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Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP and treasury committee member Rachel Blake, Conservative MP and shadow business minister Dame Harriett Baldwin, journalist and author Duncan Weldon and economist and broadcaster Liam Halligan.
Is your police force running out of money?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP and treasury committee member Rachel Blake, Conservative MP and shadow business minister Dame Harriett Baldwin, journalist and author Duncan Weldon and economist and broadcaster Liam Halligan.
Political commentator Mike Indian says that the Winter Fuel U-turn has undermined the position of the Prime Minister and Chancellor, with Labour MPs getting increasingly rebellious. But there is no obvious successor to Keir Starmer and Mike predicts that the PM will not only last till the end of this Parliament but stand again. In some ways, he feels, the forthcoming Spending Review is the biggest decision Labour will take in this Parliament. He approves of the money earmarked for improving transport in the north and the equipment detailed in the Defence Review. But it's clear personnel levels in the armed forces need to be raised. All this at a time when jittery markets no longer want to sustain growing government debt while growth is low. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are the Conservative peer and former Ofsted chief inspector Baroness Amanda Spielman, Labour MP and Defence Select Committee chair Tan Dheshi, the Liberal Democrats' Home Affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart and LBC's own Political Editor Natasha Clark.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey joins Iain in studio to take calls from LBC listeners.Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are the Conservative peer and former Ofsted chief inspector Baroness Amanda Spielman, Labour MP and Defence Select Committee chair Tan Dheshi, the Liberal Democrats' Home Affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart and LBC's own Political Editor Natasha Clark.Plus how did you deal with being diagnosed with a serious illness as a younger person?
'That's not my question. I'll try for a fourth time.'Michelle Dewberry asks Veterans Minister Alistair Carns if he regards illegal Channel crossings a risk to national security. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israel has announced plans to recognise 22 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Will it make a Palestinian state impossible? We hear from an Israeli settler and a Palestinian. A group of Labour MPs is pressing the UK government to officially recognise Palestine. We ask a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee why she thinks that could make a difference.As the NHS puts a figure on how many people in England have ADHD, we hear the experiences of those who've struggled to get diagnosed. And Turkey says airline passengers who stand up too soon should be fined. We ask a former member of cabin crew why we really should obey the seat belt sign.
South Western Railway becomes the first train company to be renationalised under Labour. Also, we visit the PM's constituency and Labour MPs debate welfare cuts.
To discuss the government's U-turn on taking winter fuel allowance from all but the poorest pensioners, Caroline is joined by the Conservative peer, David Willetts - president of the Resolution Foundation, which focuses on people on lower incomes; and Claire Ainsley, former policy director to Sir Keir Starmer, now at the Progressive Policy Institute.Also this week, the UK and the EU struck a trade deal. Caroline speaks to the EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano about it. Reform UK's newest MP Sarah Pochin, who served as a magistrate for twenty years and the Labour MP and barrister Catherine Atkinson discuss plans by the former Conservative Justice Secretary David Gauke for the biggest shake-up of sentencing in England and Wales for more than 30 years. And, this week marks the first anniversary of a public inquiry report into the infected blood scandal. The former Health Secretary, now Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham has campaigned on behalf of victims and came into the studio with Lee Moorey, who was given contaminated blood.
Neil Duncan-Jordan came by JOETowers to break down his party's crusade against benefits claimants, and why it's the worst possible idea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves falling out over winter fuel payments? Beth tells us what she's been hearing in Westminster about a rift between the pair and although it's denied by Number 11, she's heard there's a “palpable tension” between the principal players over the change in policy. Also, with a vote on welfare reforms coming up next month Beth, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss how it will play out with Labour MPs and whether the government is losing its grip despite having such a big majority. Plus, Beth speaks to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the winter fuel U-turn and whether the government can get a better deal with Donald Trump. Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!
