CapX presents Free Exchange

Argentina's Javier Milei has defied critics by bringing sweeping economic reform to an economy many had written off. Former MP Steve Baker — the “hard man of Brexit” — says a similarly radical free-market reform can save Britain, too. In this special edition of The Capitalist, Steve joins Marc Sidwell to launch his new project, Fighting for a Free Future.From soaring house prices to the looming pensions crisis, Steve pulls no punches: the managerial state is broken, the emperor has no clothes, and unless Britain slashes spending, abandons failed orthodoxies, and embraces liberty, we face managed decline — or worse.Britain is running out of time. Debt is spiralling, taxes are at breaking point, and politicians refuse to face the truth. This is a conversation about courage, crisis, and the bold choices we must make before it's too late.Discover more about Steve's new project: https://www.fightingforafreefuture.com/Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Despatch, we ask whether Labour's deputy leader is about to fall victim to her own class war. Once the scourge of Conservative ministers accused of impropriety, Rayner now faces her own reckoning over unpaid stamp duty. Yet her life story – from single mother at 16 to the country's second-in-command – makes her both Labour's populist powerhouse and a figure of fascination for some Tories.William Atkinson of The Spectator explores the political theatre, the stakes for Keir Starmer, and why Rayner's survival could reshape Labour – and perhaps Britain's future leadership.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's migration debate has reached boiling point. With migrant hotels sparking legal battles, border policies under fire, and trust in government eroding, the question is no longer just about numbers – it's about whether Britain can regain control of its borders and its future.In this edition of The Capitalist, Marc Sidwell is joined by City AM's Alys Denby and economist Julian Jessop to unpack the UK's immigration crisis, its decade of economic stagnation, and the explosive rise of Reform UK. From the economics of mass migration to the politics of the ECHR, the panel offers clear-eyed analysis on a nation at a crossroads.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's new Online Safety Act was meant to protect children — but it's becoming an international embarrassment. Not only is it pushing young people towards darker corners of the web, it's also turning the UK into a would-be global censor.This week on Despatch, legal scholar Andrew Tettenborn reveals how Ofcom is sending heavy-handed legal threats to US websites like 4chan, Gab, and KiwiFarms, demanding they obey UK law — only to be laughed off. The result? Britain now looks like a bully abroad, a censor at home, and a country at odds with its proud tradition of free speech.From VPN loopholes to threats of a “Great British Firewall”, this is a searing look at a law that's doing far more harm than good — and why it's time for a rethink.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's tax system is overly complex and destroys our growth prospects. Should Labour follow Australia's lead and convene a roundtable of business leaders and experts to really overhaul the system? CapX's deputy editor Joseph Dinnage is joined by Dr Lawrence Newport from Looking for Growth and the political strategist John Oxley for a clear-eyed look at how to cut the fat and get Britain moving again. Plus: the Tories say they'll introduce fines for noisy phones on the tube. But who's going to enforce the rule? And why is the Notting Hill Carnival still so dangerous?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly becoming more and more frustrated at the sluggish reality of government within the current system. Who can blame him? Government is beset by a sclerotic Civil Service and continuous legal battles. But, as Looking for Growth's Lawrence Newport explains, a renewed sense of urgency might be just what Labour needs.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's encounter with Vladimir Putin has raised fresh doubts over the prospects for peace in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Argentina's dramatic economic turnaround offers lessons that Britain's Conservatives may find hard to ignore. And with whispers of sweeping reform to the UK's property taxes, what might this mean for growth and political credibility? CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by economist Cornelia Meyer and National Review columnist Dominic Pino to unpack the forces now reshaping markets and strategy across the West.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's economic policies are hitting Britain's job market hard — from higher National Insurance and rising minimum wages to new employment regulations that make hiring riskier and more expensive. Joseph Dinnage, deputy editor of CapX, examines the latest data on job losses, recruitment slumps, and the growing costs facing small businesses, and warns of the impact on graduates, hospitality, and the wider economy.Despatch highlights the best writing from CapX, read by an automated voice, and is produced by the team behind The Capitalist.