The New Statesman Podcast

If you live in a new build, or know someone who does, who might already be all too familiar with the fact that Britain has a housing problem. Yes we have a severe shortage of housing, and the government has promised to build 1.5million new homes by the end of parliament - but something which is affecting many people but remains underreported is the terrible quality of the houses being built.Will Dunn is joined by Anoosh Chakelian who has written this week's cover story: Britain's new-build nightmare Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a gap on the left and several figures have stepped forward to fill it!Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss Andy Burnham's leadership pitch, Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza inquiry, dysfunction in no 10, and what the hell Robert Jenrick is doing on the internet.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there's one thing that the president loves, it's money. Recently, Trump has turned his attention to crypto - going into business with his sons and also launching $TRUMP and $MELANIA memecoins.But while this is one of Donald Trump's latest passion projects, it joins a long, long list of business ventures over his lengthy career. A story that in reality involves a long list of failed business ventures, tax evasion, and multiple bankruptcies. So how has Donald Trump manage to fail upwards for more than half a century? And who pays the price when he does?Katie Stallard is joined by Russ Buettner, investigative reporter at the New York Times and co-author of Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Reform being a right-wing populist movement, and splitting Tory voters. Why is there a lack of a strong left-wing populist party?, one listener asks.And another listener, Damon, writes in to ask, Why are fishing rights on the agenda with regards to this latest EU deal? Do you agree that France has a disproportionate influence on the EU?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winter fuel cuts? Two child benefit gap? Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules? Angela Rayner?The team discuss what will stay and what will have to go for Labour in the coming weeks and months, and where Nigel Farage is lurking to capitalise on Labour and Tory struggles.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the Israeli military launched a major new ground assault on Gaza. The aim, according to Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to force the surrender of Hamas, free the remaining Israeli hostages, and bring the entire territory under Israel's control. The UK, France and Canada have demanded Israel halt "its military operations" and "immediately allow aid" in. While Trump spoke about his support for Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu during his campaign, in recent weeks his patience seems to be wearing this. The US ambassador to Israel maintains Hamas is still responsible for starting the war by attacking Israel on 7 October 2023, and says the militant group must release the 58 Israeli hostages it is still holding. Meanwhile Hamas has been in private talks with the US about a ceasefire.Katie Stallard is joined by Raja Khalidi and Rajan Menon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former Labour prime minister speaks to the New Statesman Podcast about how the government can reduce levels of child poverty.Read: Gordon Brown: the moral economist Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer has sealed the deal with the EU, U-turned on winter fuel, and made a marked departure on the UK's stance on Israel. This has been a big week for Labour, but how will it wash with the public?Anoosh Chakelian is drawn by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, senior editor George Eaton, and senior data journalist Ben Walker.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven per cent of British children attend private school – a tiny minority – and yet they retain a grip on our elite institutions. The latest figures show that 65% of judges, 44% of newspaper columnists and 23% of MPs were independently educated. Fee-paying schools, however, do not merely cater for the privileged few, but hard-working aspirational parents who want the best for their children. They also allow for a quality that is essential in all aspects of raising children: choice. Is this two-tier system an archaic injustice that needs total reform? Or is it the route to a better education for all?This debate was recorded at the Cambridge Literary Festival. You can watch and listen to more on cambridgeliteraryfestival.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our teenage years, music can be everything. But as we age, our relationship with music changes.Alice Vincent was a music journalist for many years, and in this frank conversation tells Kate Mossman how childbirth, PTSD and depression turned her love of music into something darker. In her new book, Hark: How women listen, Alice recounts her quest to rediscover the power of music as an adult, a mother and after mental health battles. In this conversation, Alice and Kate discuss how her quest took her from an anechoic chamber in south London to the Mojave desert - and how music is finally returning to her life.Hark: How women listen is available to buy here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11114/9781805302063Read Kate Mossman's review here: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2025/04/sounds-that-shape-us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Having moved on from Blue Labour, which other policies will Turquoise Labour adopt from the far right?"; “Given that they are a break on everything, should the Treasury department be abolished?”; “What would happen if Labour and the Conservatives got completely wiped out at the general election and the Lib Dems and Greens also had bad polling results and the Reform party suddenly lost its mojo? Could a government function or would King Charles have to step in?”Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week saw potentially the boldest moment of Keir Starmer's leadership, as the Government announced its white paper - Restoring Control over the Immigration System. According to the Prime Minister, it marks a a significant overhaul of UK immigration policy.The headlines, however, have been less kind - focussing on the wording of his speech announcing the plans, specifically on the phrase ‘island of strangers'... Some were quick to compare this to Enoch Powell's infamous ‘Rivers of Blood' speech in which Powell talks of white British people becoming ‘strangers in their own country'.Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time, the Conclave of cardinals at the Vatican have elected an American pope.Pope Leo XIV has ascended to the papacy following the death of his modernising predecessor, Pope Francis.Katie Stallard is joined by writer Madoc Cairns and the New Statesman's Finn McRedmond to discuss Francis's legacy and Leo's future.Read: Pope Francis's illusionsRead: Pope Leo XIV's centrist papacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner, widely celebrated as Britain's greatest landscape painter. --YOUR NEXT EPISODE:The untold story of Picasso's muses--Yet, beyond the familiar image of the "painter of light", Turner was a complex figure whose radical art often baffled his contemporaries.Tom Gatti meets the New Statesman's art critic, Michael Prodger, to explore why Turner still matters – and how themes in his work like the power of nature, the impact of technology, and national identity resonate profoundly today. READ: The second birth of JMW Turner, by Michael Prodgerhttps://www.newstatesman.com/culture/art-design/2025/04/the-second-birth-of-jmw-turnerLISTEN AD-FREEDownload the New Statesman app: iOS / AndroidSTAY IN TOUCHGet our best writing every weekend in The Saturday Read email newsletterSUBSCRIBEGet full access to the New Statesman by becoming a subscriber Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team answer questions on the Green party's charisma issue, how Reform's power in local council could hurt their overall polling, and whether too many Lib Dems are vegan.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Ben Walker, Megan Kenyon, and George Eaton.Listen to our episode on constitutional issuesSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom McTague, the incoming editor of the New Statesman, joins Andrew Marr to discuss Labour's rocky week following Reform's dramatic wins, the India and US trade deals, and also his vision for the future of the publication.Read more: New Statesman International Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The far right now makes up a third of terrorism convictions and a majority of referrals to the governments Prevent counter-radicalisation schemeBut what fuels the far-right and how influential are they becoming?Harry Shukman, journalist and researcher at HOPE not hate, an anti-fascist organisation, went undercover with the British far right to find out how these groups operate, their plans for changing Britain, and the conversations that go on behind closed doors, far away from voters' doorsteps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Gatti meets authors Sarah Churchwell and Erica Wagner to discuss why The Great Gatsby is still relevant a century after it was published.Considered by many to be the great American novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic tale of ambition, class and the American dream continues to resonate today.Sarah Churchwell and Erica Wagner joined Tom Gatti at the Cambridge Literary Festival to offer fresh perspectives on a timeless classic.Watch more from the Cambridge Literary Festival at https://www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com/clf-player-watch-listen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday elections took place up and down the country, for councils, six mayoral contests, and a by-election. What we're looking at today is a big win for Nigel Farage's Reform - and a seismic shift in British politics.Hannah Barnes is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker and senior editor George Eaton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overnight, Ukraine and the United States have signed a long-awaited minerals deal. Hannah Barnes is joined by political editor Andrew Marr and international editor Megan Gibson to discuss what this means for Ukraine's security and the future of the conflict with Russia, and later in the episode the team look at Mark Carney's anti-Trump win in Canada and