The New Statesman Podcast

As the UK grapples with cost of living pressures, geopolitical shocks and a shifting political landscape, the case for net zero remains strong - but the story around it seems to have stalled.How can policymakers, businesses and campaigners reconnect climate action with public priorities such as jobs, growth, energy security and household bills?In this episode host Jon Bernstein is joined by Benj Sykes, UK Country Manager at Ørsted, Polly Billington, Labour MP and founder of Climate 100, and Daisy Powell-Chandler, Head of Energy and Environment at Public First, to examine the state of the UK's net zero consensus and what's really driving public attitudes.Their discussion looks at why Westminster debate has become more polarised even as public concern about climate change remains high; whether the language of “net zero” helps or hinders; and how to tell a more compelling, place-based story about the energy transition - from local jobs and warmer homes to cleaner transport and revitalised town centres.The panel also explores how to balance upfront investment with cost of living pressures, the case for an energy social tariff, and why decarbonisation should be framed as a national security priority that reduces exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and future energy price shocks.This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Ørsted.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Is the Labour Party holding true to its founding principles? Have we lost trust in the police? Are we in a recession?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Luke O'Reilly and Rachel Cunliffe to answer your questions.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

A recent result from pollsters Find Out Now has put Labour support at just 14%, behind Reform, the Tories and the Greens.Just how bad are these polling numbers for Labour?Oli Dugmore is joined by the New Statesman's senior data journalist and polling expert Ben Walker to discuss.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Four senior Labour politicians are on manoeuvres. Ailbhe Rea reveals who's in the running to replace Keir Starmer.-- Keir Starmer has become desperately unpopular. All eyes now are looking towards the May 2026 local elections. A disappointing performance by Labour could prompt the Prime Minister to resign. And senior Labour figures are already positioning themselves to replace him.Ailbhe Rea and Rachel Cunliffe join Anoosh Chakelian to explore the most likely candidates, and the impact their manoeuvring is having on present relationships at the top of the Labour Party.READ: Angela Rayner is Wes Streeting's biggest obstacle to PMLISTEN NEXT: Keir Starmer is in denialSAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

After months of deliberation it's been decided, it's not our party, it's not their party, it's Your Party.This weekend, thousands of the new left party's delegates flooded into a conference centre in Liverpool to try and decide the future life and fate of the movement.But in keeping with the last 5 months of trials and tribulations, in-fighting and spats between the co-founding camps of Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn, things didn't run smoothly.Is it his party? Or her party? And is this really what the left in Britain want?Oli Dugmore is joined by Megan Kenyon, who spent the weekend in the throes of the socialist spectacle.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

In the past three weeks, 12 prisoners have been accidentally released - Justice Secretary David Lammy announced this morning. This is in addition to the 91 who've also been mistakenly freed in England and Wales in the last six months. It's fair to say, the justice system is in a bad way - leaking from the sides. Trying his best to mop this up, Lammy also announced today that jury trials in England and Wales should be scrapped except for in extreme cases. Oli Dugmore is joined by Rachel Cunliffe for a New Statesman justice review.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Keir Starmer has backed Rachel Reeves – but the Prime Minister has miscalculated.After weekend front pages accused the Chancellor of lying about the "fiscal black hole" which, Reeves says, necessitated last week's tax-and-spend budget, the PM has given a speech supporting Reeves and saying he's "proud" of the budget.Meanwhile polling reveals a majority believe "the cost of living crisis will never end", and see no hope for improvements in their immediate future.Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe join Oli Dugmore to discuss whether the Prime Minister has grasped quite how broken the social contract is, and what's next for the government – and the country – following the budget.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Another bit has fallen off Labour's car as its MPs flee Westminster and bid a hasty retreat to their constituencies.This time, Labour has been accused of breaking another manifesto promise by pulling a major one eighty on workers rights. Oli Dugmore is joined by Ailbhe Rea.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

It's Black Friday and consumers are hunting for bargains. However, are Brits spending more and more money on goods that are getting worse and worse?Will Dunn joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his theory of "crapflation".Will also spent time this week in an enormous pile of trash, dumped by organised criminals in a field in Oxfordshire.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