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wikipedia's bruising encounter with the UK's Online Safety Act has exposed why rules aimed at Big Tech are already having unintended consequences. Now, Silicon Valley heavyweight Marc Andreessen is taking his objections straight to Downing Street, joining a global chorus of free-speech advocates warning the law is muzzling expression online.Also on the show: the tangled web of Britain's tax code. With frozen thresholds, stealth tax rises and shrinking reliefs, is it any wonder high earners are looking to Dubai and Riyadh?Henry Hill of Conservative Home and Maxwell Marlow from the Adam Smith Institute join CapX's Marc Sidwell for a tour through three flashpoints in Britain's policy landscape.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Conservative comeback already underway? In this week's Despatch, James Cowling from Next Gen Tories argues the vibe shift is real — and it's arriving faster than expected. With Labour stumbling and Reform flailing, the opportunity is ripe for a bold, pro-growth Tory revival.Cowling outlines the two major pivots required: redefining the party against both Labour and Reform, and proving the Conservatives have learned hard lessons that others haven't. From fiscal responsibility and planning reform to energy abundance and urban relevance, this episode makes the case for Conservatives 2.0 — a leaner, smarter, and more serious force for Britain's future.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virtual private networks are often associated with dodging censorship in far-flung authoritarian states. But now, VPN downloads are surging in Britain — a response to new age-verification rules designed to make the internet safer.Are the measures simply too blunt to be effective? And could the public backlash undermine Labour's ambition to position the UK as a global tech leader? Tom Ough, author of The Anti-Catastrophe League, is joined by technology lawyer Preston Byrne and CapX editor Marc Sidwell to explore the implications.Plus: Lord Kinnock's call to extend VAT to private healthcare. A revenue-raising move for the NHS — or a policy that risks deepening the pressure on a system already struggling to cope?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economic journalist Mani Basharzad reflects on Britain's Online Safety Act — and what it reveals about the rise of managerialism in public life.What begins as a discussion of misinformation soon unfolds into something broader: a quiet shift away from the liberal tradition of debate and dissent, toward a more technocratic instinct to manage, correct, and control.With nods to James Burnham, James Buchanan, and John Stuart Mill, this is a calm but pointed meditation on the value of open inquiry — and a reminder that freedom isn't always lost through loud confrontation, but through quiet consensus.Despatch features the best writing from CapX's daily newsletter – narrated by an automated voice.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Britain's doctors striking based on a broken metric? Economist Andrew Lilico says RPI—the measure unions love—is complete NONSENSE compared to CPI. Policy analyst Francois Valentin agrees, claiming you'd be hard-pressed to find ANY profession with real wage growth since 2008 using that number.Then we turn to the EU's silent acceptance of Trump's tariffs. Lilico calls it a political HUMILIATION. Valentin says it shatters the Brexit-era myth that being part of a big bloc makes you stronger.Finally, we dive into a bold new idea: could Britain bring back global wealth with laser-focused tax breaks? It's controversial, it's strategic — and it might just work.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Moore, chief executive of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, takes aim at the lazy caricatures and media misfires that still dominate public perceptions of private equity. Far from asset-stripping villains, today's private capital investors are quietly powering British enterprise — backing thousands of SMEs, creating jobs, driving productivity, and helping build a more resilient, innovative economy.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Sir James Cleverly returns to the front bench, Marc Sidwell is joined by City AM's Alys Denby and writer and academic Andrew Tettenborn to assess what the move signals for the opposition—and whether it can sharpen its message ahead of the next election.Also on the agenda: why the government is reviving the pensions commission, and what it means for the millions quietly undersaving for retirement. And why did green groups turn on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill? Plus: as the mercury rises, we ask whether Britain's aversion to air conditioning is a principled stand—or simply a failure of political imagination. From the machinery of Westminster to the cool comforts of modern living, tune in for a clear-eyed look at how policy impacts the real world.