Politics At Jack And Sam's

“This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with here” - the words of Donald Trump as he attacks Keir Starmer over the UK's approach to the Iran war - but does this mark a new low for the transatlantic relationship?As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, the UK deploy military hardware to Cyprus to protect its assets, is this a further sign the UK is being dragged into the war?Sam and Anne assess if events have overshadowed the Spring Forecast, examine where the UK stands in its special relationship with the United States and look at whether Whitehall is preparing for months of war.Remember, you can get a full analysis of the Rachel Reeves' Spring Forecast in Politics at Sam and Anne's The Debrief here

The Chancellor has been on her feet in the Commons – the backdrop?The momentous conflict unfolding in the Middle East - so was it a “non-event” that dated almost immediately? Or did the Spring forecast give us clues to the direction of the government?Rachel Reeves reiterated that her economic plan was “the right plan” but have the government made certain assumptions and do the OBR agree with them?Sam at the Resolution Foundation thinktank and Anne in Berlin debrief the contents of Spring Forecast and pour over all key economic indicators - with a focus on areas which might be trouble down the tracks.

Its Spring Forecast day but as the war continues across the Middle East – is the special relationship now under threat?Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and U.S. President, Donald Trump, trade blows on the legality of the military action but is Britain military and economically ready for what's to come?Sam and Anne look at all options on the table and assess whether this could impact the Spring Forecast, and more importantly, people's pockets.Elsewhere, we have an exclusive poll which puts the Greens on a stronger footing with the public.Plus, should MPs be paid close to £100,000 a year?

After a weekend of destabilisation and tension across the Middle East, the UK allows the U.S. to use its military bases for attacks in Iran – but what challenges do the government face?The U.S. President says he will continue bombings on Iran until “all objectives are met” posing problems for Keir Starmer with thousands of Brits stuck in the region and hundreds of oil tankers dropping anchor around the Strait of Hormuz.Sam and Anne examine the domestic and political reaction; the tight rope the Prime Minister is walking to maintain a working relationship with Donald Trump and how costly this could be on people's day-to-day lives.Tomorrow, Sam and Anne will bring you a bonus de-brief episode on the Spring Forecast, which will be in your feed's late afternoon.

The plumber come politician – Hannah Spencer – claims a seismic and historic win for the Greens at the Gorton and Denton by-election but, where does this leave the Keir Starmer project? Sam and Anne examine what this means for the Prime Minister, who will be left soul searching after a massive collapse in their vote within the Manchester suburb. The duo also consider: Is the Labour vote bleeding from both the left and the right flanks of the party? Is this truly the end of two-party politics in Britain? What are the consequences of this result and has the blame game began?

After months of heated and passionate debate across the country and in the Houses of Parliament, is the assisted dying bill about to fall?Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for further cash - especially student loans and defence - despite Rachel Reeves insisting this isn't a moment for increased spending.Plus, does the United States have the final say on whether the UK should sell off the Chagos Islands?

With under 24 hours to go until the polls open in Gorton and Denton, is this by-election the biggest test facing Sir Keir Starmer's government?Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.Back in Westminster, are the Metropolitan Police in a sticky situation over the arrest of Peter Mandelson and claims that he was a “flight risk?”A full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election can be found here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory_record/538138/statement_of_persons_nominated_and_notice_of_poll_for_the_february_2026_gorton_and_denton_by_election?outputType=chromeless

Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a seismic moment in British politics - but will the pain of Epstein files continue to haunt Keir Starmer's government over the coming days, weeks and months?With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the UK's top man in Washington. Sam and Anne consider: Will the arrest impact the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election? Will the Liberal Democrats use the humble address to force the government to release documents on the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy? Away from the Mandelson affair, on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, allies from the coalition of the willing meet with President Zelenskyy. Plus, has more money been found to help tackle the courts backlog and will it make a difference?

A royal arrest and a new cabinet secretary welcome the Prime Minister back from recess week but with a crucial by-election and significant white paper on special educational needs, can the government get things back on track?Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of control?Will the government learn from previous rebellions to get tricky legislation through, or will this be another example of trouble down the tracks?Elsewhere, is the newly appointed head of the civil service – Antonia Romeo – already under pressure over an alleged cover up?Plus, are certain government departments already talking about a potential reshuffle?

In a special recess week edition of Politics at Sam and Anne, the pair look at who could replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next 14 days?Plus, Nigel Farage will announce part of Reform UK's shadow cabinet next week, but who will make the cut?

As the parliamentary recess approaches, questions are still being asked about the PM's judgement – but will the break give him a chance for yet another reset?After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what price might he have to pay for the support of cabinet colleagues as well as his former deputy, Angela Rayner.Plus, a bombshell Sky News interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - where he claimed Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” - has led to criticism and condemnation from across the political divide.

