Podcasts about Isabel Hardman

GCSE results day has brought a mixed picture; the pass rate has fallen, yet the regional gap has reduced and the gender gap is the narrowest it has ever been. Isabel Hardman and Sir Nick Gibb, former Conservative schools minister, join James Heale to discuss education policy, how changing cultural expectations may be helping the gender gap and why Labour seem determined to attack the Conservatives' record on education. In Nick's words, is Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson a ‘more political figure than education figure'?Plus: how the recent High Court ruling over migrant hotels could spark a crisis for the government as more councils, including Labour-controlled ones, seek an end to the policy.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.

There has been a drip feed of stories over the past few days from Nicola Sturgeon's memoir Frankly which hits the shelves this week. In her book, the former First Minister of Scotland covers a slew of topics including SNP infighting and her relationship with the late Alex Salmond, her sexuality and the police probe into SNP finances, and the gender reform bill that contributed to her leaving frontline politics. Spectator writer and Scottish Daily Mail columnist Euan McColm and Isabel Hardman – who has reviewed the book for this week's Spectator – join Lucy Dunn to discuss. For Euan there is a humility in the prose that he just doesn't recognise in the Sturgeon of real life – is she trying to discover herself? 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

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Kemi Badenoch does the rounds, giving her view on the war in Gaza, immigration, and the new party on the left. And, after France officially recognises the state of Palestine, will the UK government follow suit?Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.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

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Today, it's all eyes on the water sector, as Labour announce plans to halve sewage pollution by 2030. Nigel Farage advocates for partial nationalisation, although he's vague on the numbers. Farage also says net zero targets are defrauding tax payers, but Ed Davey says we actually need more renewable energy to protect industry from rising energy bills.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. 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

The strange death of Tory England has been predicted before. But never has the ‘natural party of government' faced a greater challenge to survive. The Conservatives are facing attacks on all fronts from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch's six-month anniversary as leader was marked by the loss of nearly 700 councillors, with a stern test awaiting next year in Scotland and in Wales. She promises change with her long-awaited policy commissions, ahead of a make-or-break party conference in October, but can she turn it around? Is there a road back to power for the 121 surviving Tory MPs? And what exactly is Robert Jenrick and the rest of the shadow cabinet up to?Join editor Michael Gove, new political editor Tim Shipman, assistant editor Isabel Hardman and the pollster Luke Tryl as they discuss where the Tories go from here.This event is in partnership with Charles Stanley Wealth Managers.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

The strange death of Tory England has been predicted before. But never has the ‘natural party of government' faced a greater challenge to survive. The Conservatives are facing attacks on all fronts from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch's six-month anniversary as leader was marked by the loss of nearly 700 councillors, with a stern test awaiting next year in Scotland and in Wales. She promises change with her long-awaited policy commissions, ahead of a make-or-break party conference in October, but can she turn it around? Is there a road back to power for the 121 surviving Tory MPs? And what exactly is Robert Jenrick and the rest of the shadow cabinet up to?Join editor Michael Gove, new political editor Tim Shipman, assistant editor Isabel Hardman and the pollster Luke Tryl as they discuss where the Tories go from here.This event is in partnership with Charles Stanley Wealth Managers.

This week marks nine years since Theresa May entered Downing Street, after David Cameron's resignation the morning after the EU referendum, but while Brexit was the reason she became Prime Minister, ultimately it was the thing that ended her premiership too, after she was unable to get a deal through Parliament.Consequently most look back on her tenure as a failure, but looking back now while her three years in Number 10 were undoubtedly some of the most chaotic in recent memory, they might also be some of the most consequential, with events and legislation taking place that still impact our politics now, despite the vast stream of history that has thundered through in the years since she left office.So joining host Alain Tolhurst to take another look at what Theresa May's time as PM achieved, and what the current Downing Street incumbent Keir Starmer can learn about dealing with a difficult inheritance and global headwinds while also trying to get your own agenda implemented, I'm delighted to be joined by Baroness JoJo Penn, who was her deputy chief of staff.Alongside her is Seema Kennedy, the former Tory MP who was May's Parliamentary Private Secretary, and is now executive director of Fair Civil Justice, and also the journalist and author Isabel Hardman, assistant editor of The Spectator, and also appearing in the episode is Paul Harrison, who Theresa May's press secretary.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot

Keir Starmer has struck again. Compounding his reputation as a ruthless operator – like Michael Corleone – he is settling all family business by removing the whip from a number of troublemaking MPs, including Neil Duncan Jordan, Chris Hinchcliff, Brian Leishman and Rachel Maskell. This comes after each led respective revolts on winter fuel, planning reform, Grangemouth and the welfare changes. Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Mohammed Yasin have all lost their trade envoy roles too.Many of the MPs who have been cast adrift are from the new intake, and so today we are joined on the podcast by Mike Tapp, MP for Dover and Deal, to give his reflections on a year in office. On the podcast: he offers James Heale his advice on stopping the boats; details how Labour can start to deliver tangible change for people in constituencies much like his own; explains why Keir was right to suspend his fellow MPs; and gives us an insight into the future Labour stars from the new intake.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Last night, Rachel Reeves was the headline act at the Mansion House dinner. In her speech, she made the case that ‘Britain is open for business' and that we must ‘stay competitive in the global economy'. Critics would say it is hard to claim to be open for business while having also overseen a £25 billion national insurance tax raid that is now known to be costing thousands of jobs.She began by stressing that, despite what recent reporting might suggest, she is ‘okay' – the economic indicators, however, suggest that the economy is far from okay. Just this morning, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that inflation hit 3.6 per cent in the year to June – well above the 2 per cent target.On this special edition of Coffee House Shots, James Heale and Michael Simmons are joined by shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who offers his prescription for Britain's ailing economy. He outlines how he would have conducted the speech at Mansion House, how he will spend the recess with business leaders of all descriptions in 'listening mode', and why – when it comes to the big institutions such as the OBR, the Treasury and the Bank of England – he ‘isn't ruling anything out'.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

It can now be revealed that a Ministry of Defence data leak has cost the UK some £7 billion and put thousands of Afghans at risk of death. A dataset containing the details of nearly 19,000 people who applied to move to the UK following the Taliban takeover was released in error by a British defence official in February 2022. Ministers were informed of the debacle in August 2023; since then, an unprecedented super-injunction has been in place to stop the press from reporting details. What does this mean for successive governments?Also on the podcast, Donald Trump gave a surprise interview to the BBC overnight in which he changed his position on Nato and on Ukraine – this comes after the President threw the full weight of America's military supplies behind Ukraine and warned Putin of 100 per cent tariffs if he doesn't end the war in 50 days. What he hasn't changed his tune on is Keir Starmer, whom he gushed is a ‘liberal' doing his best to navigate a ‘sloppy' Brexit. Can the Trump–Starmer love-in continue?Natasha Feroze speaks to James Heale and Freddy Gray.Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Tomorrow Rachel Reeves will deliver her big speech in the City. The annual Mansion House address is a chance for the Chancellor to set out her vision for the British economy. But amid a gloomy set of economic indicators (including two consecutive monthly GDP contractions) it is difficult to see what good news she can offer.Westminster would be alive with speculation about what she might announce – initially, there was talk of reforms to cash ISAs; now, attention has turned to the prospect of Reeves promising a ‘new Big Bang' by slashing regulation on financial services – however everyone is busy trying to work out who are the ‘working people' the Labour government has pledged not to raise taxes for?Are they – as Heida Alexander argued over the weekend – ‘people on modest incomes'? Or, as Darren Jones suggested today, ‘anyone that gets a payslip, basically'? That is quite a difference in definition – so who exactly is a ‘working person'?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander faces questions over the shrinking economy, possible autumn tax rises, and the migrant deal with France. Plus, the Ofcom CEO says new regulations are a big moment for online safety, and Chris Philp says Reform don't have the answers, after more Conservatives defect to the party.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

The public won't forgive and nor will I, said Health Secretary Wes Streeting of plans by junior doctors to strike over his refusal to cave to demands for 29 per cent pay rises. Speaking to the Times he said: ‘There are no grounds for strike action now. Resident doctors have just received the highest pay award across the entire public sector. The Government can't afford to offer more and it wouldn't be fair to other NHS workers either, many of whom are paid less'. Is Wes Streeting right? And who's going to come out on top – the Health Secretary or the junior doctors? Meanwhile, Keir Starmer was very clear at PMQs: stating that ‘yes', he stands by his manifesto commitments not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT – but he could not answer questions on wealth taxes or a freeze on tax thresholds. Watch this space...Lucy Dunn discusses with Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Megan McElroy.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Today Wes Streeting – with the help of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves – announced his 10 year plan for curing the NHS. It's all about creating a ‘Neighbourhood Health Service', but what does actually mean in practice? Much of the plan was leaked in advance: first, focusing on preventing disease before it becomes too late; second, improving community healthcare services to help reduce pressure on hospitals; and third, embracing the tech revolution to bring the NHS into the ‘digital age'. One of the glaring omissions is a chapter on how this will all be delivered.Perhaps the most notable part of today's launch was the decision to include Rachel Reeves – last seen in the Commons looking distraught as the Prime Minister (brutally) failed to back her. He has since thrown his support behind her – but has he made his political bed? Are Starmer and Reeves codependent?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Lucy Dunn and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

There were extraordinary scenes in PMQs today. Rachel Reeves appeared distraught as the Prime Minister failed to guarantee her security when asked by leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch. It was brutal to watch, as the iron chancellor's lip quivered and a tear rolled down her cheek. In many ways, you can't blame her – with her headroom narrowing, she will be forced to find a further £5 billion worth of savings to allow for the government's botched welfare bill.No. 10 has since clarified that Rachel Reeves has not resigned and will not be sacked, stressing that it was ‘personal' matter that had upset her, ‘which - as you would expect - we are not going to get into. The chancellor will be working out of Downing Street this afternoon'. There is still no clarification on whether that refers to issues in her personal life or her job security. The question remains: is she on borrowed time?James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

There have been a number of navel-gazing interviews with the Prime Minister over the weekend. Across thousands and thousands of words, he seems to be saying – if you read between the lines – that he doesn't particularly enjoy being PM.In better news, Labour seems to have quelled the welfare rebellion. Liz Kendall is making a statement in the Commons this afternoon, in which she will outline the concessions that Labour has made on its controversial welfare bill. All in, the cost has spiralled by £3 billion per calendar year – which an already put-upon Chancellor will have to find. Whilst it remains the largest rebellion of this government, the number of rebels has shrunk to around 50. Also on the podcast, Wes Streeting is due to announce his – much-delayed – ten-year plan for the NHS. We are expecting a number of big shifts in Thursday's announcement, including: moving from analogue to digital, swapping treatment for prevention, and hospital for community. Does Wes have the perspiration for the ailing NHS?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

There have been a number of navel-gazing interviews with the Prime Minister over the weekend. Across thousands and thousands of words, he seems to be saying – if you read between the lines – that he doesn't particularly enjoy being PM.In better news, Labour seems to have quelled the welfare rebellion. Liz Kendall is making a statement in the Commons this afternoon, in which she will outline the concessions that Labour has made on its controversial welfare bill. All in, the cost has spiralled by £3 billion per calendar year – which an already put-upon Chancellor will have to find. Whilst it remains the largest rebellion of this government, the number of rebels has shrunk to around 50.Also on the podcast, Wes Streeting is due to announce his – much-delayed – ten-year plan for the NHS. We are expecting a number of big shifts in Thursday's announcement, including: moving from analogue to digital, swapping treatment for prevention, and hospital for community. Does Wes have the perspiration for the ailing NHS?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

It's a historic day in Westminster, where MPs will vote on the assisted dying bill – the outcome of which could have huge repercussions for healthcare, politics and the courts. It's such a significant day, in fact, that we'll be recording another podcast just after the result is announced at around 2.30 p.m.Kim Leadbeater's camp remains confident that the bill will pass, although many anticipate a much closer vote than at the second reading. This is in no small part due to high-profile members of the party being opposed to the legislation, and Keir Starmer remaining characteristically evasive on the issue. The backdrop, of course, is the resignation of a government whip, Vicky Foxcroft – though over a separate issue: Liz Kendall's plan to cut personal independence payments. Could this be part of a coordinated rebellion? And how will the assisted dying bill – brought by a Labour MP and tacitly backed by a Labour PM– define Labour's first year?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Following Keir Starmer's decision to call for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper spoke in the Commons today about the 'collective failure' to address questions about groomings gangs' ethnicity in the Casey report. Elsewhere this week, Welfare reform legislation is being tabled, with a vote expected before the end of the month. Sir Keir Starmer has signalled his willingness to confront dissent within his own ranks. Meanwhile, the assisted dying debate is once again gaining momentum in Westminster, with MPs preparing for a free vote on one of the most ethically charged issues in British politics. Natasha Feroze, is joined by James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's politics shows.The conflict in the Middle-East has entered a dangerous new phase, with Israel and Iran engaging in open warfare. We hear from Chancellor Reeves about potential UK military involvement, as the Israeli ambassador to the UK says the nuclear threat from Iran was 'imminent'. Starmer has also announced a statutory national inquiry into grooming gangs, but the Conservatives say the government is simply caving in to public pressure.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Defence Secretary John Healey says the nature of war is changing, and admits Britain has an army retention crisis. Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick wants to arm prison officers, and Zia Yusuf talks up Reform's plan to cut £350bn in public spending.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michael Simmons presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Rayner defends Labour's winter fuel payments U-turn, and fends off suggestions that her leaked memo has anything to do with a future leadership bid. Meanwhile, as Nigel Farage prepares to outflank Labour on the left, Kemi Badenoch says Reform supporters don't know what they're voting for. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

After sustained speculation and a local elections drubbing, Keir Starmer announced today at PMQs that the government will be softening their policy on winter fuel. Whilst it won't come into effect for some time, they have agreed to ensure that ‘more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payment.'  This comes hours after a memo was mysteriously leaked to the Telegraph. It contains an extensive list of recommendations from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to the Treasury, including a set of eight tax rises such as reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and altering dividend taxes. This amounts to a direct challenge to Rachel Reeves's fiscal approach and preference for spending cuts. The bigger story, of course, is what this says about feelings within Labour – it's clearly not a happy family. Sources suggest that Angela Rayner is uneasy with the direction of travel in the Treasury and speaks for a silent majority in the Labour party who are fed up with defending controversial measures such as winter fuel. So who leaked this memo? Could Rayner be leading a mutiny? And will the U-turn on winter fuel placate the rebels?  Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's politics shows. As the government wraps up negotiations with the EU, some believe the deal will betray Brexit voters, while others think Labour won't go far enough. Meanwhile, Elton John calls the government ‘absolute losers' over its plans to allow AI to use copyrighted material, and Centrica boss Chris O'Shea warns its Rough facility might have to shut down. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

Prime Minister's Questions today, and there was lots on the agenda. It is often a fool's game to guess what the leader of the opposition will lead on, but today she had a wide choice of ammunition – from unemployment to welfare to the government's new stance on migration to the war in Gaza. Kemi Badenoch looked assured when holding Keir Starmer to account on the Chancellor's ‘jobs tax' and on funding for children's hospices. But can we attribute her performance to growing confidence in the role – or is the news just getting worse for Keir Starmer? There were a couple of notable moments from the Prime Minister, including an attack on Reform and his response to Liz Saville-Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru, when she ‘called him out' on his use of the phrase ‘island of strangers' earlier this week. Keir Starmer appeared tetchy – is he taking a leaf out of Rishi Sunak's book? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Keir Starmer has succeeded in keeping immigration at the top of the news agenda for another day – although he may not be happy with the headlines. After his set-piece announcement yesterday, the Prime Minister is caught between fire from both sides. On the left, he is accused of ‘pandering' to Nigel Farage and even echoing the rhetoric of Enoch Powell's ‘Rivers of Blood' speech – with regard to Starmer's statement about Britain becoming an ‘island of strangers'. Meanwhile, Farage has called the Prime Minister ‘insincere' and ‘playing catch-up'. Within Labour, some backbench MPs have broken ranks. But it is the quiet, soft-left faction – already uneasy about winter fuel, foreign aid etc. – that will concern the PM most. Might immigration be the issue that forces them to rebel? And is this really a departure for Keir Starmer, or a return to the language of New Labour? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and Danny Shaw, former adviser to Yvette Cooper. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The home secretary announces new measures to curb immigration numbers, and Starmer has a US trade deal. But not everyone believes the deal is much of a win. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

The two main parties are reeling after local elections in which Reform surged to huge wins. Wes Streeting has admitted that Reform could be Labour's main opposition by the next election. Tory MP Nigel Huddleston says Kemi Badenoch will remain as Tory leader, Reform chairman Zia Yusuf hints they may use legal action to prevent migrants being housed in hotels, and Ed Davey wants the Liberal Democrats to 'call out' Reform. 

As the parties regroup following the local elections, both Labour and the Conservatives have to face a miserable result. Lucy Dunn speaks to Isabel Hardman and pollster Luke Tryl about the anger and disillusionment amongst the electorate, and why Keir Starmer message 'we need to go further and faster' can't cut through.  

The word ‘unprecedented' is often overused in politics, but these local elections have proved to be just that. The headline is: sweeping success for Reform.  Nigel Farage's 'teal tsunami' comes at the expense of the main parties – turning the two-party consensus on its head. The recriminations for Labour and the Tories have already begun. On the left, a number of MPs have broken cover and urged the government to shift its position on high-salience issues such as winter fuel. On the right, Kemi Badenoch's leadership is looking increasingly shaky, with Tory MPs and staff warning that a step change is needed. Where do the main parties go from here? And can anyone stop Nigel? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and The Spectator's incoming political editor, Tim Shipman. This episode was recorded as part of The Spectator's local elections live broadcast. You can watch the full coverage here.

The word ‘unprecedented' is often overused in politics, but these local elections have proved to be just that. The headline is: sweeping success for Reform. Nigel Farage's 'teal tsunami' comes at the expense of the main parties – turning the two-party consensus on its head. The recriminations for Labour and the Tories have already begun. On the left, a number of MPs have broken cover and urged the government to shift its position on high-salience issues such as winter fuel. On the right, Kemi Badenoch's leadership is looking increasingly shaky, with Tory MPs and staff warning that a step change is needed. Where do the main parties go from here? And can anyone stop Nigel? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and The Spectator's incoming political editor, Tim Shipman. This episode was recorded as part of The Spectator's local elections live broadcast. You can watch the full coverage here.

Are we looking at a spring of discontent? It's the final push ahead of this week's local elections, and what Keir Starmer wants to talk about is expanding the NHS app – which he says will cut waiting lists and end the days of the health service living in the ‘dark ages'. However, what people are actually talking about is public sector pay. The independent pay review body has recommended pay rises of around 4 per cent for teachers and nurses. Will there be industrial action? Are Labour going to be pushed into another round of public sector pay increases? Meanwhile, after Ben Houchen's comments this weekend, the murmurs of a Tory/Reform pact refuse to go away. Was his a helpful intervention? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Parliament is about to go into recess for the Easter holiday and so – as is customary – Keir Starmer sat in front of the Liaison Committee this afternoon, where he was grilled on topics including tariffs, defence and welfare. This comes on the day when there has been a momentary reprieve in the markets, which experienced a modest bounce – most likely as a result of suggestions from Trump that he is willing to negotiate with China. Markets seem to have priced in that these tariffs could be negotiated down, but that is of course a big 'if'. The question remains for Keir Starmer: what more can he do to protect the UK against economic meltdown? And will he have to break his fiscal rules to do so? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gives his first interview since stepping down last year, and says he forgives John Smyth. Sentebale chair Sophie Chandauka accuses Prince Harry of ‘bullying at scale'. And Labour are questioned over immigration and the chancellor's Spring Statement. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.  Rachel Reeves defends her record as chancellor ahead of the Spring Statement, with pressure mounting over gloomy forecasts. Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper accuses Labour of losing their moral compass, Darren Jones is told Labour are 'anti-business', and Mel Stride attempts to justify Kemi Badenoch's assertion that the country's net-zero target is 'impossible'. 

The question that everyone in Westminster wants answered is what will actually be included in next week's Spring Statement. Previously, the Spring Statement wasn't looking like much to write home about – little more than an update. But with the economy taking a turn for the worse and her fiscal headroom narrowing, it has taken on renewed importance for Rachel Reeves, with the opposition trying their best to brand it as an ‘Emergency Budget'. What does Reeves need to do to calm the markets? Also on the podcast, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell gave an interesting interview to Newsnight last night, defending the government's welfare reforms. Where are we with the fallout from Liz Kendall's benefit crackdown? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. NHS England will be demolished as Labour make sweeping changes to the NHS, and cuts are coming to welfare too, with Health Secretary Streeting saying mental health disorders are 'over-diagnosed'. Plus, Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott wants phones banned from all schools, and Finland President Alexander Stubb says Putin does not want a ceasefire.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Pat McFadden addresses Starmer's 'coalition of the willing', and incoming reforms at Whitehall, somewhat elusively. Richard Tice defends the timing of Reform MP Rupert Lowe's suspension, and Chris Philp speaks about the Tories' suggestion to ignore the Human Rights Act when judges make decisions on immigration. Meanwhile, the Latvian President argues that other European nations should be considering conscription.

For the second week in a row, the leader of the opposition seemed to struggle at Prime Minister's Questions, ending up accusing Keir Starmer of being 'patronising' after having a couple of her questions rebuffed. Cindy Yu talks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Next week, European leaders will hold an emergency summit in response to Trump attempting to seize control of the Ukraine peace process. This morning, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds attempted to downplay any rift between the US and its European allies, but accepted that Europe had to contribute more to its own defence. Priti Patel claimed that it was too early to say what the US's position on Ukraine will be. And we also hear about how technology could allow us to design plants which revolutionise agriculture.

Today was the final PMQs before recess, and Kemi Badenoch had been hoping to leave on a high before the break. She started promisingly, opening with the case of a family from Gaza being granted asylum in the UK under the scheme designed for Ukrainians. Starmer replied to say he disagreed with the decision of the courts and that the Home Secretary was already looking at how to close the ‘legal loophole' enabling that decision. But Badenoch seemingly hadn't prepared for his rebuttal, exposing once again the weakness of her own technique. Does she risk being outshone by her own backbenchers? Also on the podcast, Kim Leadbeater is having to duck suggestions that she has watered down the safeguards in the Assisted Dying Bill by removing the need for a High Court judge. Can the Bill survive? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

This week, Cindy Yu presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The day before Keir Starmer is set to meet with European leaders, we hear contrasting views on Brexit and the UK's relationship with Europe from Yvette Cooper, Ed Davey and Andrew Griffith. Plus, Cooper talks about AI's dangerous involvement in the production of child abuse material.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Rachel Reeves hints at new Heathrow runway, and defends the softening of her new non-dom tax rules. Kemi Badenoch blames lack of social integration for the Southport murders. And Baroness Beeban Kidron and Paul McCartney have doubts about the government's approach to AI.

Reform MP Rupert Lowe has called for the death penalty to be re-established in the wake of the sentencing of the Southport killer Axel Rudakubana. With the Assisted Dying Bill still making its way through Parliament, it has been decades since the topic of death has been so hotly debated by MPs.  Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman about the political reaction to Rudakubana's sentencing. How popular is the death penalty with both MPs and the public? Should we even be debating the issue? And could Reform officially back its return soon? Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Natasha Feroze.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.  It's a momentous few days, as a ceasefire begins in Gaza, and the US prepares for Trump's inauguration. We hear about the plight of the hostages and their families, and then Darren Jones and Priti Patel give their opinion on the UK's relationship with the incoming president.

There will be more inquiries into grooming gangs. After sustained pressure, the Home Secretary announced yesterday a series of local, government-backed inquiries, rather than a full public inquiry. Critics argue that this either doesn't go far enough, or that Labour have been forced to go back on their word by certain figures on the right and are now making policy on the hoof. Will these new inquiries deliver an adequate resolution? Also on the podcast, Kemi Badenoch wasn't the only one giving a big speech yesterday, Ed Davey had an event of his own. He is pushing for a new customs union deal with the EU. Have they not learnt from their 2019 election pitch?  Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Fires continue to burn in LA, as Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term. Here in the UK, Labour is fighting its own fires, with anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq becoming part of a corruption investigation herself, and the Chancellor heading to China for investment as her budget comes under increasing pressure. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. 

This week, MPs voted against a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. The vote followed weeks of pressure on Labour after Elon Musk brought grooming gangs back into the spotlight, after safeguarding minister Jess Phillips rejected a new national inquiry. If we did have a national inquiry, what would it achieve? We've had many in recent years; Iraq, Grenfell Covid, the Post Office. Do they achieve meaningful justice for victims, or are they a drawn-out way to avoid knotty legislative change? Does parliament have the mechanisms to enact the recommendations – have politicians ever done this in the past, and is there an appetite to do so in the future? Deputy broadcast editor Natasha Feroze discusses with Spectator assistant editor Isabel Hardman, and Raja Miah, anti-grooming gang campaigner and Oldham commentator.

In a speech this morning, the Prime Minister unveiled his plans to tackle the NHS backlog, and hit back at comments Elon Musk has made regarding grooming gangs, the government's response to them, and about the Prime Minister's own role in their prosecution. Whilst the Prime Minister's speech was plagued by the familiar platitudes about the NHS it was shortly followed by the government's NHS elective recovery plan, which does include some interesting proposals to shift healthcare away from hospitals – for example, giving cash incentives to GPs each time they consult with a specialist to see if there is an alternative to hospital visits. Is this plan the miracle cure the NHS needs? And will Starmer's robust response to Elon Musk finally put their spat to bed? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The fallout from Elon Musk's attacks continues. Wes Streeting calls Musk's comments 'a disgraceful smear', while Nigel Farage has a rather more sympathetic view. Chris Philp blames Labour local authorities for the grooming gangs cover-up, but a former Conservative advisor says Robert Jenrick could become the most divisive figure in British political history.  Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.