what this means for democracies around the world.Read more: New Statesman International Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the short period which has elapsed since Donald Trump took office (again) in January, he has slashed public health funding, gone after education, attacked media freedom, and challenged the authority of the legal system of the courts.Some of this seems outright reckless, but some of the actions taken by this Trump administration mirror the political trajectories of countries like Hungary, el Salvador, Turkey, and Russia. Countries where democracy has crumbled and autocracy has taken hold.Katie Stallard is joined by Kim Lane Scheppele, a scholar of law and politics at Princeton University and Lucan Way, distinguished professor of democracy at the University of Toronto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The politics team answers listener questions on council tax, the voters ignored by Labour and the Tories, and the true value of billionaires.Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the purported 'Easter truce' fighting has resumed in Ukraine and Russia, meanwhile peace talks in the West have broken down with the US speaking to Russia separately.Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr to discuss this week in UK politics, and later in the episode by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to look at Reform UK's surging popularity ahead of the local elections.Read: Can Reform grow up?, Steve Reed: “Reform is a symptom of broken trust” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China's modern history is also a story about trade. So how will the echoes of the past 200 years shape the trade war that Donald Trump has waged on the world's second largest economy?Katie Stallard is joined by Rana Mitter and Kevin Xu.Read: What will China look like in 20 yearsRead: Interconnected Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former senior civil servant Jill Rutter joins the podcast to answer listener questions on the inner workings of government.This episode is hosted by the New Statesman's associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did a joke gone awry in 1967 forever changed the nation's relationship with the truth?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Phil Tinline, a regular writer for the New Statesman and author of the new book Ghosts of Iron Mountain: The Hoax that Duped America and its Sinister Legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major pharmaceutical companies - or Big Pharma - research, develop and distribute medicines and treatments that we rely upon. However, their pursuit of commercial interests has often led to accusations of prioritising profits over the healthcare of patients both in the UK and beyond. Katie Stallard is joined by doctor and medical commentator Dr Phil Whitaker, and author/campaigner Nick Dearden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new 50-point AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to drive national growth and transform public services. In this episode host Jon Bernstein talks to AWS Director of Technology for the UK Public Sector Holly Ellis, and Director of Government Innovation Policy at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Alexander losad about the plan and what it could mean for businesses, policymakers and the wider economy. The conversation covers AI's role in reshaping government operations, challenges in implementation, and the UK's potential as a global AI innovation hub. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by AWS.USEFUL LINKSRegister for the AWS Summit London 2025 | AI innovation on AWS | Using generative AI to improve inclusivity – Swindon Borough Council case study | UK Ministry of Justice accelerates critical decisions with AWS analytics and machine learning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of May is set to be a big day for local government with council elections, mayoral races, and even a by-election taking place.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss what's being contested and where the polls stand at the moment.Read more from Ben hereSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to Donald Trump and his dodgy formula, last week tariffs were applied to countries all over the world. Consequently, the stock markets had their worst downturn since the pandemic. And economists warned of a weakened dollar, trade wars, and global recession.The White House denied for days that the US would back down on the tariffs. Until yesterday, when Trump pressed pause on higher tariff rates, with a few notable exceptions.To unpack what on earth is going on in Washington and around the world Rachel Cunliffe is joined by business editor and Will Dunn and US correspondent Freddie Hayward.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rodrigo Duterte led a bloody war on drugs — now he faces The Hague. As the former Philippine president is brought closer to justice, what could his fall could mean for other powerful figures with ICC warrants, including Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu?Katie Stallard is joined by photojournalist Basilio Sepe and political scientist Kelebogile Zvobgo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The women who loved Picasso shaped his art in surprising ways.--YOUR NEXT EPISODE:Why we can't let go of Never Let Me Go--"We look at paintings to imagine other worlds, other times. They are doors into an alternative, creative way of life."So writes Sue Roe in her latest book, Hidden Portraits: the Untold Story of Six Women Who loved Picasso. And if there was ever an artist who opened the door to an alternative view of the world, surely Picasso qualifies: unorthodox, exhilarating, and experimental, his art broke new ground and made him the most successful artist of the 20th century.But as is so often the case, his work was underpinned by a series of women - remarkable women - whom Picasso loved, and seemingly attempted to control.Sue Roe's book tells their stories in turn, unveiling their extraordinary lives, exploring the impact they had on the artist and he on them.In doing so it reveals, without moralising, some patterns of behaviour by Picasso which one might conclude were, at best, controlling and manipulative. This opens up the fashionable question in 2025: can we appreciate the art while recognising that the artist could be a very unpleasant human being.--BUYHidden Portraits: the Untold Story of Six Women who Loved PicassoREADPicasso's mistreated muses - book review by Sue PrideauxLISTEN AD-FREEDownload the New Statesman app: iOS / AndroidSTAY IN TOUCHGet our best writing every weekend in The Saturday Read email newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Putin wages a shadow war across the European continent—and the US commitment to NATO grows uncertain—we ask: would the West really defend the Baltic states if Russia advanced?Andrew Marr is joined by Oliver Moody, Berlin bureau chief for The Times and author of Baltic: The Future of Europe.Drawing on deep history, extensive reporting, and sobering military realities, Moody argues that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are not just small nations on the edge of Europe—they are a test of whether the West still believes in itself.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday the US president Donald Trump unveiled his plans for his long trailed tariff liberation day. After a lengthy ‘speech' about the cost of eggs and why the rest of the world wont buy American chicken and beef, Trump unveiled the quote unquote reciprocal tariffs the US will impose in the coming week.So do the figures add up? And what will these tariffs mean for the UK and for the global economy?Andrew Marr is joined by economist and journalist Duncan Weldon.Read more from Duncan WeldonSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has his sights set on making Greenland part of the US, claiming the autonomous, self-governing territory of Denmark is essential "for national security and international security."However, the vast majority of Greenlanders have said they do not want to become part of the US. Denmark has also strongly opposed the suggestion. Despite this, the US President has continued to pursue the issue - his vice president JD Vance recently visited Greenland to make the case for the US annexing the territory.Katie Stallard is joined by Markus Valentin, a journalist based in Greenland, and Romain Chuffart, a professor of Arctic Studies, to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Meet your heroes - it'll help you get over them"Kate Mossman is known for her singular, surprising and ultra-perceptive interviews - in which she often reveals more about her subjects than sometimes they appear to know themselves.And there is one breed of interview subject Kate has written about more than any other: the ageing male rock star.If anyone knows about meeting their heroes, it's her.In her debut book, Men of a Certain Age, Kate Mossman collects and revisits the interviews she's conducted with rock royalty such as Kiss, Jon Bon Jovi, Nick Cave, Ray Davies… and her teenage obsession: Roger Taylor of Queen.In this episode of Culture from the New Statesman Kate join Tom Gatti to discuss her obsession with ageing rockers, and shares some behind the scenes stories of her time with rock royalty.BUY KATE'S BOOKMen of a Certain Age is available to pre-order here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/men-of-a-certain-age-my-encounters-with-rock-royalty-kate-mossman/7792527?ean=9781788705646SEE KATE LIVEKate Mossman in discussion with Alexis Petridis, live in Londonhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/men-of-a-certain-age-kate-mossman-with-alexis-petridis-tickets-1270535970289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*25lj0d*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU1MDAwNzE1Ni4xNzQzMTg1MTYz*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTc0MzE4NTE2My4xLjAuMTc0MzE4NTE2My4wLjAuMA..READ MORE Kate interviews Jon Bon Jovi: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2016/11/jon-bon-jovi-on-trump-bono-bieber-and-the-agony-of-his-split-with-richie-samboraKate meets Terence Trent D'Arby: https://www.newstatesman.com/long-reads/2015/10/i-was-killed-when-i-was-27-curious-afterlife-terence-trent-d-arbyHow Jeff Beck became a guitar hero by saying no: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music/2023/01/jeff-beck-interview-tribute-guitar-heroLISTEN AD-FREEGet the New Statesman app:iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/new-statesman-magazine/id610498525Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.progressivemediagroup.newstatesman&hl=en_GBSUBSCRIBEJoin the New Statesman from £8.99 per month https://secure.newstatesman.com/offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How would it work? Can a state really find out how rich someone is? If Britain were to introduce serious wealth taxes, would the super rich simply leave?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the political editor Andrew Marr and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the prospect of a wealth text, and the implications of the Houthi PC small group on Westminster's Whatsapp addiction.Read: Would a wealth tax work?, Westminster's WhatsApp addiction must endSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growth has halved, welfare has been cut, and defence is hoovering up more and more. Things are looking, and sounding, pretty grim for the Chancellor - and in yesterday's Spring Statement we learned what the fallout from this harsh economic reality will be.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr and economist Ben Zaranko from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's Spring Statement Labour are having to make cuts - and welfare has been hit hard. Last week the health secretary Wes Streeting said that too many people were being written off work due to overdiagnosis. A statement which received considerable backlash.But what do we really mean by overdiagnosis? And how is it affecting public health?Hannah Barnes is joined by neurologist and author Suzanne O'Sullivan about her increasing fears of overdiagnosis and the impact it can have on both physical and mental health; what she thinks about those comments from Wes Streeting (and the reaction to them); and the relationship between public policy and health.This conversation was recorded in partnership with the Cambridge Literary Festival.If you'd like to register for tickets for the upcoming festival from 23-27 April please follow the link: cambridgeliteraryfestival.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kazuo Ishiguro's most popular novel is as relevant today as when it was published 20 years ago.--When it was published in 2005, Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go was acclaimed by critics and shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Twenty years on – having been adapted for stage and screen and adopted as a set text for schools – it is Ishiguro's most read work, and is considered a modern classic.Why does this profoundly settling book continue to absorb us? And what does it tell us about the role novels play in helping us grapple with the ethical dilemmas created by advances in science and technology?The critic David Sexton has been re-reading Never Let Me Go and joins Tom Gatti on the Culture from the New Statesman to discuss the impact of Ishiguro's most popular work.RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE: Winner of the 2025 Booker Prize, Samantha Harvey, on her novel Orbital - and how "political choices are sculpting the surface of the earth"https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/culture-podcast/2024/11/booker-prize-winner-samantha-harvey-political-choices-are-sculpting-the-surface-of-the-earthREADDavid's essay: Kazuo Ishiguro's everyday dystopiahttps://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2025/03/kazuo-ishiguro-never-let-me-go-everyday-dystopiaGO AD-FREESubscribers can listen to all episodes ad-free in the New Statesman app: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/new-statesman-magazine/id610498525Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.progressivemediagroup.newstatesman&hl=en_GB&gl=US&pli=1SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERGet the best of our reporting direct to your inbox every weekend with The Saturday Read.Sign up at saturdayread.substack.comBECOME A SUBSCRIBERFull access from £8.99 per month: https://secure.newstatesman.com/offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Labour on track for their target of 1.5million homes? What is NHS England? Why can't the Green's electrify the left in the same way that Reform has done for the right? What will the consequences be of cutting international aid?Hannah Barnes answers listener questions with the New Statesman's political editor, Andrew Marr, and associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe.Read: Labour's housing slumpSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prospect of peace in Ukraine, Liz Kendall's welfare cut announcements, and while Kemi Badenoch flails as Conservative leader ... who's waiting around the corner for her job?Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss this week in Westminster and beyond.Read: A Labour welfare revolt is still brewing, Diane Abbott rails against Keir Starmer, What went wrong for Kemi Badenoch?, Who could succeed Kemi Badenoch?Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since Nato's inception in 1949, the US has always formed a central part of the alliance and been the biggest contributor to its defensive strength.However, since his second term began, President Donald Trump has shifted the US's allegiances towards Vladimir Putin's Russia and away from Nato. Simultaneously, the US President has repeatedly criticised Europe's defence spending and the continent's reliance on the US.This radical shift from the Nato status quo has brought the alliance's future into question.Katie Stallard is joined by David Reynolds and Max Bergmann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fateful meeting at a village fête "tilted" the 20th Century "on its axis"So argues Ian Leslie in his new book, John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs.In the book, Leslie argues that The Beatles didn't just dominate pop culture - they redefined how we see ourselves.He reframes the relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney as a kind of love story, which shaped the second half of the 20th Century and continues to influence us today.Leslie joins Kate Mossman on Culture from the New Statesman to discuss the book, The Beatles and their legacy.John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs is available from March 27 in book shops and online. Pre-order it here*The author Deborah Levy has reviewed the book for New Statesman. Her review is available to read online now, and will appear in the March 20 issue of the New Statesman magazine.Get full access to all the New Statesman's cultural reviews - as well as our leading politics and global affairs reporting - by becoming a subscriber from just £8.99 per month. Visit www.newstatesman.com/offer.Get the best of the New Statesman direct to your inbox every weekend for FREE by signing up to our newsletter, The Saturday Read. Visit saturdayread.substack.com.*Purchasing a book may earn the New Statesman a commission from Bookshop.org, who support independent bookshops. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Given the Rupert Lowe drama, what does the future looks like for Reform and Farage?Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to answer listener questions about trouble in Reform land and where to watch in the upcoming local elections.Read: Inside the Reform civil war, Will the Farage-Lowe saga hurt Reform at the polls?, A Reform Labour showdown looms in the Runcorn by-electionSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning the PM announced that the state is overstretched and unfocused. The solution? NHS England has been scrapped, quangos are to be slashed, and the civil service shrunk. Do we finally have a vision of Starmerism?Hannah Barnes is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, and later in the episode by business editor Will Dunn to discuss Britain's work and benefits problem.Read: Why Britain isn't workingListen: Why Britain isn't working - with Alison McGovern, Minister of State for EmploymentSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent weeks President Trump's foreign policy pronouncements have been loud and abrasive. American allies watched in barely concealed dismay as the US president shouted at Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval office. Since then Trump has halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine and embarked on trade wars with Canada, Mexico, China - and perhaps next, the EU.In this episode Katie Stallard reports on America First - the Trumpian turn in US foreign policy and the end of the world as we knew it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lady Gaga rewrote the rules of female pop stardom. Now she's back with a new album. Can she do it again?Kate Mossman reviewed Lady Gaga's latest album, Mayhem, for the New Statesman and joins Tom Gatti on the Culture podcast to discuss the changing face - and powerful influence - of pop music.Read Kate's review here: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music/2025/03/on-mayhem-lady-gaga-makes-a-chaotic-return-to-formMayhem by Lady Gaga is published by Insterscope Records.Excerpts used in this episode are taken from the following for the purposes of criticism and review: Disease (Lady Gaga)Abracadabra (Lady Gaga)Killah (Lady Gaga feat. Gestaffelstein)Die with a smile (Lady Gaga feat. Bruno Mars) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Farage's lack of criticism of Trump damage Reform's prospects in future UK elections? The team answer listener questions on Trump and Reform, the prospects of the Tories in the local elections, and the point of state visits.Read: The The strange rise of the pro-Russia right, Tories' anti-Farage opportunitySign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The politics team discuss Starmer's week on the world stage and whether he can be the pivotal bridge between Ukraine and the US, as well as the prospective welfare cuts which have been announced ahead of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement.Hannah Barnes is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, and senior editor George Eaton.Listen: Europe's battleground: war or peace?Read: Can Starmer make Labour the security party?Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not even a week ago European countries were hailing the prospects of peace in Ukraine, but after a disastrous visit to the White House for President Zelensky, and the pause of aid from the US government - things have soured. In this episode we're asking what role Europe can play in the future of Ukraine. Kate Lamble is joined by Sam Greene and Hans Kundnani. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.