While many on the left were calling for a wealth tax, yesterday the Chancellor delivered a smorgasbord of stealth taxes.How will this platter of sneaky revenue streams boost the government's finances? And what does it mean in the longterm, economically, for the country?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by the New Statesman's business editor, Will Dunn, and political editor, Ailbhe Rea.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Tax in Britain will rise to an all-time high following Rachel Reeves' budget.The Chancellor has unveiled her latest budget. She's promised to remove the two-child benefit cap, freeze income tax brackets and introduce a new mansion tax.Labour deny they are breaking their manifesto pledge to avoid raising income tax, while critics claim the freeze is doing just that.The Office for Budget Responsibility, who disastrously published their assessment before the Chancellor had made her statement to the House of Commons, say the budget will amount to a tax bill of £28 billion by 2029 – a record high.Oli Dugmore is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss what the budget means for Britain, the Chancellor, and Keir Starmer's government.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

The Chancellor has admitted that the economy feels stuck. But will tomorrow's budget, which promises to “grip the cost of living” and looks likely to freeze income tax thresholds, actually do anything to help? Oli Dugmore is joined by the New Statesman's editor Tom McTague and political editor Ailbhe Rea. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

This summer, MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana announced the launch of the provisionally named ‘Your Party'. The new party was created to fill a gap on the left-wing of British politics that many believe Keir Starmer and his Labour government are ignoring. However, the launch process has not been smooth.Our political correspondent Megan Kenyon has been following all the updates from Your Party, and secured this exclusive interview with Jeremy Corbyn.They discuss whether Corbyn will lead the new party, why it's been such a struggle to launch, and whether he will collaborate with the Green Party's leader Zack Polanski.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

For so long a fixture of public debate in the US, the software company Palantir is now increasingly being talked about here in Britain.In September the UK government announced a £1.5bn investment by Palantir in the military. It already has contracts with the police and the NHS. So, should we be worried?Tanjil Rashid is joined by journalist James Vincent.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Whilst Your Party and the Green Party attempt to occupy the space on the left of British politics that they feel Labour has abandoned, our listener asks, what about the British communist parties?Oli Dugmore is joined by Tom McTague to discuss this, along with other listener questions on political briefings to the press and whether Labour can make a comeback.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2025/11/britains-young-communists-are-ready-for-revolutionLISTEN AD-FREE:

Shabana Mahmood was back in the Commons today outlining her controversial immigration plans.Meanwhile, Clive Lewis said he'd give up his seat for Andy Burnham and a Labour MP defects to the Greens.In the second half of the podcast, Calum Weir from Labour Together tells us what really matters to Britain. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Meet the money men with Britain's future in their hands.*Next week Rachel Reeves will deliver her budget and, for all the talk of fiscal rules, headroom and tax rises, there is a higher power she must contend with. When the Chancellor goes for meetings in the City, she is rarely introduced to the people whose job it is to press the button on buying or selling several hundred million pounds' worth of gilts. It is to these people that we have been speaking in the run-up to the Budget. You would not guess that they wield political power, but for them politics is not personal. They approach it with blunt, professional interest, seeing opportunity in chaos. And if Reeves thinks she can rely on their support, she's wrong: the bond vigilantes.Read: Meet the bond market vigilanteshttps://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2025/11/meet-the-bond-market-vigilantesLISTEN AD-FREE:

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out her plans for the biggest shake up of asylum laws in 40 years. It divided the Labour party, impressed some Conservatives and even earned the home sec an invite to join Reform.But what will it mean in the long term for Britain, and for the families affected?Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe. LISTEN AD-FREE:

Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has unveiled a series of changes to the migration and asylum system. The plans, which have been trailed over the weekend, have been met with scorn from within the Labour party.“This approach isn't just morally wrong” the MP Richard Burgeon tweeted earlier today, “it's politically disastrous.”Oli Dugmore is joined by Ethan Croft.LISTEN AD-FREE:

"If he feels talking about his favourite novel is politically disadvantageous, that's a sad state of affairs" - David Szalay on Keir Starmer's reading habits.--David Szalay is the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize for Fiction.He disputes claims that his novel, Flesh, is a tale of modern masculinity as reviewers have claimed. Though it certainly explores the male expression of emotion. In Flesh, Szalay's protagonist, István, navigates sexual grooming, violence and prison before rising to the ranks of the super-rich - narrating his story in economical, tightly packed sentences.Nicholas Harris met Szalay in London shortly after his win. They discuss the role of the novel, Szalay's "post-brexit" identity as a "European author", and why the Prime Minister should be reading more.LISTEN AD-FREE:

