Former Leader of the Labour Party, MP for Doncaster North
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The elites running our energy system are counting on you not understanding it - here is why: In this explosive conversation, energy expert Kathryn Porter joins Andrew Gold to expose the dark reality behind Net Zero policies and the looming collapse of the Western energy grid. From the "sinister" normalization of energy blackouts to the luxury beliefs of the Davos elite, Porter breaks down why the path we are on has consequences that are genuinely scary. Support my guest: Follow Kathryn Porter's work: https://watt-logic.com Follow her on X: https://x.com/KathrynPorter26 Watch her on Peter McCormack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77C3iYX_bM SPONSORS: Support our sponsor: go to https://boncharge.com and use code HERETICS to save 15%. Go to https://boncharge.com and use code HERETICS to save 15%. Go to https://surfshark.com/heretics for 4 extra months of Surfshark Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code andrewgold at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/andrewgold Check Plaud UK: https://bit.ly/40Gzdh1 | US: https://bit.ly/475MQKe Notepro: https://bit.ly/479tWSR Organise your life: https://akiflow.pro/Heretics Earn up to 4 per cent on gold, paid in gold: https://www.monetary-metals.com/heretics/ Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics We dive deep into the "cultish ideology" of climate change, the scientific illiteracy being exploited by politicians like Ed Miliband, and the shocking truth about how thousands are already dying due to fuel poverty. Is Net Zero the new religion? And why is the Scottish grid on the verge of a total shutdown? If you've ever felt that something "doesn't pass the smell test" regarding global energy policy, this video is a must-watch. Key Topics Covered: - The "Spanish Inquisition" of Net Zero and the suppression of free speech. - Why renewables aren't as "cheap" as you've been told. - The catastrophic risk of regular blackouts across Europe and the UK. - How "woke" energy policies led to the economic collapse of Sri Lanka. - The case for nuclear energy as the only viable, reliable alternative. #NetZero #EnergyCrisis #AndrewGold #ClimateChange #Globalism #Blackouts #UKPolitics #NuclearEnergy #FreeSpeech #Economics Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 0:00 - The Scary Truth They Don't Want You to Know 2:30 - The Hidden Death Toll of Energy Policy 3:15 - Is Net Zero a New "Cultish" Religion? 5:40 - The Failed Predictions the Media Ignores 8:05 - Why Climate Policy is Harming the Poor 10:45 - The "Spanish Inquisition" of Modern Science 13:00 - The Looming Blackout Disaster in Europe 16:10 - Why the Grid is More Fragile Than Ever 25:30 - The "Luxury Belief" Destroying Nations 27:15 - The Sri Lanka Warning: Total Economic Collapse 28:00 - The Secret Link Between Oil and Your Medicine 32:45 - The Elites' Plan to Control Your Speech 46:10 - Is Ed Miliband "Deep in the Ideology"? 56:15 - Why Scotland's Grid is Set to Stop Working 1:04:20 - The Case for Nuclear: The Solution We're Ignoring 1:08:15 - A Dystopian Future or a Path to Growth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Podmasters is 10 years old! Get an extra 10% off a year's Patreon backing. What else does a beleaguered PM like Keir Starmer need but… unsolicited advice from Tony Blair? In a new essay published by his think tank, the former PM calls on Labour to cosy up to Donald Trump and axe Ed Miliband's net zero agenda or risk relegation from the “Premier League of nations”. Is Blair offering a genuine diagnosis or is he just dusting off the 1990s playbook? Plus, jobs tsar Alan Milburn's bombshell report on youth unemployment warns that young people are being “rewired” by their smartphones and trapped in a doom loop that's keeping them out of work. Can they escape it? And Reform's candidate for the Makerfield by-election Robert Kenyon is facing a firestorm for a string of resurfaced sexist social media posts. In the age of the political lout, why do the rules always seem different for the right? And in the Extra Bit: our panel reveals how they find their Zen in the age of doom-scrolling. • Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk. ESCAPE ROUTES • Hannah went to see Francois Ozon's new movie adaptation of Camus' existentialist classic The Stranger. • Ros also visited the cinema to see Project Hail Mary • Jonn watched the first episode of the BBC's Two Weeks in August • Seth has been reading Being Liberal: The Liberal Disposition in Contemporary British Politics by Cambridge professor David Howarth www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Seth Thévoz with Jonn Elledge, Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn. Produced by James Liddell. Audio Production by Jade Bailey. Art direction by James Parrett. Theme tune by Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week there's only one subject to discuss – and that's Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting.Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention. LISTEN AD-FREE:
What connects Trump's Cuba blockade and Ben Gvir's abuse of flotilla activists? As Richard Tice denies climate change science, will reality catch up with Reform UK – and what is Rory's issue with Ed Miliband's approach to net zero? Who is the most evil person Rory and Alastair have ever shaken hands with? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more in this week's edition of Question Time. __________ Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅ __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Vasco Andrade Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Emily Kent Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sir Tony Blair has entered Labour's civil war - and his message is brutal: changing the leader means nothing if the party still has no real plan for Britain.In a sweeping essay, the former Prime Minister delivers a scathing critique of Keir Starmer's government and questions whether Labour has coherent answers on growth, tax, welfare, Brexit, net zero and Britain's place in the world. Blair argues the solution is a return to the “radical centre” - but what does that actually mean in 2026?In this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy examines whether Labour's crisis is really about leadership at all. Would replacing Starmer with Wes Streeting or Andy Burnham solve anything? Should Labour move closer to Donald Trump or back towards Europe? And if the party forces a leadership contest now, does it risk opening the door to Nigel Farage and Reform UK?Joining Krishnan are former Tony Blair speechwriter Phil Collins and Labour MP Zubir Ahmed, a supporter of Wes Streeting who resigned from government earlier this month, and Stewart Wood who was an adviser to Gordon Brown when he was Prime Minister and Ed Miliband when he was Labour leader.
• It's Podmasters' 10th birthday! Last chance to get an extra 10% off a year's Patreon backing. Setting up the stories for the next seven… sorry, six days. As Britain suffers unprecedented May heatwaves, can Ed Miliband defend Net Zero from the denialists in Reform and the oil-funded PR greenwashers? Plus, Nigel Farage's excuses for his £5m gift from a crypto baron start to catch up with him. Could Reform be outflanked in Makerfield by the even battier, Musk-funded Restore UK? The latest on social media bans for under-16s. And Richard Burgon, Labour leader? Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison set out the week ahead. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• It's Podmasters' 10th birthday! Last chance to get an extra 10% off a year's Patreon backing. Setting up the stories for the next seven… sorry, six days. As Britain suffers unprecedented May heatwaves, can Ed Miliband defend Net Zero from the denialists in Reform and the oil-funded PR greenwashers? Plus, Nigel Farage's excuses for his £5m gift from a crypto baron start to catch up with him. Could Reform be outflanked in Makerfield by the even battier, Musk-funded Restore UK? The latest on social media bans for under-16s. And Richard Burgon, Labour leader? Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison set out the week ahead. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Menos de dos años después de su mayoría absoluta, Keir Starmer agoniza políticamente en Downing Street. El laborista que prometió sacar al Reino Unido de la crisis que arrastra desde hace año cosechó tal varapalo en las elecciones locales del 7 de mayo, que hoy cerca de un centenar de los diputados laboristas están pidiendo su cabeza, entre ellos cinco ministros. Wes Streeting, el ministro de Sanidad, ya se ha postulado al partido como recambio. El responsable del descalabro es Reform UK, el partido de Nigel Farage, que arrasó en las elecciones y se hizo con algunas de las plazas laboristas más valiosas en el norte del país. Los Verdes de Zack Polanski y los liberal-demócratas de Ed Davey han hecho el resto para dejar al laborismo en mínimos. En Gales, donde el partido llevaba un siglo ganando elecciones quedaron terceros. Starmer carga el muerto al Brexit y a la herencia recibida, pero la realidad es que buena parte de lo que le ha sucedido se debe sólo a él. Llegó al Gobierno con una serie de promesas, entre ellas algunas reformas de gran calado, pero en todo se ha quedado a la mitad o ni siquiera se ha puesto por miedo al ala izquierda de su partido. Los problemas económicos no se han enderezado, de hecho, en algunos aspectos han incluso empeorado, lo que le deja muy expuesto antes de atravesar el ecuador de la legislatura. Para que puedan quitárselo de en medio los estatutos del partido exigen que los aspirantes recojan firmas a favor de las primarias dentro el grupo parlamentario. Con una quinta parte basta, es decir, 81 diputados, algo asequible para casi cualquiera de ellos. La militancia, compuesta por apenas 250.000 afiliados, decidirá al próximo primer ministro que, eso sí, debe ser diputado. Suenan varios nombres como Yvette Cooper, Pat McFadden, Ed Miliband y Angela Rayner. Pero el favorito incontestable de las apuestas y de los afiliados es Andy Burnham, alcalde del Gran Mánchester. Burnham, que fue ministro hace años con Gordon Brown, es extraordinariamente popular en el norte del país. En Mánchester gana por mucho las elecciones desde hace diez años, pero no es diputado. Eso podría tener solución ya que Josh Simons, diputado por la circunscripción de Makerfield le ha ofrecido su escaño. Pero eso implicaría celebrar unas elecciones parciales y ahí no es ni mucho menos seguro que gane ya que en ese distrito Reform obtuvo la mitad de los votos el 7 de mayo. Pero, aunque ganara, gobernar el Reino Unido es mucho más difícil que ser alcalde de Mánchester, más aún en las situación actual. Quizá a Starmer le quede ya muy poco como primer ministro, pero el laborismo no está del todo muerto. Farage parece que ha tocado techo, los tories son irrelevantes y el partido Verde se ha escorado demasiado hacia la izquierda. Hoy por hoy ocupa el centro del tablero y eso es una ventaja ya que puede recuperar votos a ambos lados del espectro. Si quieren mantenerse ahí tendrán que realizar el programa de reformas que prometieron en 2024. Más oportunidades no van a tener. Pues bien, para hablar de este tema, cuyo previo ya vimos la semana pasada con La ContraCrónica que dediqué a las elecciones locales inglesas, nos acompaña Andrea, que ha estado siguiendo muy de cerca el descenso a los abismos de un laborismo que hace sólo 24 meses se las prometía felicísimas. · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #starmer #laborismo Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals
Dixon Cox is back! This week: -Starmer clings on, but for how long? -Wes Streeting resigns -Is there a route back to parliament for Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham? -Several scheduled speakers at the Unite the Kingdom march are banned from the UK -How we could end up with Ed Miliband as prime minister -Trump has some interesting advice for Keir Starmer And loads more Go here for the full episode: https://www.nickdixon.net/p/starmer-bans-tommy-robinson-speakers Subscribe here: www.nickdixon.net Support us with a donation here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nickdixon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nick_dixon X: https://x.com/nickdixon Paul's links X: https://twitter.com/PaulCoxComedy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulcoxcomedy Comedy clubs: https://www.epiccomedy.co.uk/
Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniu an séú lá déag de mhí na Bealtaine. Is mise Eoin Ó Seachnasaigh.Tá Príomh-Aire na Ríochta Aontaithe Keir Starmer faoi bhrú i ndiaidh seachtain dhramatiúil inar éirigh roinnt airí as an gcomh-aireacht in Westminster, iad ag rá nach bhfuil muinín acu as. Bhí sé i gcruachás mar thoradh ar na toghcháin áitiúla i Sasana inar chaill Páirtí an Lucht Oibre beagnach 1,500 comhairleoir ar fud na tíre, níos mó ná 450 i Londain amháin. D'admhaigh Starmer gur ndearnadh botúin le linn a théarma go dtí seo, ach go leanfadh sé ar aghaidh mar cheannaire an pháirtí agus mar Phríomh-Aire mar sin féin, cé gurb iad Reform an páirtí is mó anois agus Nigel Farage faoi lán seoil go Sráid Downing, de réir cosúlachtaí. Ba é Wes Streeting an chéad iomaitheoir mór le héirí as Dé Céadaoin, agus d'fhógair an iar-Leas-Phriomh-Aire Angela Rayner Déardaoin go bhfuil a cuid fadhbanna cánach réitithe. Ceaptar go seasfaidh sí do cheannaireacht an pháirtí mura féidir le Méara Mhanchain Andy Burnham dul san iomaíocht. Níl cead ag éinne an cheannaireacht a bhaint amach gan a bheith ina fheisire ach dúirt Josh Simons tráthnóna Déardaoin go n-éireodh sé as a shuíochán le deis a thabhairt do Burnham i bhfothoghchán. Ainm eile a luaitear leis an bpost ná iar-cheannaire an pháirtí Ed Miliband, ach tá an chuma ar an scéal nach seasfaidh sé.Go cúrsaí ceoil anois, le píosa nuachta a bheidh spéisiúil do lucht éisteachta an amhránaí as Contae Lú, David Keenan. Tar éis taispeantáis rathúla ar fud na cruinne, ag féilte scannáin ó Krakow go Chicago, tá an clár faisnéise David Keenan: Focla ar Chanbhás le feiceáil faoi dheireadh ar Sheinnteoir TG4. Paddy Hayes a stiúr é, ainm atá ceangailte le hearnáil craoltóireachta na hÉireann le blianta fada, i measc a chuid saothar bhí an tsraith iriseoireachta Corp agus Anam. Leanann an clár nua seo David ar feadh caoga lá, le fócas ar leith ar an bpróiseas cruthaitheach a bhí aige agus é i mbun taifeadta. Chomh maith leis sin, pléann sé an streachailt phearsanta fanacht glan ó bhrú na meán sóisialta agus a scéal féin á insint. Dá bhrí sin, is féidir a bheith ag súil le léargas fileata ar dhuine dár gcumadóirí comhaimseartha is cumhachtaí, agus ar a thírdreach inmheánach shaibhir.Bhí breis is míle paisinéir sáinnithe ar long chrúsála amach ó chósta Bordeaux i rith na seachtaine tar éis ráig gaistreintrítis. Cé nár bhuail an tinneas ach caoga duine, b'éigean do gach duine acu fanacht ar bord nuair a bhásaigh turasóir amháin agus léirigh roinnt de na daoine eile comharthaí an ghalair. Rinneadh iniúchadh go sciobtha agus fuair na híospartaigh cúram éigeandála ó dhochtúir na loinge sular cuireadh i gcoraintín iad. D'fhág an long darb ainm ‘Ambition' Oileáin Shealtainn ar an 6ú lá de mhí na Bealtaine agus stop sí ar dtús i mBéal Feirste agus ansin i Learpholl sular shroich sí Bordeaux. Agus muid ag taifeadadh, bhí na húdaráis fós ag bailiú samplaí ó na paisinéirí ionas go bhfeadfaí iniúchadh níos iomláine a dhéanamh. Deirtear nach bhfuil aon bhaint ag an eachtra seo leis an ráig hantaivíris a tharla ar long chrúsála de chuid na hÍsiltíre, an MV Hondius, le déanaí, ach pé scéal é, bígí cúramach má théann sibh amach ar muir!*Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAIScomh-aireacht - cabinet (politics)feisire - MPearnáil craoltóireachta - broadcasting sectorléargas - insightcúram éigeandála - emergency careiniúchadh - investigation
Andy Burnham has announced his intention to stand in a by-election in Makerfield after Josh Simons, the Labour MP and former Cabinet Office minister, stood down to clear his path back to Westminster.The Mayor of Greater Manchester is by far the most popular Labour politician and would be confident of success in a leadership contest against Sir Keir Starmer. But first he has to be allowed to fight the seat – which is in his own backyard – by the party's National Executive Committee, and then beat Reform, which won the Makerfield wards in last week's local elections.Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley assess the chances of Burnham securing the nomination for and then winning Makerfield, as well as the role that Ed Miliband has played and where it leaves Wes Streeting after his resignation as health secretary on Thursday.We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducer: Georgia CoanSocial Media Producer: Nada AggourSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla TomineyHighlightsAndy Burnham announces his intention to stand in MakerfieldHow confident should he be of beating Reform? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week: William Moore is joined by The Spectator's political correspondent Noa Hoffman, Telegraph columnist and Planet Normal co-host Liam Halligan, and The Spectator's real life columnist Melissa Kite.They unpack Tim Shipman and Noa Hoffman's cover piece on the mounting coup against Keir Starmer. As Wes Streeting makes his move, Ed Miliband waits in the wings and Andy Burnham's allies search for a route back to Westminster, is Labour now openly preparing for life after Starmer?Also this week: Britain's mounting economic crisis. Liam warns that the government is running out of road with the bond markets. Could a turn to the left push Britain towards a full-blown fiscal reckoning?Plus: the death of the traditional B&B. Melissa explains why fussy guests, vegan breakfasts, TripAdvisor and the tyranny of instant reviews have made hospitality more fraught than ever. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The battle for Number 10 is on.After Angela Rayner announced HMRC had cleared her over the tax scandal that led to her resignation, attention quickly shifted to the growing leadership turmoil inside Labour. Following days of speculation, Wes Streeting announced his resignation from government but - so far - hasn't challenged Keir Starmer for the leadershipIn this episode of The Fourcast, we examine the names circling the leadership race - from Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband to junior ministers preparing potential bids - and ask whether Labour is heading for a brutal internal war just as it tries to convince voters it's ready for power.Joining Krishnan Guru-Murthy are Senior Political Correspondent Paul Macnamara and Think Labour's Alison Phillips to discuss who's really plotting, who has momentum, and whether Starmer can survive the biggest challenge of his leadership so far.Recorded before Andy Burnham announced he would stand in Makerfield.
Jeremy Kyle reacts as Wes Streeting is poised to resign as health secretary, triggering a Labour leadership battle against Sir Keir Starmer. Ed Miliband, Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham loom as possible challengers, as factions scramble after bruising elections. Meanwhile, the King's Speech set out security, housing, NHS and infrastructure bills, overshadowed by warnings of chaos.Wake up with Talk Breakfast in full on YouTube, DAB+ radio, Freeview 280, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus or the Talk App on your TV from 6am every morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week: William Moore is joined by The Spectator's political correspondent Noa Hoffman, Telegraph columnist and Planet Normal co-host Liam Halligan, and The Spectator's real life columnist Melissa Kite.They unpack Tim Shipman and Noa Hoffman's cover piece on the mounting coup against Keir Starmer. As Wes Streeting makes his move, Ed Miliband waits in the wings and Andy Burnham's allies search for a route back to Westminster, is Labour now openly preparing for life after Starmer?Also this week: Britain's mounting economic crisis. Liam warns that the government is running out of road with the bond markets. Could a turn to the left push Britain towards a full-blown fiscal reckoning?Plus: the death of the traditional B&B. Melissa explains why fussy guests, vegan breakfasts, TripAdvisor and the tyranny of instant reviews have made hospitality more fraught than ever. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wes Streeting's resignation is the latest domino to fall amid the threat to Keir Starmer's premiership, in a chain reaction that could lead to months of chaos. Ed Balls and George Osborne evaluate where the government and Keir Starmer can go from here. Should he resign? And how would Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and the wildcard option of Al Carns, fare against him in a leadership contest? News of Streeting's departure came between our live YouTube stream and recording of this episode – so listen for Ed and George's instant reaction.Fresh from a trip to Canada, George suggests the success of Mark Carney, or Australia's Albert Albanese, could be a template used as a template for a Labour government to rebound, regardless of leader. Does it show Labour needs to take a bolder stance on issues like fossil fuels and immigration? And finally, as President Trump continues his consequential trip to Beijing, the pair assess how the China-US relations could be vital for Trump in this year's mid-terms. Does Trump need Xi more than he needs him? And are the two countries inseparable no matter the strength of their relationship? We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:
Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary, but he hasn't launched a leadership challenge. Why not? More than 90 Labour MPs have now called for the prime minister to go, but Keir Starmer is hanging on. What can he do now? And what's the next move for Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You can watch this episode on YoutTube: https://youtu.be/5Zb71ekLVBEThis week on Planet Normal, your co-pilots of sanity, Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson, sift through the debris of a historic set of local elections that have left Sir Keir Starmer clinging to power.The duo analyse the turquoise tsunami that saw Reform UK gain over 1,400 council seats, whilst the Prime Minister faces a precarious future after Labour's vote share collapsed in traditional hubs like Birmingham and Cambridge.Who is your co-pilots preferred replacement? Wes Streeting? Angela Rayner? ‘Mad' Ed Miliband? Or does Andy Burnham stand the best chance with the softy Labour Left?Return stowaway William Coulston joins your co-pilots to dissect the local election results, and where the Social Democrat Party stands on Welfare and why Labour's approach is bankrupting the country.Highlights: Planet Normal: Is Starmer's Labour drama as fleeting as Streeting?Reform UK gains over 1,400 seats as the traditional two-party system fragments following the May 7th elections.Streeting eyes the prize but is Andy Burnham waiting in the wings?Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor |Liam Halligan and Serge Kogan - London to Paris in 24 hours - ON A TANDEM: https://www.justgiving.com/page/liam-halligan-serge-kogan |Read Allison ‘Starmer quitting isn't enough. Furious voters want an end to politics as we know it':https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/12/allison-pearson-starmer-quitting-isnt-enough/ |Read Allison ‘Sick of being dismissed as a racist, Essex Man has turned to Reform':https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/08/essex-voters-embracing-reform-liked-nigel/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘Oil prices are detached from reality': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/05/10/headline-oil-prices-are-detached-from-reality/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam's Substack: https://liamhalligan.substack.com/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer is defying his own party, the public, and political gravity. But is he going anywhere? After a humiliating set of local, Welsh, and Scottish election results, the knives are out in the Parliamentary Labour Party. Yet the would-be challengers — Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband — can't seem to land a blow. Spiked Online's Brendan O'Neill joins Julia to break down why this isn't just a Starmer problem… it's a problem with the entire political class.Then, as King Charles delivers the King's Speech, the verdict is damning: recycled announcements, no serious plan for the economy, nothing on immigration, doubling down on net zero, and dragging the country back towards the EU. Robert Colvile, Director of the Centre for Policy Studies and Sunday Times columnist, digs into the numbers: Britain is borrowing over £100 billion a year, welfare spending now exceeds income tax receipts, and the bond markets don't care who leads the Labour Party… despite some MPs saying that the bond markets will have to ‘fall in line'.The brutal truth? Whoever takes over from Starmer inherits the same in-tray: wars in Ukraine and Iran, an energy crisis, a ballooning welfare bill, an ageing population, and a public that refuses to hear difficult choices. As Colvile puts it: you can change the Prime Minister, but you can't change the bond markets.Julia Hartley Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A key cabinet member, Hilary Benn, was asked this lunch time if Wes Streeting was still the Health Secretary. Astonishingly he said he did not know. Is Streeting about to launch a leadership campaign? is Starmer preparing to fight him? And could all this chaos somehow leave Ed Miliband in poll position as PM? Later, the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner launches an investigation into Nigel Farage's undeclared 5 million pound donation from a crypto billionaire. What will they find?The News Agents is a Global production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Sir Keir Starmer is holding onto his job – but only just. Dozens of Labour MPs have this week called on the UK’s PM to quit as party leader, but just as many have insisted he should stay – and that leaves Britain in a big old political mess. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Pressure grows on UK's Starmer to quit as PM UK continues its slide as Labour leadership saga drags on Anthony Albanese warns British Labour against ousting Keir Starmer amid leadership crisis After this ‘WTF moment’, Keir Starmer’s fate is out of his hands Commentary by Greg Sheridan: Keir Starmer’s leadership in crisis after Labour election disaster, fuelling fears for Britain’s future This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keir Starmer has given what was billed as a make-or-break having spent the weekend under fire from his own party. He tried to strike a more urgent tone, promising bigger arguments, closer ties with Europe (which is basically already happening) and action on British Steel (subject to consultation). But with Labour still haemorrhaging votes on all sides, is this enough to steady his leadership – or has the party already begun to look beyond him?Tim Shipman and James Heale discuss Starmer's speech, the Labour figures waiting in the wings – from Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner to Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband – and what Reform, the Tory party, the Lib Dems, the SNP and the Green party do next after a dramatic set of local elections.Produced by Megan McElroy. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the News Review on the PRmoment podcast. In this weekly show I'm joined by Mark Borkowski and Angie Moxham. Here's the agenda for PR Masterclass: AI in PR.In the PR News Review we look at the biggest news stories of the week from a PR perspective and this week we're talking about the UK local elections results.We discuss the predictably huge gains for Reform and the huge losses for Labour.We also talk about the likely comms strategies now for Farage & Reform and Starmer & Labour.The discussion centres on the shifting political landscape and the starkly different PR challenges facing the parties and their leaders.Podcast Summary HighlightsKeir Starmer and the Labour PartyThe panel offers a blunt assessment of Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. Despite Labour's significant majority, the speakers argue that Starmer suffers from a fundamental "charisma deficit" and a "robotic" communication style that fails to resonate with the electorate. Mark Borkowski describes Starmer as having a "barrister mind" better suited for the High Court than the public stage, noting that his messaging has been overwhelmed by poor decisions and controversies, particularly the "Mandelson stain." Angie Moxham predicts a potential leadership challenge, suggesting a "straight-out shooting" between Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband may be on thehorizon. The consensus is that Labour needs a leader who can project authenticity and positivity to maintain public trust in a volatile environment.Nigel Farage and the Reform PartyThe rise of Reform UK is characterized as a significant disruption to the traditionaltwo-and-a-half-party system. While Farage is praised for his "fearless communication" and ability to connect with his base, the panel identifies a major PR "own goal": the inclusion of "Tory party failures" like Robert Jenrick. Borkowski argues that bringing "old circus acts into a newtent" undermines Reform's image as a fresh alternative. Farage's strategy is described as headline-driven and opportunistic, effectively exploiting the "malaise" of current politics to gain momentum, even if his long-term viability remains a question of whether the electorate feels genuinely "more affluent" under his influence.The Changing Face of LeadershipBeyond the main parties, the Borkowski and Moxham speakers touch on the other party leaders.Kemi Badenoch is highlighted as an increasingly competent and "safe pair of hands," showing improved focus and delivery.In contrast, Zack Polanski's leadership is criticised for being "unpicked" by ego and a lack of maturity, particularly following unprofessional social media conduct. The overarching theme of the episode is that in the "age of authenticity," leaders have "nowhere to hide."Success requires not just policy, but the "spiritual quotient" (SQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) to lead a nation that is increasingly fatigued by "dystopian" news narratives and systemic stress.
You will NOT want to miss this episode of the Energy News Beat Global Oil and Gas Markets Update with our special guest Doomberg. We were live on LinkedIn and YouTube, and we had some great questions.We highly recommend subscribing to Doomberg's Substack at: https://newsletter.doomberg.com/1. Geopolitical Conflict & War ResolutionThe primary focus is on the potential end of the Middle East conflict (referred to as "World War III"). Doomberg argues that multiple signals suggest the war is concluding, including:An aircraft carrier leaving the GulfTrump's planned visit to BeijingGold trading patterns showing inverse correlation with war escalationDiplomatic activity (Iranian Foreign Minister visiting Oman, St. Petersburg, and Beijing)Market behavior suggesting peace is being priced in2. Global Energy Markets & Oil PricingExtensive discussion about oil market dynamics:Oil price projections (ranging from $50-$100+ per barrel)The impact of the conflict on global oil supplyStrategic Petroleum Reserve refilling strategyCalifornia's diesel crisis and energy independence issuesThe role of OPEC and its members (particularly UAE's exit)3. Global Realignment & New Trading BlocsThe emergence of new geopolitical alliances based on energy policies:A potential new world order with the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, India, China, and RussiaThe contrast between energy-friendly nations and "net zero" countries (EU, UK, Canada)The UAE's positioning as closer to Israel/US interestsIran's strengthened regional position4. UK Political PredictionsA bold prediction that Ed Miliband will become Prime Minister, based on:Current Labour Party vulnerabilitiesScandals affecting other potential successorsThe contrast between energy-knowledgeable leaders (like Liz Truss) being removed from powerMiliband as the "cleanest dirty shirt" in London politics5. Energy Policy & DeindustrializationCriticism of net-zero policies in Western nations:UK banning North Sea drilling while Norway increases productionEU energy policies creating dependencyWindfall profit taxes discouraging energy productionCalifornia's refinery closures creating fuel shortages6. Currency & Financial System ChangesDiscussion of potential shifts in global monetary systems:Possibility of Russia and China backing currencies with goldThe weaponization of the US dollar through sanctionsChina's blocking statute against US sanctionsThe end of the post-WWII order7. Personal Preparedness & Energy SecurityPractical discussion about:Home energy independence (solar, batteries, propane generators)Preparedness for grid outagesThe importance of self-sufficiencyCommunity resilience8. Media & MisinformationCommentary on:Fake Doomberg accounts on social mediaMainstream media coverage vs. open-source intelligenceThe role of Substack in bypassing traditional media gatekeepingPodcast listener metrics and platform independenceThe conversation weaves these topics together to paint a picture of a world transitioning from a US-dominated unipolar order to a multipolar system where energy policy and geopolitical alignment will be central to global power dynamics.Check out the Energy News Beat SubStack https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/.Data2 if you have any business systems, can you trust A? Well, they have the patent on validation. . https://data2.zoholandingpage.com/energyAnd we have WellDatabase rolling in as a new sponsor. https://welldatabase.com/
Zack Polanski's Green Party surge comes under fierce scrutiny as Julia Hartley-Brewer asks whether the bubble has finally burst amid allegations of antisemitism, radical policies and growing questions over the party leader's past claims.Former Senior Military Intelligence Officer Philip Ingram MBE joins Julia to examine the Greens' controversial platform — from wealth taxes and net zero targets to leaving NATO, scrapping Trident and legalising drugs — and whether protest voters are now seeing what lies beneath the party's “nice” image.As local elections loom, the pressure on Keir Starmer intensifies. With Labour facing potentially disastrous results in Wales, Scotland, London and the Red Wall, Julia and Philip discuss whether the Prime Minister could soon face rebellion from his own MPs, a major reshuffle, or even a leadership challenge. Rachel Reeves' future also comes under the spotlight as UK borrowing costs rise and the markets react nervously to Labour's economic direction.Then, Julia turns to the escalating Iran crisis. Donald Trump's shifting position on escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, fears of military escalation, and the West's ability — or inability — to confront hostile regimes are all on the table.Also on the podcast, Spiked Online's Brendan O'Neill delivers a blistering assessment of Zack Polanski, the Green Party, antisemitism allegations and what the rise of radical protest politics says about Britain today. He also weighs in on Labour's collapse in its traditional heartlands and whether anyone — from Andy Burnham to Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting or Ed Miliband — can rescue the party from freefall.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our guest this week is broadcaster Geoff Lloyd. Geoff began his career in radio in 1996 at Key 103 before moving to Virgin/Absolute Radio for almost 20 years. Along the way he racked up 4 Radio Academy Awards and a European Radio Award. Geoff also presented Reasons To Be Cheerful with Ed Miliband for 7 years - winning a Broadcasting Press Guild award for Podcast of the Year. Currently, he hosts Adrift with Annabel Port and They Like To Watch with his wife Sara Barron. He's now back in the radio world full time, presenting on Virgin Radio from 6pm Monday to Thursday. To join Scarred Club and get fortnightly bonus episodes, ad-free listening and access to the members forum - sign-up here - https://scarredforlife.supportingcast.fm/ For enquiries, email - dane@lockitin.studio Send us a voice note on WhatsApp - 07457 404 279 Follow us on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@ScarredForLifePodcast Follow us on socials: Scarred For Life - Facebook / Instagram Production Company - Lock It In Studio Andy Bush - Twitter / Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this week's podcast, William Moore is joined by The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons, assistant editor Isabel Hardman and Times columnist and Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips. The panel unpacks Mary Wakefield's cover story on the rise of shoplifting – and what it reveals about' shameless Britain'. After a Morrisons manager was reportedly sacked for stopping a thief, they ask whether petty crime, fare-dodging and everyday rule-breaking are eroding the social contract.Also on the episode: Tim Shipman's latest piece on Labour after Starmer. With Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband said to be thinking about what comes next, they debate whether the Prime Minister has lost authority – and whether Labour can choose between what its party wants and what voters want.And finally: after Green MP Hannah Spencer criticised Parliament's drinking culture, the panel asks whether Westminster has a booze problem – or should we cut MPs some slack. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's podcast, William Moore is joined by The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons, assistant editor Isabel Hardman and Times columnist and Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips. The panel unpacks Mary Wakefield's cover story on the rise of shoplifting – and what it reveals about' shameless Britain'. After a Morrisons manager was reportedly sacked for stopping a thief, they ask whether petty crime, fare-dodging and everyday rule-breaking are eroding the social contract.Also on the episode: Tim Shipman's latest piece on Labour after Starmer. With Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband said to be thinking about what comes next, they debate whether the Prime Minister has lost authority – and whether Labour can choose between what its party wants and what voters want.And finally: after Green MP Hannah Spencer criticised Parliament's drinking culture, the panel asks whether Westminster has a booze problem – or should we cut MPs some slack. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The rolling drama over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador is eating the government alive, with more committee hearings coming next week and crucial elections for Labour on May 7. This week's host Miranda Green discusses the cost of the Mandelson saga for Sir Keir Starmer's premiership with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, political correspondent Anna Gross and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Plus, the panel debates Ed Miliband's electricity announcement, Reform's new plan for mass deportations, and a booming but dysfunctional market in business courses. Follow: Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social, Anna: @AnnaSophieGross and annasophiegross.bsky.social Chris: @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more? Cabinet Office head says Olly Robbins refused to give her Mandelson vetting documentsStarmer's political woes deepen as Mandelson scandal saps his authority Sadiq Khan: Labour risks being ‘stonked' in London electionsBusiness degrees are booming in the UK. Who is profiting?How many people would Reform UK deport?Economic pessimism plagues UK youthEd Miliband unveils move to delink UK gas and electricity prices Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode right after the local elections on Monday May 11. Email: politicalfix@ft.comSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Miranda Green and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Edwin Lane. Mixing and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It will come as no surprise that Keir Starmer appears to have heard a very different evidence session from Sir Olly Robbins to the one everyone else thought the ex Foreign Office mandarin gave yesterday. The Prime Minister arrived in the Commons for questions today convinced that Robbins had in fact largely backed him up, give or take a few quibbles over whether there was a ‘dismissive' attitude in Downing Street towards Peter Mandelson's vetting. What planet is the PM on?Eyes were fixed on his front bench, with journalists looking for any chinks in the armour after a couple of very unconvincing media rounds from usually loyal hummers Ed Miliband and Pat McFadden, but will anyone actually move against Starmer?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The man who wrote Keir Starmer's defence review says the Government is putting the UK ‘in peril' at a time of war.With more pressure to overhaul the defence budget, Sam reveals that talks going on this week to find billions of pounds worth of savings from this year's MOD budget.Also – has Ed Miliband shifted his stance on new North Sea oil and gas drilling?Plus, in our weekly polls check-in: are the Greens shifting the dial of momentum in their favour?
The war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have focused attention on skyrocketing energy prices, leading to demands to encourage more output from the North Sea and causing travel chaos in Ireland. But bills were already high before this happened. This discussion with three experts, recorded at the Battle of Ideas festival 2025 at Church House in London, explains why - war or no war - we're all paying too much for energy. ORIGINAL FESTIVAL INTRODUCTION Heating or eating? That has become a burning question for many people. From struggling households to steel works and factories, energy prices remain a hot topic. Ed Miliband's assurance that bills would fall by £300 per year looks wildly optimistic. The cost of energy bills became a major political issue when a combination of a post-pandemic resurgence of the world economy and war in Ukraine sent the price of energy in general, and natural gas in particular, shooting up. Prices have come down a lot since then, but remain higher than before. The Ofgem energy price cap for a ‘typical household' increased from £1,137 per year in January 2019 to £1,720 in July 2025 – a rise of over 50 per cent. Supporters of renewable energy argue that the UK is still at the mercy of global prices for gas because ‘gas sets the price' in the energy market, thanks to the way the ‘merit order' works for wholesale energy prices: the most expensive form of energy that is used sets the price for everything. Generally, that is gas. Get rid of fossil fuels, we are told, and we would have lower prices and less exposure to world markets. However, critics point out that the wholesale price is only part of the story. The retail price of energy includes a variety of subsidies for renewable energy that mean the actual price renewable producers receive is much higher. If renewables are really as cheap as their proponents claim, why do they need to be subsidised and why do countries that use a lot of renewables also have the highest energy bills? Will prices rise further as we use even more renewables? And if energy security is so important, why would we want to rely on intermittent energy sources like wind and solar? In this session, energy experts will explain how our energy bills remain so high and what the consequences are for household finances and the wider economy. SPEAKERS Lord Mackinlay director, The Global Warming Policy Foundation Kathryn Porter consultant, Watt-Logic David Turver energy policy analyst, Eigen Values CHAIR Rob Lyons science and technology director, Academy of Ideas; convenor, AoI Economy Forum; author, Panic on a Plate
Keir Starmer says Britain is “ahead of the game” on the cost of living — while families face rising fuel, energy, rent and tax bills.In this episode, Julia Hartley-Brewer dissects the Prime Minister's latest press conference, his vague five-point plan, and Labour's failure to explain how ordinary working people are meant to cope with the economic shock caused by the Iran conflict and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. As Donald Trump sends mixed messages on oil, NATO and America's role in the region, Julia asks the key question: is Starmer showing strength, or simply drift?Julia is joined by Claire Pearsall to discuss soaring household costs, Ed Miliband's energy promises, tax on fuel, and why so much of Labour's “help” seems designed for Westminster talking points rather than real life in Britain.And former detective and Rochdale whistleblower Maggie Oliver gives her verdict on the long-awaited grooming gangs inquiry. She warns that survivors are still being failed, accountability is still missing, and the authorities responsible for years of cover-ups may once again escape justice. If this inquiry does not lead to prosecutions, reform and the truth about ethnicity, culture and institutional failure, what exactly is the point?Also: Julia reacts to the BBC's handling of serious allegations surrounding star presenter Scott Mills, questions elite double standards after Tiger Woods' latest car crash scandal, and dismisses the anti-space hysteria around Artemis II and the mission to the moon.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Patrick Maguire, chief political writer at The Times, sits down with Tim Shipman for a reflection on Labour's odd year so far. From potential leadership challengers, like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner, to cabinet heavyweights, like Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband – where does power in this Labour government really lie? What does Keir Starmer's interview style and response to the Iran war reveal about him? And what are the implications of the local elections in just over a month – in what could be a historically disastrous night for the Party.Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ed Miliband, everyone would agree, is a central part of the Labour government. The ex-Labour leader is a hugely popular figure within the party.Is his power and influence greater than we realise?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Will Lloyd to discuss.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/03/a-certain-idea-of-ed-milibandLISTEN AD-FREE:
Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Tories criticise the energy secretary for his 'cult-like fanaticism' - but is he now the most important person in Keir Starmer's government?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Samara Gill joins Jeremy Kyle to go through the morning stories, plus, Emma Webber, son of the murdered Barnaby Webber in Nottingham exposes further politicised failings over the Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane. Iain Duncan Smith joins Jeremy to talk about Ed Miliband's obsession with net-zero when industry leaders are telling him to use North Sea Oil. Tobias Ellwood joins to look at the U.S. ceasefire in Iran and Labour MP Karl Turner returns to pour scorn on his ailing party in government.Wake up with Talk Breakfast in full on YouTube, DAB+ radio, Freeview 280, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus or the Talk App on your TV from 6am every morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Ed Miliband right to stick to his guns over net zero, or is it time to drill, baby, drill?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are Conservative Shadow Development Minister Wendy Morton, Labour MP Jon Trickett, climate activist Fatima Ibrahim from the Green New Deal campaign, plus the YouTuber and Hashtag United FC founder Spencer Owen.
Three big stories are on the agenda this morning: the war in Iran has dominated over the weekend, with Trump now failing to conceal his feelings towards Keir Starmer; Ed Miliband is also rising in profile, with those close to the cabinet briefing against him and his influence; and, finally, the Liaison Committee will sit later today, giving select committee chairs the opportunity to grill the Prime Minister. Will Keir Starmer manage to escape this week into a quiet recess?Tim Shipman and James Heale discuss.Produced by Megan McElroy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Labour leader, Ed Miliband, is now Secretary of State for Energy. A role more important than ever with surging energy costs due to the conflict in Iran. Born in 1969, Ed grew up in London's Primrose Hill. His father, a Marxist academic, and his mother a human rights activist, Ed's life was steeped in politics from the beginning. After attending a local state school in North London, he followed in the the footsteps of his older brother, David, to Oxford University and then to the Labour party where Ed climbed the ranks from advisor to MP.The Miliband brothers battled for the leadership in a historic contest that played out in front of the nation. Ed pipped David at the post, becoming leader of the Labour party in 2010. After losing the general election to David Cameron in 2015, Ed Miliband stepped away from front line politics. But after coming back into the political spotlight when Keir Starmer appointed him Energy Secretary in 2024, does he have his eye on leadership again?
The Chancellor will deliver the annual Mais lecture today and is expected to focus on closer alignment with the EU, AI and improving Britain's economic geography ('levelling up' in all but name). While her comments on Europe might gain the most headlines, we're more curious about what she will say over AI – given the current geopolitical context. Given the energy requirements of AI, the Iran crisis has only further exposed the holes in Britain's energy policy – can Rachel Reeves convince Ed Miliband to adapt his policies? And is this about the Chancellor's political headroom as much as the economic?Plus: President Zelensky is in town to sign a defence pact with the UK, while Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yusuf are expected to give their final speeches in the Scottish Parliament before standing down as MSPs. Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to reflect on their legacies.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UK must build own nuclear missiles to end US reliance, says Ed Davey Ekaterina Barrett entered a London shop owners life. Then things took a strange, expensive turn Sculpting jaws, giving scores Inside the world of looksmaxxing We will intervene on energy bills if necessary, says Ed Miliband William shares unseen photo with Princess Diana for Mothers Day Iranian barista in Twickenham praised for being community angel US names six crew killed in refuelling plane crash in Iraq Newspaper headlines Starmer may send drones to the Gulf and Panic hits the pumps Banknotes, beavers and a very British backlash Londons Burning Actor John Alford dies in prison
Jeremy Kyle reacts as The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer resists President Trump's request to send a warship to Hormuz. In London, Bobby Vylan leads Al Quds protesters chanting ‘Death to the IDF', sparking outrage. Our reporter Samara will bring us a full report as the ‘Islamic Human Rights Commission' tries to suppress her interview.Allies resist Trump's ‘team effort' as oil prices rise and Starmer unveils £50m emergency help. Ed Miliband faces criticism for opposing more North Sea drilling, insisting the crisis proves clean power urgency. Meanwhile in other news,The RSPCA has said rats, pigeons and seagulls should feature on banknotes instead of Sir Winston Churchill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, President Trump has called on the UK and other allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest oil shipping channel.Laura, Paddy and Henry unpick what Ed Miliband said in response to pressure from the President and analyse what the current closure of the strait means for the cost of living. Meanwhile, the US president says he wants to make a deal to the end war in Iran, but 'the terms are not good enough yet'.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell It was made by Chris Gray. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
As the Iran War sends oil and gas prices spiralling, Labour's Ed Miliband has doubled down on his Net Zero zealotry. Switching from fossil fuels to renewables, the UK energy minister claims, will drive costs down, reduce volatility and protect British consumers from external shocks. Here, David Turver – energy analyst and author of the Eigen Values Substack – demolishes Miliband's green-energy delusions. Labour's crusade against fossil fuels, Turver says, has proven far more damaging than the war in Iran. Britain has been lumbered with an energy system that is needlessly expensive, overly reliant on imports and that carries the risks of widespread blackouts. Get tickets for the spiked summit – a brand-new flagship live event bringing spiked's writers and high-profile friends together for a day of bold debate, live Q&As and on-stage exchanges in Westminster, London. Find out more and book here: https://www.spiked-online.com/event/spiked-summit/ Read spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/ Support spiked: https://www.spiked-online.com/support/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel as the war with Iran intensified over the weekend. With the Strait of Hormuz practically closed, and without a solution to the severe disruption in crude oil flows, how hard could Britain be hit? And why has the UK left itself so vulnerable with its energy policy? Michael Simmons is joined by Tyler Goodspeed – former adviser to Donald Trump – to discuss why this situation has far greater consequences than Trump's tariffs, how petroleum is so embedded in our everyday economy and why Ed Miliband could be heading for a 'Liz Truss situation'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, the British government continues to face questions about its response. Was the UK too slow to act, and if so – why? Tim Shipman reveals in the Spectator today that Keir Starmer was initially minded to approve American use of British bases but was persuaded not to by other figures, including Ed Miliband. How much damage has this done with the Americans and also wider European allies? Defence Secretary John Healey has landed in Cyprus today on a damage-limitation mission – or in a show of strength, depending on your viewpoint. Has Starmer been weakened by these events?Plus – Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has revealed further asylum reforms. Will the reforms neutralise the issue of immigration for voters?Tim Shipman and James Heale join Patrick Gibbons to discuss.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kemi Badenoch is the Conservative MP for North West Essex and the Leader of the Opposition. Since winning her seat in 2017, she has held cabinet positions as Minister of State for Equalities under Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for International Trade under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. She became leader of the Conservative Party in 2024 after Rishi Sunak's resignation and is the first black person to lead a political party in Britain. Her Nigerian parents came to Britain for medical treatment and Kemi was born in a private hospital in Wimbledon in January 1980. Her parents returned with their newborn daughter, and she was brought up in Nigeria in an affluent suburb of Lagos. After a series of military coups and economic downturns, her family, along with many other middle-class families in Nigeria saw their wealth decline and Kemi was sent to London to study for her A levels.Instead of following her parents into medicine, she chose to pursue Computer Systems Engineering and went to Sussex University. A well-paid career in IT followed and she joined the Conservative Party aged twenty-five where she also met her husband, Hamish. Her first attempt at becoming an MP was in 2010 in Dame Tessa Jowell's former constituency of Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in London. She finished third behind the Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates.In 2017, she was selected for the Saffron Walden seat and became an MP.She lives in London with her husband and three children and divides her time between Westminster and her constituency of North West Essex.DISC ONE: The Story of Tonight - Lin-Manuel Miranda, Okieriete Onaodowan, Daveed Diggs, Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton DISC TWO: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson DISC THREE: Wonderful World - Sam Cooke DISC FOUR: Be Still - Aled Jones and English Session Orchestra DISC FIVE: Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) - Baz Luhrmann DISC SIX: Love is All Around - Wet Wet Wet DISC SEVEN: Carry You Home – Alex Warren DISC EIGHT: Dear Theodosia - Leslie Odom Jr., Lin-Manuel Miranda BOOK CHOICE: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray LUXURY ITEM: The Marvel Movie Collection with a solar-powered DVD player CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah TaylorDesert Island Discs has cast many politicians away to the island over the years including Sir Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Sir Vince Cable, Theresa May, Ed Miliband, Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher.
Today, Keir Starmer says that he will "never walk away from the country that I love” after surviving a turbulent 24 hours that saw the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar call for him to step down. Speaking to the BBC, his energy secretary Ed Miliband said the Labour Party had "looked over the precipice” and decided to back their leader leading to a rallying of support from the cabinet and other senior party figures. So, the Prime Minister is in the clear for now, but is he truly safe? Alex and James break down another turbulent 24 hours in Westminster before catching up with Daniela Relph senior royal correspondent and Caitríona Perry, BBC News chief presenter in Washington to discuss the wider fallout from the Epstein files in the US and for the royal family. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were James Cook and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.