Like MPs, Sam and Anne are staggering through until recess. It's only Wednesday but they have the latest on Labour psychodramas.Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn't backing Keir Starmer.Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer's former chief of communications – Matthew Doyle – over alleged links to a convicted sex offender.Plus, is the civil service about to get its first female leader?

After a helter-skelter 24 hours - with calls for the PM to quit and another senior resignation from the heart of No10 – has Keir Starmer done enough to convince his party he is the man for the future, or has he simply just bought time?Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.Away from the psychodrama, the duo consider where this leaves Wes Streeting after he voluntarily shared his messages and WhatsApp's with Peter Mandelson – it could lead to a spicy cabinet meeting.Elsewhere, could Unite the Union disaffiliate themselves with the Labour party over concerns that they are not delivering for workers or industries?Plus, Sam shines the light on the challenges around special educational needs provision.

The Prime Minister starts the week without his right-hand man – Morgan McSweeney – following his resignation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson but, has that secured Keir Starmer's survival?Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets. Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parliamentary Labour party?The duo also consider the psychodrama and positions of the Prime Minister's potential challengers and whether any of them are in a more positive position as the new week starts.

As the political drama over Peter Mandelson spills into the Commons - with another climbdown and a damaging revelation – it raises the bigger question: How secure is the Keir Starmer premiership?With some MPs calling for Starmer to go – along with his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – pressure is mounting over the stark confession that the PM knew about Mandelson's continuing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before he was appointed the UK's ambassador to the US.Elsewhere, has Andy Burnham actually improved his leadership chances by being barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election? Plus, Sam and Anne gauge the mood in the Labour party to figure out what happens next to Keir Starmer.

Another day and another podcast dominated by Peter Mandelson – but as the political pressure ramps up across parliament, how will No10 react and is the carnage over?In a frantic 24 hours, Lord Mandelson gave up his peerage and is facing a criminal investigation over alleged leaking of sensitive material to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.Facing a key Conservative vote in the commons later today can Keir Starmer bury his associations with Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint him as the UK's ambassador to the United States? Plus, Sam explains the significance of the battle ahead in parliament between the Prime Minister, his own MPs and opposition parties on whether he will be forced to disclose sensitive information.

Peter Mandelson is still the main topic for discussion on the podcast again – as Anne reports back from an event with the US ambassador to London.Sam and Anne both pick over Mandelson's interview with the Times – where, beyond the photos at the Aga, he seems to hint that there's still a way back to politics by saying “I want to be more of an outsider”.At last night's event, Anne picks up on U.S. reaction to the Mandelson saga – but there is a stark warning for transatlantic business relations.Plus, what does all this mean for the Prime Minister and his senior staff who appointed Mandelson to Ambassador?

As another large dossier of Epstein files comes into the public domain – Lord Peter Mandelson resigns his membership to the Labour party, claiming he “doesn't want to cause further embarrassment” – but is that the end or only the beginning?Sam and Anne assess the political ramifications for Mr Mandelson and whether his links to the convicted paedophile – Jeffrey Epstein - will force him to give up his peerage.Elsewhere, the Prime Minister wades in on whether Andrew Mountbatten Windsor should testify in front of congress about his involvement with Epstein - how will that go down in the palace?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets China's President Xi calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” - but can both nations achieve that amidst global uncertainty?Sam and Anne dive into the details, looking at who is on the trip and reflect on the “twists and turns” of the relations between the two nations.Back in London, is the assisted dying bill on its last legs with the clock ticking on the time to debate and scrutinise the legislation in the House of Lords. Plus, have the welfare reforms – led by Pat McFadden – been shelved for the foreseeable future?

As Keir Starmer touches down in Beijing – does the UK face a choice between a “golden age” or an “ice age” with its relationship with China?Sam and Anne assess:Will the Prime Minister have to pick a side between President Xi or President Trump?How will he present himself on the trip, pragmatist or optimist?Will alleged spying and hacking by the Chinese make a difference?Should Sir Keir be globetrotting whilst domestic issues pile up?Back in blighty, Sam has been on the ground in Manchester gathering reaction to the upcoming by election in Gorton and Denton – as some of the campaigns got started

As the Prime Minister prepares to fly off to China he leaves behind plenty of problems at home – including a snap by-election in Manchester – but what will he do about it?Sam is on his way to the North West to see if Keir Starmer can navigate this moment of jeopardy, as some parties launch their campaigns for the Gorton and Denton seat.Back in Westminster, the government makes a significant announcement on ground rents.Plus, we have some exclusive polling looking at who could be seen as potentially doing a better job than Keir Starmer as PM – shockingly there is only one name in the mix.