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent economist Damian Pudner offers a crisp, clear-eyed warning from the heart of Britain's fiscal landscape. As Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out her vision for a re-energised economy, the real question remains: how will we pay for the modern British state?Pudner traces the quiet stirrings of market unease—from rising gilt yields to the spectre of fiscal dominance—and explains why Britain's debt trajectory is sounding alarms. With the tax burden at a 70-year high and productivity stagnating, he makes a practical case for sharper, leaner government over ever-higher spending.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Donald Trump threatening sweeping new tariffs on the EU, the European Commission warns that transatlantic trade could become “almost impossible” — a shock that would rattle supply chains and plunge business leaders into uncertainty. As economic forecasters grapple with volatility in Washington, we ask: is America heading for Reagan-style renewal or Carter-era stagflation? Back in Britain, Kemi Badenoch has sounded the alarm over spiralling welfare costs, warning that the UK is turning into a “welfare state with an economy attached.” Can the system be reformed to encourage work and protect the public finances? CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by Dominic Pino of the National Review Institute and CapX contributor Harry Phibbs for a deep dive into the mounting risks facing the global economy.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karl Williams reflects on the life and legacy of Norman Tebbit — the Conservative bruiser, RAF veteran, and Thatcherite stalwart who helped reshape Britain in the 1980s. Often caricatured as the hardman of the Tory right, Tebbit was also a principled, articulate statesman with a surprising hinterland. From his famed “on yer bike” quip to his decision to give up power for love, this is a personal and political tribute to one of the greatest prime ministers Britain never had.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new poll finds voters see Sir Keir Starmer's government as every bit as chaotic as the last. Can Labour regain its footing? Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn eyes a comeback—does his latest venture hint at a socialist revival? And as the NHS unveils a new ten-year plan, we ask: why does it all sound so familiar? Albie Amankona and Julian Jessop join host Marc Sidwell to unpack the week's economic headlines.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The markets have made their judgment—and it's far from flattering. As gilt yields climb and confidence wanes, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing a fiscal storm of her own making. Economist Damian Pudner weighs in on Labour's deepening credibility crisis, arguing that the era of cost-free politics is drawing to a close. With pressure mounting on both the Treasury and No. 10, the question is no longer whether taxes will rise, but how swiftly and by how much. The Chancellor is running out of road, the Prime Minister is newly vulnerable—and the world is watching.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Zohran Mamdani's shock rise in New York politics suggest that wealth taxes are back on the agenda? Plus: what does Labour's welfare cuts u-turn say about the government's economic credibility? And why economic arguments keep falling flat with voters—and how we can change the conversation. Marc Sidwell is joined by Reem Ibrahim from the Institute of Economic Affairs and Henry Hill of Conservative Home for a fast-paced look at the shifting political landscape.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Sidwell dissects the Reform's shaky new tax proposal, the backlash against expert critique, and what it all says about the state of political debate. From Britain's fragile finances to America's protectionist turn, CapX's editor makes the case for returning to a more grounded, common-sense approach to economics — one that recognises trade-offs, not magical solutions.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oil prices are on the rise following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites — with fears mounting over how Tehran might retaliate. Marc Sidwell is joined by Daniel Freeman of the Institute of Economic Affairs to assess the economic fallout. Plus: the government makes lower energy costs the centrepiece of its new industrial strategy, but will it be enough to spark real growth? And with inflation easing and confidence wavering, is it finally time to cut interest rates?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coventry's sleek new very-light-rail system is now in test mode, with 2,000 residents invited aboard. In this special Despatch, policy thinker Samuel Hughes explores how the project could offer a smarter, faster — and much cheaper — way to deliver public transport in Britain. Could this be the blueprint for the future of urban mobility?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by economist Andrew Lilico and political strategist John Oxley to unpack a volatile moment in the global economy. From the fallout of Israel's escalating conflict with Iran to the knock-on effects of surging oil prices, we take stock of the risks facing markets—and what they could mean for Britain. Closer to home, Chancellor Rachel Reeves presses ahead with a £113bn infrastructure plan, even as welfare cuts spark unease within Labour ranks. Plus: Britain's productivity problem is back in the spotlight. Are we too squeamish about automation—and is now the moment for a bold leap into the robot age?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economist Andrew Lilico casts a sharp eye over the Chancellor's first Spending Review — and finds it lacking. Beyond the rhetoric, the message is sobering: health spending is set to surge while almost every other department faces quiet, compounding cuts. The NHS will grow to dominate Britain's public finances — even as Rachel Reeves eyes new tax rises to make the numbers add up. So, what happens when the backlash begins? Tune in for a clear-eyed take on the week's most important speech.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Chancellor's spending review looming, ministers are jostling for funds. But with public services under pressure and growth still sluggish, is the government backing the right bets? Plus: what's really behind Reform UK's rise in the polls? As support swells in areas hit hardest by poverty, our guests unpack the party's shifting economic message — and what it reveals about voter discontent in Labour heartlands. CapX's Marc Sidwell is joined by Maxwell Marlow of the Adam Smith Institute and Alys Denby from City AM for a brisk tour through the week's economic flashpoints — and what they mean for Britain's political future.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt offers a spirited defence of Britain's open-market tradition — and a sharp rebuke of Trump's tariff tactics. As the world shrugs off ‘Liberation Day', Hunt argues it's not America but open economies like Britain that are poised to thrive. With historical perspective and policy punch, he lays out why trade still matters, how globalisation lifted billions out of poverty, and why the UK can lead again — if it chooses to stay open. Despatch is our weekly highlight of the best writing from CapX's daily briefings, brought to you by the team behind The Capitalist.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump's tariff blitz hits a legal snag — but he's showing no signs of backing down. Marc Sidwell is joined by National Review Institute's Dominic Pino and the journalist Harry Phibbs to assess what comes next for transatlantic trade. Plus: can Britain turn Washington's assault on academia into an opportunity? And as China races ahead in the humanoid AI stakes, could Britain still take a seat at the table?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does chasing a wheel of cheese down a dangerously steep hill say about Britain — and the state? In this Despatch, James Price of the Adam Smith Institute finds wisdom in one of our most eccentric traditions: Gloucestershire's infamous cheese rolling. What begins as a bruising ritual becomes a spirited case for liberty, localism, and limited government. A celebration of chaos, cheese, and the virtues of keeping Westminster well out of it.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special edition on the future of Britain's high streets. As department stores disappear and civic spaces fall silent, we ask: what's next for the beating heart of our towns?Samuel Hughes, an editor at Works in Progress and fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, joins us to explore practical ways to revive our high streets. From imaginative public services to smarter regeneration strategies, we consider whether it's time to think beyond retail — and reimagine what town centres can truly be.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Despatch offers a sharp warning to the Conservative Party from inside the tent. Former Tory candidate William Wellesley argues that the answer to Reform UK's rise isn't mimicry — it's honesty. In a measured but damning critique, Wellesley calls out decades of spin, soundbites and shallow promises from across the political spectrum — and urges the Tories to break the cycle. Only by confronting hard truths, he argues, can the party survive and serve.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karl Williams of the Centre for Policy Studies and economist Julian Jessop take a clear-eyed look at the politics and economics of migration. Two decades ago, the UK opened its doors to eastern Europe. A modest prediction of 13,000 arrivals became 1.5 million — a shift that continues to shape British politics. Now, with Reform UK on the rise, Labour is gambling that stricter immigration controls will steady the ship. But is it a calculated correction — or a political trap? Meanwhile, as Keir Starmer welcomes EU leaders to London, Downing Street promises a deal for growth, jobs and border security. But beyond the soundbites, what does a post-Brexit success story really look like?Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Despatch, Karl Williams of the Centre for Policy Studies unpacks Labour's long-awaited immigration white paper — and asks whether anything's really changed. From sky-high net migration targets to fudged visa reforms and a rebrand of the widely abused ‘shortage occupation' list, Labour's plans are long on rhetoric but risk being short on action. Worse still, the numbers show that even now, the UK's immigration model remains historically unprecedented, economically unsustainable, and politically combustible. Will Labour's technocratic tinkering bring about genuine reform — or is it just more of the same? This is a clear-eyed look at the promises, the policy and the political price of failure.