Keir Starmer announced a u-turn on winter fuel payments in the face of growing backbench discontent this week. There's also speculation more than 100 Labour MPs will rebel against benefit cuts. Meanwhile, there's already speculation that Tory MPs might move against Kemi Badenoch. Are MPs more disloyal than they used to be or do they have more cause for insurrection against incompetent party leaderships? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reunited, Coco and Nish are finally back together in the studio to talk U turns, disability benefits, Brexit and… gimp masks? There's a lot of politics to catch up on including some big shifts from the Labour government. First on Gaza - Keir Starmer and David Lammy changed tack with fierce criticism of the Israeli government. But critics argue that without an actual arms embargo talking tough with Israel is inadequate. So is it all too little, too late? And in another change of direction, the Prime Minister has been listening to voters and his own disgruntled MPs on benefits. He signalled a rethink on one of Labour's most unpopular moves - cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners. But reforms of disability benefits are still on the cards so Nish heads to Westminster where disability activists gathered to lobby their MPs. With a major rebellion on the cards from Labour MPs, can Starmer be steered into a U-turn on this too? Employment minister Alison McGovern explains how she's going to get more young people into work and she has a message for Pod Save the UK's disillusioned Labour voters. And did you think Brexit bollocks was in the rearview mirror? Well sorry - this week the Brexit undead returned with nonsense we thought was safely consigned to the dustbin of history. Guests: Alison McGovern MP Ellie Chowns MP Nadia Whittome MP Meg Thomas, Disability Rights Campaigner Audio Credits: Parliament TV BBC GB News Useful Links: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/mass-lobby-against-benefit-cuts-21st-may-be-there Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.com Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The government has suspended trade talks with Israel and denounced its actions in Gaza. But why are we only now seeing this kind of action and moral outrage? John Harris speaks to Melanie Ward, a Labour MP and former chief executive at Medical Aid for Palestinians. Plus, after Keir Starmer's reset with the EU, how does the public feel about the politics of Brexit? Guardian columnist Rafael Behr and Sophie Stowers from More in Common join John to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Heather Roy, the former deputy leader of the ACT party, Stuart Nash a former Labour MP, who was Minister for Police, Tourism and Economic and Regional Development in the last Labour government and Gareth Hughes the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa, and who was Green MP for a decade spoke to Lisa Owen about the 2025 Budget.
Did someone say U-turn? Ed Balls and George Osborne have been saying it for a while, actually, when it comes to the matter of the controversial winter fuel tax cut. Now that the government has walked it back, will it do the trick and soothe voters and ease tensions with Labour MPs? Ed thinks the approach is “politically and technically messy”. George, for his part, thinks it's nothing short of a damaging “fiasco” for Labour. Meanwhile, David Lammy announced this week the suspension of trade talks with Israel, in light of the escalating violence in Gaza. Does this signal a shift in the UK-Israel relations? And will it make much difference to the crisis if it does? George isn't so sure… Plus, the pair discuss the newly-minted, post-Brexit deal with the EU - did Britain make the right calls and the right concessions? And a trip down banking regulation memory lane: is it time to wind back bank ringfencing, an ongoing legacy from the Osborne era?And a reminder, we're doing our first Political Currency live show - we'll be taking to the stage on Thursday 5th June 2025 at SXSW London. Want a chance to grab a FREE ticket and a pass to the WHOLE six day business conference, worth £600?! Sign up to be a Kitchen Cabinet member to hear how you can get your hands on a ticket! To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:
At PMQs, Kemi Badenoch asked Keir Starmer when “the inevitable U-turn on winter fuel" would come. Unfortunately for her, he'd already announced it. Admittedly, it was quietly done. With a bit of hedging and fudging. But if you were following closely, you'd have heard him commit to a rethink at "the next fiscal statement" to a Labour MP who stood up before the Tory leader. When will the backtrack come into force? And does this alleviate pressure on the Treasury on benefits - or just ramp it up? We speak to the Labour backbencher Brian Leishman, who wants to see his leader go further and faster. And ahead of a major shakeup in our prisons and justice system - does the government want to reduce prisoner numbers out or principle, or is it just a result of a system on its knees? Aggie Chambre has the exclusive.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Helen Pidd heads to parliament to hear what Labour MPs think about the government's new talk on immigration, and asks the columnist Nesrine Malik whether it may all backfire. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
With Nigel Farage's Reform UK muscling in to key parts of the country, Westminster Insider Host Sascha O'Sullivan speaks to politicians through the North of England, where Labour has an uphill battle to convince their heartlands they can be trusted. Sascha speaks to Labour MP Josh Simons, whose seat of Makerfield had one of the highest proportion of votes for Reform without actually voting in one of the party's MP. Simons tells Sascha about his plans to convince his voters that Westminster – and the Labour Party – speak for them, and how finally building one road, first earmarked as necessary in 1949, could be a symbol for this. And Sascha heads to Darlington, in the North East of the country, where Labour MP Lola McEvoy has competition from Reform, who took over the council in County Durham just 5 miles south, and the Tory stronghold of Tees `Valley, led by Mayor Ben Houchen. Labour MP and member of the Blue Labour group Jonathan Hinder explains why Labour has become disconnected from it's working class roots in the North and how practical initiatives and investment will only go so far. Zoe Billingham, director of the IPPR North, tells Sascha why Boris Johnson's "levelling up" agenda spoke to these voters and how the failure to deliver on many of these promises made Labour's challenge harder. Former Tory MP for Boston and Skegness Matt Warman explains how Reform UK managed to win his constituency – and what it will take for some of these Labour MPs to fend them off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week the podcast looks at another of those knotty, seemingly intractable issues sat on Labour's in-tray when they entered government last year; namely social care.To look at how successive administrations have failed to grasp the nettle and deal with the rising costs of a sector that has ballooned in size to deal with our ageing population, host Alain Tolhurst is joined on the panel by Paulette Hamilton, Labour MP and the acting chair of the health and social care select committee, as well as Joe Robertson, Tory MP for the Isle of Wight who also sits on the select committee.Alongside them are Lucinda Allen, policy fellow in social care at The Health Foundation, and Will Dalton, national officer for care at the GMB union, to discuss Andrew Dilnot's infamous unimplemented review, Theresa May's election-losing dementia tax, and what Keir Starmer's government is doing to take on the care crisis.They argue whether the latest review is another exercise in kicking the can down the road, and what impact this week's immigration white paper will have on the sector's massive vacancy issues, while later on in the episode Joe Dromey from the Fabian Society talks about the think tank's proposals for dealing with pay and recruitment.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 defended the language he used in a speech on immigration this week. But many Labour MPs have criticised his choice of words, with some even claiming the prime minister's language echoed that of Enoch Powell. John Harris speaks to the Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy about why she and others are so concerned. Plus, who is writing the script, literally and figuratively? The Guardian's Gaby Hinsliff and Kiran Stacey discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
On Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.UK GDP has grown 0.7% in the first quarter of this year, beating out all other G7 countries. Nick talks to Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma ReynoldsGary Lineker has apologised for an 'offensive' post he re-shared on his Instagram featuring an image of a rat The Assisted Dying bill faces another reading in Parliament. Labour MP behind bill, Kim Leadbeater, takes your callsAll of this and more on Nick Ferrari - The Whole Show Podcast.
Labour MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome, cannot support the announced benefits changes and speaks to Emma Tracey about the experiences she has had as a disabled person herself. BBC's political correspondent Helen Catt walks us through whether government will face a significant challenge getting their legislation through parliament this summer, with other insights. Then, music from American artist, Gaelynn Lea, who's touring the UK. The discussion includes the folk singer and musician's bespoke way of playing violin, like a cello rather than up on her shoulder.Sound recording and mixing by Dave O'Neill, producers Beth Rose and Alex Collins, the editor was Damon Rose. Spread the word loyal followers.
A group of Labour MP's say they're opposed to government plans to cut the benefits paid to disabled people, with a lot of the online debate focusing on PIP - Personal Independence Payments. BBC journalist Emma Tracey presents the BBC's disability and mental health podcast, Access All, she explains what these payments are, how they can be used and who is eligible to claim.
Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP and science committee chair Chi Onwurah, Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart, general secretary of the GMB union Gary Smith and Times journalist Cindy Yu.
Has Keir Starmer got his dog whistle out?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are Labour MP and science committee chair Chi Onwurah, Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart, general secretary of the GMB union Gary Smith and Times journalist Cindy Yu.
Sonia Sodha delves in to the latest developments at Westminster.Sir Keir Starmer celebrated not one, but two, new trade deals this week: with the United States and India. But has Britain got good deals? The Labour chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee, Liam Byrne, and former Conservative trade minister and UK trade envoy to the US, Sir Conor Burns, discuss the merits of the agreements.Following the local election results, in which Reform UK made strong gains at the expense of the main parties, restive Labour MPs have been making their feelings known to the Prime Minister about the government's performance. One of those MPs, Jo White, chair of the Red Wall Group, joined Joe Dromey, General Secretary of the Fabians, to discuss whether Labour needs a change of direction.A spate of recent cyber attacks on retailers including M&S and Co-op have caused alarm in business circles and in government. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden this week said the attacks were a "wake-up call" for business. To discuss that Sonia speaks to Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre and now a professor at Oxford University.And, to reflect on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Sonia is joined by Lord Michael Heseltine, former Deputy Prime Minister, who witnessed the celebrations in 1945, and Alex Baker, the first Labour MP to represent Aldershot - the home of the British Army.
This week the podcast takes a look at the government's plans to try and fix the UK's rental market, with soaring rents, terrifying competition, no fault evictions, poorly maintained properties and huge supply pressures trapping an increasingly large cohort of tenants in a system that means they may never own their own homes.To discuss the Renters Rights Bill and how it will look to solve some of these issues, host Alain Tolhurst is joined by Joe Powell, Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, who sits on the housing select committee, as well as Roisin Lanigan, journalist and author, whose debut novel ‘I Want to Go Home But I'm Already There' has been billed as a “gothic novel for generation rent”.Alongside them is Tom Darling, director of the Renters' Reform Coalition, a group of 21 housing organisations campaigning for stronger renters' rights , Charlie Trew, head of policy at the charity Shelter, and Chris Norris, director of policy and campaigns at the National Residential Landlords Association.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
This week, Harriet Langley-Swindon and AI Producer Martin speak to the Labour MP for Bristol Very Very West, Daffydd Cwmbach, about how the government will respond to their crushing defeat in last week's local elections; we welcome The Very Very Reverend Gerrie Berrie back to the show to tell us why we need the first "Podcast Pope"; and Eshaan Akbar returns to the show to give us a Hot & Spicy Takeaway about the new Indian trade deal.It would help us enormously if you were to fill out this survey: http://bit.ly/noncensored-surveyWith thanks to Rosie Holt, Brendan Murphy, Will Sebag-Montefiore, Eshaan Akbar, Larry Budd and Bilal Zafar and Ed Morrish.Rosie's book, Why We Were Right, is available now.Brendan is currently on tour with Kiell Smith-Bynoe and friends as part of Kool Story Bro.Will has an AWARD-WINNING podcast called Legitimate Likes that you can listen to here, and he does sketches on Instagram.Eshaan has a stand-up special on YouTube, The Pretender.Larry, with Paul Dunphy, does brilliant Broken News sketches on their YouTube channel, so pop over there, laugh and subscribe.Bilal livestreams on Twitch and does a podcast with Joey Page called Got A Problem Mate?. Head on over to his linktree for loads of brilliant stuff.Ed also produces Sound Heap With John-Luke Roberts, an improvised sketch show.Show photography is by Karla Gowlett and design is by Chris Barker. Original music is by Paddy Gervers and Rob Sell at Torch and Compass.NonCensored is a Lead Mojo production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Labour MPs rage over election results but party divided on next steps Man stabbed to death in Lloyds bank in Derby prompts murder probe Netanyahus plan for Gaza risks dividing Israel, killing Palestinians and horrifying world GCSE results day to change for thousands of students with new app Call the Midwife film and prequel series announced Lincolnshire council took months to fix abuse victims door lock Sycamore Gap accused thought it was just a tree, court hears Germanys Merz falls short of majority in vote for chancellor Carney tells Trump that Canada wont be for sale, ever UK and India agree landmark trade deal
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Carney tells Trump that Canada wont be for sale, ever UK and India agree landmark trade deal Call the Midwife film and prequel series announced Lincolnshire council took months to fix abuse victims door lock Man stabbed to death in Lloyds bank in Derby prompts murder probe GCSE results day to change for thousands of students with new app Labour MPs rage over election results but party divided on next steps Sycamore Gap accused thought it was just a tree, court hears Netanyahus plan for Gaza risks dividing Israel, killing Palestinians and horrifying world Germanys Merz falls short of majority in vote for chancellor
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv GCSE results day to change for thousands of students with new app Germanys Merz falls short of majority in vote for chancellor Carney tells Trump that Canada wont be for sale, ever UK and India agree landmark trade deal Lincolnshire council took months to fix abuse victims door lock Sycamore Gap accused thought it was just a tree, court hears Call the Midwife film and prequel series announced Labour MPs rage over election results but party divided on next steps Man stabbed to death in Lloyds bank in Derby prompts murder probe Netanyahus plan for Gaza risks dividing Israel, killing Palestinians and horrifying world
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Carney tells Trump that Canada wont be for sale, ever Germanys Merz falls short of majority in vote for chancellor Netanyahus plan for Gaza risks dividing Israel, killing Palestinians and horrifying world UK and India agree landmark trade deal Call the Midwife film and prequel series announced GCSE results day to change for thousands of students with new app Sycamore Gap accused thought it was just a tree, court hears Lincolnshire council took months to fix abuse victims door lock Man stabbed to death in Lloyds bank in Derby prompts murder probe Labour MPs rage over election results but party divided on next steps
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UN judge Lydia Mugambe jailed for keeping housekeeper as slave Teaching union launches legal action against Ofsted Princess Charlotte photo released to mark 10th birthday Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with Royal Family Henry Zeffman Seven things we have learnt from the election results Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections Labour MPs in despair at voters verdict on government Co op hackers stole significant amount of customer data Local elections 2025 Who won in my area M and S supplier back to pen and paper after cyber attack
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Henry Zeffman Seven things we have learnt from the election results Local elections 2025 Who won in my area Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with Royal Family Labour MPs in despair at voters verdict on government Teaching union launches legal action against Ofsted M and S supplier back to pen and paper after cyber attack Co op hackers stole significant amount of customer data Princess Charlotte photo released to mark 10th birthday Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections UN judge Lydia Mugambe jailed for keeping housekeeper as slave
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Henry Zeffman Seven things we have learnt from the election results Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections Teaching union launches legal action against Ofsted Labour MPs in despair at voters verdict on government Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with Royal Family Co op hackers stole significant amount of customer data M and S supplier back to pen and paper after cyber attack Local elections 2025 Who won in my area UN judge Lydia Mugambe jailed for keeping housekeeper as slave Princess Charlotte photo released to mark 10th birthday
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UN judge Lydia Mugambe jailed for keeping housekeeper as slave Labour MPs in despair at voters verdict on government Local elections 2025 Who won in my area Princess Charlotte photo released to mark 10th birthday Teaching union launches legal action against Ofsted Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with Royal Family M and S supplier back to pen and paper after cyber attack Co op hackers stole significant amount of customer data Henry Zeffman Seven things we have learnt from the election results
Trump has sent 50 million dollars of military aid to Ukraine - the first shipment of aid since he took power. The money started flowing after Ukraine signed that much discussed minerals deal: in it, America recognised Russia's “full scale invasion of Ukraine". So has the minerals deal finally made peace possible? Or is it little more than a shakedown of the Ukrainians?Later, the Labour MP who says he wouldn't be disappointed if more UK universities closed. Do we have too many universities? And are some Labour figures now starting to parrot the language and talking points of Reform?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Now, I've done a bit of an exercise today. I started reading the news this morning, and I was really quickly struck by how many opinion pieces and comments of outrage there were over the Government removing the voting rights from prisoners. There was, just by my account, two full opinion pieces by academics, a newsletter that landed in my inbox, a left-wing blog post, outrage from Labour, and outrage from the Greens. So when I saw that, I thought, jeez, there's quite a lot coming from these guys. It might be interesting to compare this to how many opinion pieces and comments of outrage there are about the four killings currently in the news that have all been committed by people either previously in jail or previously in mental health care. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the man who has now murdered twice and been found insane twice. It's the two murders by Hill Morton mental health patients, and it's the murder by the parole rapist in Christchurch. All of them have been in the news just in the last few days. I didn't find one piece - not one opinion piece - by an academic about this, not one comment of outrage from the Greens, and the only relevant comment that I could find from Labour was the Labour MP saying that it was inappropriate to comment on it. Now, doesn't that tell you a lot about where we're putting our energy at the moment? We are, it would seem, angsting more about protecting the right that a prisoner has to vote - a right which, by the way, we were just told yesterday that most prisoners don't even want. But we are angsting ourselves over protecting that. And we are more angsting more about protecting that than we are about protecting the rights of innocent people not to be hurt by high-risk people who we know are high-risk. Now, we should be interrogating the agencies responsible here. We should be finding out what went wrong, and we should be angsting over it so it doesn't happen again. And I would venture that our priorities are way out of whack if we are more stressed in the news media about whether the bad guys can vote than where authorities are keeping innocent people safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George Parker of the Financial Times assesses the latest developments at Westminster.To discuss the Chancellor's trip to Washington to try to secure a trade deal with the US, George is joined by Labour MP and Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, Liam Byrne, and former Conservative government Trade Minister, Greg Hands.Also this week, London hosted the global energy security conference. To discuss the green energy transition, George is joined by Green Party MP Ellie Chowns and Gary Smith, the General Secretary of the GMB union.Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine and Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson join George to discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex.And, in the week of St George's Day, the Prime Minister hosted the first ever Downing Street reception to mark the occasion. To discuss the meaning of 'patriotism', George speaks to Tom Baldwin, a former Labour adviser and the author of a biography of Keir Starmer and Samuel Kasumu, who worked as an adviser to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
We Don't Need Starmer's Flag Lessons! We Don't Need Starmer's Flag Lessons! #KeirStarmer #SaintGeorgesDay #EnglishFlag #ReformUK #BritishPolitics On Saint George's Day 2025, Keir Starmer stood outside Downing Street with Gary Lineker and other political allies to deliver what he called a patriotic message — but what looked more like a calculated political move. By wrapping himself in the St George's flag, Starmer claimed the Labour Party is the “true patriotic party” of British politics. But this was no celebration of English identity — it was a transparent attempt to hijack English patriotism and fight off the growing threat of Nigel Farage and Reform UK, who are gaining fast in the polls. Starmer says he wants to “take the flag back from extremists” — but who gave it away in the first place? If anyone's been divisive, it's Starmer himself. After the Southport massacre, he smeared all the protestors as “far-right thugs” and withheld details about Axel RudaKubana, the man whose murder triggered national outrage. Even his own counter-terrorism czar admitted this silence helped spark the riots. Let's also not forget the Emily Thornberry flag scandal back in 2014 — where the top Labour MP mocked a home displaying the English flag. She was demoted, but now Starmer has elevated her to the House of Lords. That's Labour's idea of accountability? The flag of Saint George is not a symbol of hate or division — it's a symbol of the English working class, of tradition, and of pride. But in Starmer's politically correct, divided version of England, even the definition of a woman is up for debate. The people of England don't need flag lessons from the Labour Party. We need honesty, unity, and leadership that respects our national values — not more empty gestures.