After a weekend of will he or won't he – Labour's National Executive Committee decided to block Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by election – but has this move just ignited a massive internal civil war?Sam and Anne reveal some of the details from the crucial NEC meeting – assessing how damaging the move could be and whether the argument to shut the door on Mr Burnham's potential return to SW1 is robust enough. Away from the red-on-red infighting, the policing white paper is published and a significant decision looms on whether to freeze ground rents.

After President Trump's dramatic tariff climbdown at Davos, the Prime Minister and European leaders will be breathing a sigh of relief – but has it left more questions than answers and can the UK claim any credit for the change in position?Sam and Anne reflect on a month - primarily dominated by foreign issues and U-turns - and discuss whether if it was a missed opportunity for the government to push its priorities at home.The duo also ponder the view of business on Starmer's premiership and if they are calling for a change in leadership. Plus, the peers in the Lords back a significant bill to ban social media for under 16s.

Donald Trump finally descends on Davos despite a delayed flight – and is set to dominate the day at the annual get-together of the global elite.Sam and Anne reflect on his mega press conference prior to his departure – where he criticised Keir Starmer on the Chagos deal once again – and ask whether the PM will be missed in the Swiss Alps.Anne has the latest on the ground, gathering intel from across the economic and political spectrum on Trump's antics and the British position as well as the insane cost of a carafe of warm white wine.The duo also consider if there's division or unity on a response to potential tariffs over Greenland.Plus, on the domestic front is yet another red-on-red battle about to commence?

Sam and Anne started this episode wonder if Starmer and Trump relations were showing signs of being back on track.And as they were recording – the latest Trump Truth Social post calls the UK Chagos Islands deal “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY”.A move that'll dominate the day – Sam explains how it'll land in Westminster and Anne explains what people will be saying at Davos. There's also more u-turn talk after ministers confirm a consultation on banning social media for under-16s and Sam hears of possible changes to the plan to scale back jury trials.

After a weekend tariff assault by President Trump on the UK and Europe – triggered by the fallout from the U.S. ambition to buy Greenland – the Prime Minister rips up the agenda to hold an emergency news conference in Downing Street.Sam in London and Anne in Davos to go through what options Sir Keir Starmer has on the table and assess whether the PM should retaliate or find a diplomatic way through the choppy waters?Back in the Commons, Sam has the latest on the row over the Hillsborough law as the government pulls the legislation amid a battle with campaigners over how “watered down” the bill would be.Plus, what's in-store on the defection front this week after a late night move by Andrew Rossindell to Reform from the Tories?

Is the theme of anger and unhappiness dominating British politics and what, if anything, is the Prime Minister doing to quell the mood amongst his party and the public?Sam has details of misery and irritation within the Labour ranks over plans to overhaul parts of the jury system to cut the courts backlog – but is another u-turn or rebellion on the horizon?Elsewhere, will the assisted dying bill make it over the line before the Kings speech in May? Is a former British Prime Minister about to be handed a senior role to oversee the governance of Gaza? And, we get reaction from the shadow chancellor to the state of the UK's economy.

Another day and another u-turn – what does the climbdown on digital ID say about the credibility and authority of the Prime Minister?Sam and Anne also get you up to speed on another government idea that you'll have heard a lot about before – rail investment in the north of England. Can links between big cities ever be improved? And why is the Chancellor trying to whip up excitement like it's not been mentioned before?

A row is brewing between the government, Labour backbenchers and the security services over the Hillsborough law. Sam has the intel on why MPs want it to go even further, leaving No10 in a tricky position.After several policy U-turns and potentially more on the horizon – is the Prime Minister still in the driving seat and to what extent?Plus, as Reform UK claims its most high-profile scalp so far in Nadhim Zahawi, why are the polls heading in the wrong direction and could the party be accused of being the “same team, new badge” equivalent of Boris Johnson's Conservatives?

As global instability continues to dominate the Prime Minister's agenda, is the threat to his premiership receding?After a rollercoaster week of foreign events, and now the possibility of the collapse of the Iranian regime, Sam and Anne asses the perception of his actions on the home and domestic fronts.Link to foreign affairs, Anne has some intel on defence spending and how the funding doesn't match the UK's intention to be involved in military operations across the globe.Elsewhere, is the government about to ban X following a fallout from the usage of Grok AI to produce sexually explicit images?Plus, what do Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham have in common in the social media sphere?

Today, Sam and Anne ask the question, is the Prime Minister's focus abroad distracting from his own problems and domestic reforms at home?With a plethora of contentious legislation to get through ahead of the spring statement in March and the Kings speech in May - the duo forecast whether there could be more rebellions down the line. The pair home in on the complicated problems facing Bridget Phillipson - how she deals with SEND reforms and the use of single sex spaces. Will the government take on parents over statementing kids, how will it be funded and is the EHRC acting in bad faith?

Three things from Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy to start your political day.What the government is having to deal with – the unpredictability of Donald Trump.Just as Britain signs up to troops in Ukraine if there's a peace deal, it's having to use its best diplomatic language on what the President's thinking about Greenland.What the government wants to deal with – publishing the road safety strategy which is something every driver will have a view on.What some government sources are thinking – Sam's got a story about whether AI is to blame for a massive rise in the number of Written Questions in the Commons.You can vote for Politics at Sam and Anne's in the people's choice category at the Political Podcast Awards here - https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

The Starmer drama continues as the PM is warned by the Scottish Labour leader to stay away ahead of a crucial set of local elections – so, how popular is Keir Starmer across the board?Well, not very according to the first weekly check-in on the state of the polls in 2026 – as ‘Never Here Keir' jets off to Paris for another Coalition of the Willing meeting.Before that, it's the first cabinet of the New Year – and Sam and Anne have exclusive news on a potential revolt over business rates, as well as threats to industry to lobby less aggressively if it wants a u-turn.

It's a new year but does Keir Starmer still have the same problems? The Prime Minister is already under scrutiny, at home and abroad, to clarify his position on Donald Trump's actions to strike and capture Venezuela's President Maduro. Can he ‘beige' it out or will he bow down to the pressure from his opponents and critics? Elsewhere, as MPs flock back to Westminster for 2026, is the PM premiership in a stronger or weaker position since the Christmas break? - Sam has all the behind-the-scenes reaction. Plus, is deeper integration with the European Union on the cards? You can vote for Politics at Sam and Anne's in the people's choice category at the Political Podcast Awards here - https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

Could the next 12 months mould a new type of British politics, or could it break the entire system?Sam and Anne make their predictions and get into the political meat and potatoes of 2026, focusing on:If all the party leaders will still be in post?Could the local elections force a seismic change in UK politics?Does Britain still have a role in Europe and around the globe?Politics at Sam and Anne's returns for daily service on Monday 5 January.

As Parliament wraps up for 2025 – Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous year in British politics, looking at the highlights but mainly the lowlights.The duo use their ‘glass half empty, glass half full' approach to gauge if anyone can look forward to 2026 with pleasure or look back to 2025 in horror.Politics at Sam and Anne's will be back for a special look ahead episode to 2026 on Monday 29th December, with normal daily service resuming on Monday 5th January. 

It might be the last full day of business before parliament wraps up for Christmas but there is plenty on the menu for Sam and Anne to tackle.The duo look at: The man to beat in the race to become the next UK ambassador to the United States Britain looking set to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme but how much will it cost the taxpayer? Gossip and fallout from the Angela Rayner polling about how she's perceived with Labour voters

As President Trump files a multi-billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC and reported friction on the recent U.S.-UK technology deal – what state is the ‘special relationship' in?Sam and Anne pore over the details, look if things can get back on track or whether the President is meddling too much in UK political affairs.Also, we have some exclusive polling from Labour voters on who they would prefer as leader of the Labour party if it wasn't Keir Starmer. Plus, Anne has an update on the talks held in Germany over a possible peace plan for Ukraine.

As the head of MI6 prepares to make her first public speech – is the UK facing a “new age of uncertainty?”Sam and Anne discuss the priorities for Blaise Metreweli – identifying where the perceived threats are coming from and how Britain is being targeted.Before he jets off to Berlin for more Russian-Ukraine peace talks, the Prime Minister will face the liaison committee as parliament begins to wind down for the year.Plus, Rishi Sunak makes another appearance at the Covid Inquiry.

As UK-EU reconnection talks continue in Brussels and London, are more deals in the offing, what does it mean and when will the public see the difference?Anne has been speaking to the Minister for European Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, to see if any progress has been made and whether Brits can avoid the queues at immigration over the festive period. Back in Westminster, with a week until the Christmas break there's plenty of business for the government to get through but it's not all plain sailing.

“Weak”, the words of President Trump to describe European leaders, but how will it go down here in the UK and across the continent?Anne is in Brussels mopping up reaction from the “decaying" group of nations to that explosive interview from the President as re-connection talks between the UK and EU continues.Elsewhere, Sam speaks to Kemi Badenoch about what success looks like for the Conservatives at the next set of local election – clue it may not be winning.Plus, has the ghost of Andy Burnham returned to haunt Keir Starmer with a leadership challenge?

As Europe scrambles to respond to Donald Trump's latest posturing on peace in Ukraine - with the head of the Royal Navy warning about Russia's threat in the North Atlantic - how will Keir Starmer respond as he plots a course between the US and Europe?Angela Rayner returns to the Commons with a loyal-but-lively defence of her watered-down Employment Rights Bill, but will Labour's leadership jitters overshadow some rare good news for Rachel Reeves?Plus, the government rolls out its Union Jack-branded Great British Railways reboot.