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time in modern British history, young men are now more likely than young women to be out of education, employment or training. It's a trend mirrored across the Atlantic — and it raises a stark question: are boys and men being left behind? In this special edition, we bring you a timely conversation exploring the data, the causes, and the political consequences of male economic decline.Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men and author of ‘Of Boys and Men', joins leading demographer Nicholas Eberstadt, author of ‘Men Without Work', in a conversation chaired by The Times columnist Fraser Nelson — recorded live with the Centre for Policy Studies in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Phibbs takes a scalpel to Britain's new free trade deal with India. Is it a triumph for post-Brexit Britain — slashing tariffs, boosting growth, and bringing down prices? Or does the small print on visas and taxes muddy the waters? From trade triumphs to immigration tensions, Phibbs unpacks the political spin and the economic reality — and explains why, despite the noise, this deal matters. Despatch brings you the best writing from CapX, the unmissable daily briefing on politics and economics from the heart of Westminster. Don't miss the next edition of our podcast, The Capitalist, this Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Bank Holiday edition, Marc Sidwell is joined by Dr Lawrence Newport from the Looking for Growth campaign for a sharp and solutions-focused conversation on how to reignite Britain's economic engine. From planning delays to regulatory sprawl, we examine the blockages stalling national progress — and lay out a bold vision to get Britain building again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The by-election in Runcorn & Helsby has sent shockwaves through Westminster — not because Reform UK squeaked to victory, but because what once looked like a protest vote now smells like a political realignment. In this special weekend Despatch, Conservative Home's Henry Hill unpacks why Reform's close win changes the narrative, and why the Tories are running out of excuses. Is Nigel Farage building a right-wing version of the Lib Dems? Could Reform become an entrenched force in post-industrial Britain? And does Robert Jenrick have what it takes to hold the Conservative Party together? Brace yourself — the electoral map is shifting. And this might just be the beginning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Chancellor Rachel Reeves treads a delicate path in Washington, Britain finds itself caught between diplomacy and hard economics — will tariff relief be enough to steady the ship? Meanwhile, Apple's dramatic pivot to India signals just how deeply Trump's sweeping trade war is reshaping global business. Could a world less reliant on Beijing ultimately emerge stronger — or simply more fragmented? And with the IMF slashing global growth forecasts, are we witnessing the first signs of a smaller, slower, more isolated future? CapX's deputy editor Joseph Dinnage is joined by James Boys from UCL and commentator Matthew Stadlen to map the risks, the opportunities, and the new world order taking shape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Runcorn and Helsby has been Labour's turf for decades — but the ground is shifting, and Reform UK can smell blood. In this week's edition of Despatch, Gawain Towler — former director of communications for Reform UK — takes us inside the Cheshire constituency where poverty is entrenched, campaigning is curiously absent, and Keir Starmer's team seems strangely quiet. Why is Labour pulling its punches in its 16th safest seat? What is Morgan McSweeney really playing at? And could Nigel Farage's insurgents turn a protest vote into a political earthquake? Despatch unpacks how this by-election could be the first domino in a collapse of Labour's red wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Britain ready to outpace a stalling global economy? As fresh figures show growth grinding to a halt, The Capitalist asks whether the UK can still carve a bold new path forward. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves heading to Washington, is a transatlantic trade deal within reach — or is Britain about to be caught in a clash of superpowers? Plus: nationalisation is back on the table, but can state control really rescue British steel? Economist Cornelia Meyer and Conservative Home's Harry Phibbs unpack the pressures, posturing, and political gambits shaping the world economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Phibbs asks a pointed question in this week's Despatch: if nationalisation has failed before, why are we doing it again? With Parliament recalled for an emergency Saturday sitting to save British Steel, the political consensus was deafening — and expensive. But is this really a matter of national security, or just another costly round of state interference dressed in patriotic clothing? From HS2 to Net Zero, Phibbs argues that consensus is the real danger — and nationalised steel is the latest case in point. Tune in for a sharp-eyed look at Britain's industrial nostalgia, and why we should all be watching our wallets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic Saturday recall of Parliament delivers a last-minute reprieve for British Steel — but is it a genuine industrial strategy, or just another short-term fix? Meanwhile in Washington, President Trump promised to revive American manufacturing. But can you really rebuild the past — or is this economic cosplay doomed to fail? Broadcaster Albie Amankona and the IEA's Daniel Freeman join CapX's Marc Sidwell to ask a vital question — can Britain resist the noise and rediscover the quiet power of centre-right pragmatism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain isn't broken — but it is stuck. In this urgent Despatch, Julia Willemyns, co-founder of the Centre for British Progress, makes the case for boldness over drift. Why has growth stalled? Why does everything feel harder, slower, smaller than it should? And why have both Left and Right abandoned the ambition to build? With sharp insight and a rallying cry for change, Willemyns lays out a compelling vision: one that trades bureaucracy for dynamism, timidity for courage, and economic stagnation for social progress. If Britain wants to lead again, it has to learn how to build again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the world's biggest economy slams the brakes on global trade? In just weeks, Donald Trump's tariff blitz has shattered decades of US-led liberalisation — and the fallout is only just beginning. As prices creep higher and wallets tighten, will the political backlash bite harder than the economic one? And in the UK, could fiscal fear turn into fiscal flair? CapX editor Marc Sidwell is joined by the IEA's Reem Ibrahim and Dominic Pino of the National Review Institute to explore whether this era of upheaval might just offer the chance to rewrite the economic rulebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves entered her first Budget with a familiar refrain—blaming the Conservatives for the difficult choices ahead. But now, the focus has shifted to her own decisions, particularly the impact of tax rises on business confidence, jobs, and growth. Can her latest fiscal measures break Britain free from economic stagnation, or have they only deepened the challenge? CapX Editor-in-Chief Robert Colvile leads a live discussion with Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride, David Miles from the OBR Budget Responsibility Committee, and Alys Denby, Opinion and Features Editor at City AM. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves envisions Britain as a “defence industrial superpower” — but does the industry exist to match the ambition? Meanwhile, London eyes Brussels for a reset, with hopes that closer ties could unlock growth. And amid high taxes and tight regulation, is Britain's economic model locked in for good? Marc Sidwell is joined by Julian Jessop and Maxwell Marlow to dissect the latest political currents and market shifts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain is spending more than ever—but getting less. Public debt is soaring, growth is non-existent, and dissatisfaction with public services has never been higher. The government talks tough on cuts, but the real crisis is deeper: a bloated state that punishes efficiency and rewards failure. The one word no politician dares to take seriously? Productivity. If public sector performance matched the private sector, we'd unlock £100bn a year—no tax hikes, no cuts, just better government. So why isn't it happening? And who, if anyone, has the courage to fix it? Listen now to Tim Knox's diagnosis of Britain's great stagnation—and what we can do about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reality check for Britain's economy? Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement reveals growth forecasts have been slashed in half. Can Labour still deliver on its economic pledges? City AM's Alys Denby weighs in. Plus: a bold call for reform from Andrew Griffith, Shadow Secretary for Business and Trade, as he sets out his vision following the latest Looking for Growth policy summit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch's political journey was shaped by first-hand experience of government overreach and the stifling effects of socialism. In this special Despatch, the Conservative leader delivers a powerful speech on the values that brought her into politics—and the lessons she's drawn from Margaret Thatcher. Her message? Real change demands courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Britain reflects on 50 years since Margaret Thatcher took the helm of the Conservative Party, the outlook for free-market thinking—and a dynamic economy—has rarely seemed so uncertain. In this special edition, CapX Editor-in-Chief Robert Colvile is joined by former Chancellor George Osborne and Professor Sir Niall Ferguson of the Hoover Institution to chart a course for the party's future. Recorded live at the Margaret Thatcher Conference, this episode is presented in partnership with the Centre for Policy Studies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.