We share our strategy advice for the Labour rebels allegedly trying to oust Keir Starmer.Ailbhe Rea and Luke O'Reilly join Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions. In this episode:What's the best strategy for Labour rebels hoping to dethrone Starmer?How much power does a party chair wield?Can any politicians affect positive change?LISTEN AD-FREE:

After weeks of preparing to break their manifesto pledge, Starmer and Reeves have ditched their plans to raise income tax. They're scared it would have angered their MPs and voters, amid a dire performance in the polls.How will Reeves plug the £30 billion gap in public finances if she doesn't raise income tax?Oli Dugmore is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Will Dunn to discuss.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/morning-call/2025/11/whats-behind-labours-income-tax-u-turnLISTEN AD-FREE:

The BBC is still reeling from the dramatic resignation announcement of its director general Tim Davie on Sunday.Rachel Cunliffe gets Lewis Goodall's insider perspective, drawing on his time working on BBC's Newsnight programme.Lewis also shares his thoughts on the leadership threats surrounding Keir Starmer.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/media/2025/11/trumps-attack-can-rescue-the-bbcLISTEN AD-FREE:

Labour hit its lowest-ever poll rating last week, coming fourth at just 17 per cent. Westminster is full of chatter about a leadership coup at the hands of Wes Streeting. And Labour MPs and government aides alike are dismayed by Keir Starmer's leadership and the state of No 10. Has the Prime Minister reached the point of no return?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by our new political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss her cover story.Read: Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?LISTEN AD-FREE:

It's now "impossible" to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees. Can COP30 achieve anything material at all?--Keir Starmer has been in Brazil ahead of COP30 - the world's largest annual climate meeting - where world leaders were told it's now “virtually impossible” to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. That's according to the UN's chief meteorologist.Brazil wants money to protect the rainforests, but Starmer doesn't want to give it.Meanwhile China, India and the US – three of the biggest emitters – can't be bothered to turn up.So what, exactly, is the point of these climate talks?Oli Dugmore meets Rachel Kyte, the UK's climate envoy, and Christiana Figueres, the diplomat who led the Paris Agreement, to ask if there's any hope at all for global climate plans.--Hear Christiana Figueres grill Ed Miliband on the Outrage and Optimism podcast: https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes/inside-cop-ed-miliband-on-multilateralism-leadership-and-the-uks-climate-dilemma?hsLang=enLISTEN AD-FREE:

Yesterday evening, BBC director general Tim Davie resigned, as first reported in the New Statesman by our new political editor Ailbhe Rea, along with his head of news, Deborah Turness.In the end, it came down to a Panorama documentary accused of featuring a misleadingly edited speech by Donald Trump.But, having weathered years of BBC scandals, could Davie's departure be described as death by a thousand cuts?Oli Dugmore is joined by Hannah Barnes to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Has Labour let down Millennials? Are tax hikes on the horizon? And what would happen to the commonwealth if Britain dumped our King? Rachel Cunliffe joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions.Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New Statesman. Subscribe today at newstatesman.com/xmaspod25Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:

“The dream of home ownership is closed off to younger people today” - Steve Reed, Housing SecretarySteve Reed exclusively tells the New Statesman about the seven billion pounds Labour are giving to the six mayoral combined authorities for social and affordable housing.In an interview with Oli Dugmore, Labour's housing secretary outlines the plan, and discusses young people's housing woes, abolishing landlords and his history with Morgan McSweeney.Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New Statesman. Subscribe today at newstatesman.com/xmaspod25Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:

Voters in New York City have elected a socialist, Muslim, 34-year old Mayor. Here's what Labour need to learn from Zohran Mamdani's campaign.--Zohran Mamdani calls himself "Donald Trump's worst nightmare". In the UK, senior Labour figures including Wes Streeting have praised the young Democrat Mayor-Elect's campaign. But should Labour be celebrating a win in America's Democrat stronghold, when they can't win their own seat in Wales?George Eaton and Megan Kenyon join Anoosh Chakelian to discuss what the Left in Britain must learn from the Mamdani campaign - and whether, in fact, this spells better news for Zack Polanski's Greens than Keir Starmer's Labour government.LISTEN AD-FREE:

A four-month investigation with Channel 4 News reveals harrowing failings at one of Britain's most prestigious hospitals.Oli Dugmore speaks to the New Statesman's Investigations Editor, Hannah Barnes.Read: Britain's next maternity scandalLISTEN AD-FREE:

Is Britain becoming a country of mass violence?On Saturday evening, a Doncaster to London train was forced to stop in Huntingdon after eleven people were injured in a stabbing spree. Anthony Williams, a 32 year-old British national, was charged on Monday with multiple counts of attempted murder.Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe.Read: Knife crime is creeping into Middle EnglandLISTEN AD-FREE:

Today, Nigel Farage set out his updated vision for the UK economy.At a speech and press conference in London, The Reform UK leader talked tax, immigration, welfare, Brexit and his days working in the City.The New Statesman's Ethan Croft was at the event.Ethan joins Oli Dugmore to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Is Build Baby Build doomed? Is Katie Lam running for leader? Where is Priti Patel? Can the UK really support 5 large leftist parties?Luke O'Reilly joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions.Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:

The Deputy PM believes that Labour can beat the threat of the populist right, Nigel Farage and Reform. Lammy says that Labour can achieve this by tackling the cost of living crisis, uniting the centre and left of British politics and putting security first.Oli Dugmore sat down with David Lammy to discuss his plan.Read: Nigel Farage can be stoppedLISTEN AD-FREE:

Which are the most deprived neighbourhoods in England and how might this map onto voter intent?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker, to discuss what we can learn from the English Indices of Deprivation.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Another bad week for Prince Andrew. You could say the man hasn't had a good week since 2011. Although, actually, he does live in a 30-bedroom mansion in Windsor and enjoyed a million quid a year from his mum.In this week's cover story Will Lloyd makes the case for abolishing the monarchy, and that the Windsors have always been more involved with British politics than we know. He speaks to Oli Dugmore in this episode.LISTEN AD-FREE:

With the Autumn budget looming, the government has some tough decisions to make. Rachel Reeves has to find a predicted £30bn in extra revenue to meet her self-imposed fiscal rules.But as part of its manifesto pledges, Labour promised not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.And after a crushing defeat in Wales last week, what can the government actually get away with without angering the public further?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by polling analyst Steve Akehurst.Read: Just Raise Tax by Will DunnRead: Least worst options: understanding voter attitudes in the run up to the 2025 BudgetLISTEN AD-FREE:

The Caerphilly by-election proves Reform can be beaten. But is Keir Starmer the man to do it?Last week voters in Caerphilly confounded pundits by electing their first Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd (MS). Reform UK had expected to be the party to overturn Labour's 100 year dominance in the Welsh seat - but they were wrong.The loss was a disaster for Labour, but came with a glimmer of hope: Reform UK can be beaten.Now the party needs to ask whether their current leader, Keir Starmer, is the man to do it.Back in Westminster, Lucy Powell has been elected deputy leader of the Labour Party - and she's not the winner Keir Starmer had hoped for.In this episode, Harry Clarke-Eziddio and George Eaton join Anoosh Chakelian to analyse what the Caerphilly loss and the new deputy leader mean for the future of the Labour Party.LISTEN NEXT: The death of Welsh LabourLISTEN AD-FREE:

With only her second novel The Inheritance of Loss, Kiran Desai won the 2006 Booker Prize, the leading literary prize in the global Anglosphere, becoming - at the time - the youngest person ever to do so. She was thirty-five. Then: silence. 19 years of it, before another novel emerged - this year. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. It, too, has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Will Desai win it again?LISTEN AD-FREE:

Is Welsh Labour dead?Plaid Cymru won a historic victory in the by-election, trouncing Labour who had been dominant for over 100 years.The "middle child" as Plaid's new MS describes them, also beat Reform, who pollsters expected to win the seat.In this episode, Harry Clarke-Ezzidio reports from Caerphilly to analyse the results of the election. He speaks to Rhun ap Iorwerth, Huw Irranca-Davies, Llyr Powell, and Dan Evans.LISTEN AD-FREE:

After 14 attempts, Lindsay Whittle has won the Caerphilly seat in South Wales for Plaid Cymru. Reform came in second with over a third of the vote, and Labour trailed in third with 11%. A devastating loss for the party.Harry Clarke-Ezzidio is joined by Ben Walker in Caerphilly Leisure Centre.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andrew Marr says he thought Labour would fix everything, but: "I was wrong".--Andrew Marr is stepping down as political editor of the New Statesman. In this, his last regular podcast appearance (he'll be back, don't worry!) he reflects on the last three years in politics - and where we're heading next.He admits committing "the journalistic sin" of optimism when Keir Starmer was elected, and addresses criticism he's faced from media colleagues on both the left and right of the political divide. He explains why he believes the Labour party is failing the country.Speaking to Tom McTague, Marr also looks to the future and explores the likelihood of a Nigel Farage-led Reform government, the rise of Zack Polanski's Green Party and whether a coalition could be on the cards for the next election.READ: I thought Labour would fix everything. I was wrong.https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/10/i-thought-labour-would-fix-everything-i-was-wrongLISTEN AD-FREE:

Donald Trump's planned summit with Vladimir Putin is cancelled. Here's why.--Less than a week after Donald Trump offered to meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest, the proposed summit has already fallen apart.Officially, "there's no need" for the two presidents to meet, since their respective foreign ministers are conducting conversations.But what's really behind the cancellation?And what on earth is Donald Trump up to in Venezuela? Seven extra-judicial attacks on civilian boats, dozens dead without trial, and now massing troops and weaponry in the Caribbean. Is this really about "narco-terrorism", or is something more sinister afoot?Katie Stallard and Freddie Hayward discuss Trump's foreign policy on the New Statesman podcast.LISTEN AD-FREE:

James Schneider, the former director of strategic communications for Jeremy Corbyn, was involved in the founding of Your Party earlier this year. He has since stepped back from the project.In this episode he joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the growing gap on the left of UK politics and who could fill it.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andrew had already stepped down as a working royal, after that disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, but he's now gone a step further and agreed to relinquish the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Lloyd and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss what these latest decisions, announced on the eve of the publication of Virginia Roberts Guiffre's posthumous memoir, mean for the Royal Family.LISTEN AD-FREE:

A century on from the her birth, Tanjil Rashid sits down with the Iron Lady's official biographer, Charles Moore.LISTEN AD-FREE:

For over 30 years, John Gray has written for the New Statesman on everything from Artificial Intelligence to Friedrich Nietzsche. He joins deputy editor Will Lloyd to discuss the state of the nation.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andrew Marr joins Rachel Cunliffe to discuss his column in this week's magazine, Tax the old.They also discuss the latest developments in the China spy case.LISTEN AD-FREE:

"All I've done all my life is deals. The greatest deals just sort of happen…” President Trump announced at a celebratory peace-deal signing attended by dozens of nations in Sharm el-Sheikh earlier this week.But who were the powers behind Trump? Behind this deal?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Freddie Hayward who has written this week's cover story The Emperor: How Trump and his British Courtiers secured the Gaza dealLISTEN AD-FREE:

Did Keir Starmer's government quash an espionage case to curry favour with China?--There's fury in Westminster over the case of two alleged China spies which collapsed last month. Kemi Badenoch has accused the Labour government of deliberately quashing the prosecution to appease China, blaming National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell. The government denies this, and Keir Starmer has said Powell has his "full support". So what really happened? And why does China matter so much to the UK government?Oli Dugmore is joined by George Eaton and Katie Stallard.LISTEN AD-FREE:

All 20 remaining, living hostages have returned to Israel after 2 years in captivity, following the October the 7th Hamas attacks. The remains of the 28 deceased hostages are yet to be returned.Meanwhile, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza today.To discuss this historic day in the Middle East and how it came to be, Oli Dugmore is joined by Katie Stallard and Freddie Hayward. Later in the episode Ethan Croft and Rachel Cunliffe look at the question of the UK's involvement in this peace process.LISTEN AD-FREE: