30:28 Transcription Available


    Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar stunned the political world with his resignation - we discuss what his departure means for the future of Ireland with former Irish ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall.Plus, Keir Starmer's commitment to diversity is under question the Labour Party's adviser on race Doreen Lawrence reportedly said he failed to listen to her. Martin Forde KC, who was tasked by Starmer with investigating previous allegations of racism within Labour joins us with his perspective. Hosted by Ailbhe Rea and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Reeves' Economic Vision: Labour Questioned On Spending and Rishi Sunak Pressured Over Rwanda

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 25:57 Transcription Available


    Today's edition of PMQS saw Rishi Sunak grilled on the progress of the Rwanda deal and criminal prosecutions, we discuss the Prime Minister's performance. Plus, yesterday the Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves delivered her big economic vision-setting Mais lecture. What did we learn? Panmure Gordon's Chief Economist Simon French joins us with more. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Picking A Winner: Rishi Sunak Bets On The Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 26:30 Transcription Available


    The prestigious Mais economics lecture will be delivered by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves today. We take a trip down memory lane and revisit Rishi Sunak's address with Bloomberg's economics reporter Tom Rees. Meanwhile, Robinhood's new app will give UK traders access to thousands of US listed stocks, the company's president Jordan Sinclair tells us. Plus, the UK government are setting out legislation for an independent football regulator. We take a closer look with Bloomberg's UK political reporter Ellen Milligan and Football agent  and former Olympian Sky Andrew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Miserable Business: Economic Woes Pile Pressure On The PM

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 26:42 Transcription Available


    The UK Misery Index - based on Bloomberg analysis of unemployment and inflation data is nearing 1997 Conservative election wipe-out levels, we dig into the latest figures with Bloomberg's Irina Anghel. Local councils are also feeling the pinch and delays to levelling up funding haven't helped according to former Liverpool City Mayor Joanne Anderson. Plus, Sadiq Khan kicks off his campaign for a third term as London Mayor today, but can anyone stop him ? We discuss the lay of the land. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Not a May Day: Sunak Dispels Election Speculation, But Challenges Remain

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 26:15 Transcription Available


    Rishi Sunak has ruled out a general election to coincide with local and mayoral votes on May 2nd, but what does his decision mean for Tory party strategy? We get the details from Bloomberg's UK government editor Stuart Biggs and analysis from Hanover communications guru Gavin Megaw. Plus, could a bit of the mundane be what the country needs? Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Adrian Wooldridge on how Labour could provide an alternative to Tory instability. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Reckoning with Racism: Westminster Struggles To Respond

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 26:02 Transcription Available


    Diane Abbott says race "is at the heart of the debate in British politics", after she was the target of racist remarks reportedly made by a top Tory donor. Our political editor Kitty Donaldson reports on how the controversy is putting further pressure on Rishi Sunak's leadership. The comments have sparked a wider debate on racism in the UK. We get the view of author and commentator Nels Abbey. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tory Racism Row: Donor's Comments Overshadow PMQs, Despite Better Economic News

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 26:05 Transcription Available


    Controversial comments by Conservative Party donor Frank Hester dominated much of this week's Prime Minister's questions, with Rishi Sunak describing the reported remarks as "wrong" and "racist". Opposition leader Keir Starmer also questioned the PM on his plans to phase out National Insurance, while making the case for a Labour government. Plus: the UK has signed a new trade pact with the state of Texas. Our reporter Lucy White updates us on the government's trade policy post-Brexit. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Telegraphing & Forecasting: Media Takeover Latest And MPs Quiz the OBR

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 25:52 Transcription Available


    Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and the owners of the Daily Mail have held talks about a potential joint bid for the Telegraph with UAE-backed investment fund Redbird IMI, people familiar with the matter have told Bloomberg. Our global business editor Jamie Nimmo bring us details of the exclusive reporting, and tells us why the media deal is getting so much attention in Westminster. Also today: the head of fiscal watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility faces questions from MPs over its latest forecasts. Our senior economics reporter Philip Aldrick joins us to discuss. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jockeying For Position: Lee Anderson Joins Reform UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 25:15 Transcription Available


    The former deputy chairman of the Conservative party, Lee Anderson, has joined Richard Tice's Reform UK party. Our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson tells us what the move means for Anderson's old and new parties.Plus: new Brexit rules are making life more different for Irish horses travelling to Cheltenham. Our Dublin reporter Olivia Fletcher brings us details. We also discuss the latest survey on ethnic diversity in UK listed companies with the Parker Review's co-chair David Tyler. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Westminster After May: Dawn Butler, Caroline Nokes on Being a Woman in Parliament

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 25:20 Transcription Available


    The second woman to become prime minister, Theresa May, has announced she will be leaving parliament at the next election. Although the former PM was known for Brexit, she also was a champion of getting more women involved in public life. It's a task that seems ever harder in the age of social media and abuse. We discuss the realities of being a woman in Westminster with Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP and Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central. Hosted by Ailbhe Rea and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Down The Rabbit Hole: Unpicking Hunt's Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 26:05 Transcription Available


     As pundits decry an absent 'rabbit in the hat' moment during the Chancellor's Budget, we reflect on the announcements with Bloomberg's Chief UK Economist Dan Hanson and government reporter Joe Mayes.Plus: our interview with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and tax expert Dan Neidle gives his perspective on the Treasury's giveaways. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    At Last, the Budget: National Insurance Cut, Child Benefit Reform & Non Doms No More

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 24:07 Transcription Available


    The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled details of his long-awaited Budget, with tax cuts he's hoping will revive his party's ratings in the polls. Among the key measures: a two percentage point cut to National Insurance contributions, raising the threshold at which child benefit is taxed, abolishing the non-domiciled tax status and introducing a British ISA to encourage more investing in UK stocks. We bring you highlights from Hunt's speech, the response from Labour leader Keir Starmer, plus analysis from Stephanie Flanders, Head of Bloomberg Economics, and John Stepek, who writes Bloomberg's Money Distilled newsletter. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bullish on Britain: CEOs Lead A New Wave Of Optimism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 26:15 Transcription Available


    UK business leaders are more optimistic about the state of the economy. We bring you a special report ahead of the budget. CEOs including WPP's Mark Read, British Land's Simon Carter and M&S Chair Archie Norman tell us why things might not be as bad as they seem. Kallum Pickering, Senior Economist at Berenberg is also in the bullish camp. Plus, Bloomberg's senior economics writer Philip Aldrick previews Hunt's budget.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Close To The Limits: Jeremy Hunt's Budget Dilemma

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 28:46 Transcription Available


    Jeremy Hunt is under pressure to include further giveaways in Wednesday's budget. We discuss the politics of tax cuts with former Cabinet minister David Gauke, who warns us the government is already close to its fiscal limits. The Chancellor is also eyeing ways to get more small investors to put their money in UK shares. Paul Stevens, Head of Quoted Investment at the Business Growth Fund makes the case for a British ISA, while our UK business reporter Sabah Meddings briefs us on other potential changes. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    George Galloway Wins: Rochdale Result and Starmer's Biography

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 32:24 Transcription Available


    George Galloway has won a seat in parliament in the Rochdale by-election, with a campaign calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza. Bloomberg's associate editor Ailbhe Rea explains if this result is headache for Keir Starmer or the sign of more woes to come for his Labour Party. Galloway's pitch to disaffected muslim voters was only possible due to Starmer's complete overhaul of the party in his relatively short time as leader. But how much do we know about what actually drives the man? The author of Keir Starmer's new biography Tom Baldwin joins us for an extended discussion of Keir's background and what he might do with real power. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Taking Stock: How Finance and Trump Could Shape the UK's Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 26:04 Transcription Available


    Voting is underway in the Rochdale by-election, so we're taking a look at issues outside of Westminster could shape Britain's future. The London Stock Exchange Group CEO David Schwimmer sees the prospects for Britain's stock market improving. While in the US, it's been a rollercoaster 24 hours in politics - mostly revolving around Donald Trump. Bloomberg's Kriti Gupta takes us through the latest developments. Plus, new figures from PwC show the gender pay gap has widened in the UK. Our business reporter Sabah Meddings unpicks the unwelcome news. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lots at Stake: Fiery PMQs and NatWest Share Sale Scoop

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 32:08 Transcription Available


    Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak accuse each other of failing to tackle extremism in their parties, as the Home Office puts millions of pounds into more security for MPs. We bring you this week's Prime Ministers Questions. Plus, our Bloomberg exclusive reporting on the preparations the government is making to sell its shares in NatWest. Our finance reporter Will Shaw and City Editor Katherine Griffiths explain the context and what the sale means for the political world. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Making Your Mind Up: Controversy And Policy Compete For Voters' Attention

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 26:09 Transcription Available


    The controversy over Lee Anderson's comments continue to dog the Conservative Party, with Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson facing difficult questions on radio. Are voters swayed by these internal party rows? We discuss with Tom Lubbock from pollsters JL Partners. Manufacturing lobby group Make UK have a bold vision for management of the economy, but are politicians listening? The group's Chief Operating Officer Ben Fletcher joins us. Plus, our UK Government Editor Stuart Biggs has an update on the latest reporting ahead of next week's Budget. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll.Anchor, Bloomberg Radio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Political Heat: Why Rhetoric from MPs Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 26:18 Transcription Available


    Former Conservative party deputy chairman Lee Anderson has been suspended from the party after making incendiary comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Bloomberg's senior UK government reporter Alex Wickham joins us with the latest. Plus, Britain's competition regulator says the home building system is not working. We hear from the CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority, Sarah Cardell, and discuss the CMA's report with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Matthew Brooker. Hosted By Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Deep Divisions: A Tense Climate Puts Pressure on Politicians

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 21:38 Transcription Available


    Bloomberg's associate editor Ailbhe Rea joins us with more on the Rochdale by-election. The speaker's decision during the Gaza ceasefire debate brought issues of intimidation and violence against politicians to the fore. Alice Perry former chair of Labour's National Executive Committee discusses some of the most serious incidents and Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation reinforces the increasingly tense political environment. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Speaker Forced to Listen: Hoyle Fights for his Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 25:46 Transcription Available


    Lindsay Hoyle has MPs calling for his resignation after he was accused of giving the Labour party preferential treatment in a debate on a Gaza ceasefire. Our UK Government reporter Emily Ashton was in the Commons and explains how the day derailed into chaos not seen since the Brexit era. Plus, Richard Thomson, the Scottish National Party MP for Gordon, explains why the SNP are so angry about it in spite of getting their motion passed. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Post Office Questions: Keir Starmer Presses PM Over Badenoch Comments

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 25:36 Transcription Available


    The Post Office accounting scandal dominates this week's Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer cross-examines the Prime Minister over comments made by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch about the former Post Office chair Henry Staunton. Plus, a failed Trident missile test raises questions about the efficacy of the UK's nuclear deterrent. We discuss with Andrew Dorman, Professor of International Security at King's College London and editor of Chatham House's International Affairs Journal. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Listen, Governor: Bailey Faces MPs Over Haldane's Recession Warning To Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 26:04 Transcription Available


    The Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has faced questions from MPs over what the BOE's former chief economist, Andy Haldane, told us about the risk of deeper recession from keeping interest rates high. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth shares Haldane's view, and says the BOE governor signalled an important shift in his thinking. As Birmingham Council announces a cost-cutting plan to tackle its financial problems, we discuss with Iain Murray of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Plus: business groups have written their wish list for the Chancellor ahead of the Budget. Our reporter Joe Mayes joins us with details. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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