This week: should the assisted dying bill be killed off? Six months after Kim Leadbeater MP launched the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, a group of Labour MPs have pronounced it ‘irredeemably flawed and not fit to become law'. They say the most basic aspects of the bill – having gone through its committee stage – do not hold up to scrutiny. Dan Hitchens agrees, writing in the magazine this week that ‘it's hard to summarise the committee's proceedings except with a kind of Homeric catalogue of rejected amendments' accompanied by a ‘series of disconcerting public statements'. With a third reading vote approaching, what could it tell us about the country we live in? Dan joins the podcast alongside the Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie, who provides the Spectator's diary for the week. (1:34) Next: where are all the rabbits? If you've noticed fewer rabbits across the countryside that might be due to a killer pandemic that has appeared on Britain's shores. Henry Williams raises awareness in the magazine this week about Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), which has a mortality rate of between 70 and 100% and has already left rabbits endangered in countries like Spain. The disease can kill suddenly and is particularly prolific within wild rabbits, which are less likely to be vaccinated than household pets. How concerned should we be? Henry joined the podcast to discuss. (20:56) And finally: are creme eggs delicious – or disgusting? ‘How do you eat yours?' asks the famous Cadbury's advert for creme eggs. James Innes-Smith, writing his notes on creme eggs in the magazine this week, responds ‘stamping on them in disgust'. James might not be a fan but most of the British public are – over 220 million of them are sold in the UK each year. Even more astonishing given they're only available to buy for a third of the year. Why are they loved so much? James joined the podcast alongside The Guardian's Lucy Mangan, who makes the case for creme eggs. (27:09) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
This week: should the assisted dying bill be killed off? Six months after Kim Leadbeater MP launched the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, a group of Labour MPs have pronounced it ‘irredeemably flawed and not fit to become law'. They say the most basic aspects of the bill – having gone through its committee stage – do not hold up to scrutiny. Dan Hitchens agrees, writing in the magazine this week that ‘it's hard to summarise the committee's proceedings except with a kind of Homeric catalogue of rejected amendments' accompanied by a ‘series of disconcerting public statements'. With a third reading vote approaching, what could it tell us about the country we live in? Dan joins the podcast alongside the Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie, who provides the Spectator's diary for the week. (1:34) Next: where are all the rabbits? If you've noticed fewer rabbits across the countryside that might be due to a killer pandemic that has appeared on Britain's shores. Henry Williams raises awareness in the magazine this week about Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), which has a mortality rate of between 70 and 100% and has already left rabbits endangered in countries like Spain. The disease can kill suddenly and is particularly prolific within wild rabbits, which are less likely to be vaccinated than household pets. How concerned should we be? Henry joined the podcast to discuss. (20:56) And finally: are creme eggs delicious – or disgusting? ‘How do you eat yours?' asks the famous Cadbury's advert for creme eggs. James Innes-Smith, writing his notes on creme eggs in the magazine this week, responds ‘stamping on them in disgust'. James might not be a fan but most of the British public are – over 220 million of them are sold in the UK each year. Even more astonishing given they're only available to buy for a third of the year. Why are they loved so much? James joined the podcast alongside The Guardian's Lucy Mangan, who makes the case for creme eggs. (27:09) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
UPDATE: 10/04/25: President Trump has planned to pause extended tariffs on most countries for 90 days, while pushing ahead on plans to implement a 104% tariff on Chinese goods. A flat 10% tariff remains in place. Trump's tariffs continue to cause chaos in the stock markets and the threat of a recession looms. As Rachel Reeves put it in her Spring Statement - the world is changing before our eyes - but is it enough to see her back down on her precious fiscal rules? Co-host Zoë Grünewald joins Nish to make sense of it all. Can ‘the most dangerous man in Britain' shed light on this moment of global chaos? Author and education campaigner Melissa Benn, daughter of the late great politician Tony Benn, reflects on her father's relevance today and the future of the left. Plus, Melissa takes a look at what's in Labour's new education bill. Kemi Badenoch has labelled it “an act of vandalism” - but are the reforms as revolutionary as critics claim? And a couple of monumental WTF's for you this week - Israel has barred two Labour MPs, just as human rights lawyers deliver a landmark report to the Met Police's War Crimes Team, making accusations of war crimes against 10 Britons, who served in the Israeli military in Gaza. It's chilling stuff. CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS Shopify https://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk VOY https://www.joinvoy.com/psuk Useful Links The Most Dangerous Man in Britain?: The Political Writing by Tony Benn https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3318-the-most-dangerous-man-in-britain?srsltid=AfmBOoqeWPvXcuRrm3zzK1FZ0GZ0JYD7BY6lSBtIpztZdp5gR12u7fmr Guests Melissa Benn Audio Credits CBS News Sky The Guardian Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.uk Insta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheuk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheuk Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheuk Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why were two Labour MPs denied entry to Israel? What led to the impeachment of South Korea's president? Is there a decline in blue-collar MPs? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of these questions and more. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to Question Time episodes to live show tickets, ad-free listening for both TRIP and Leading, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members' chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Fuse are giving away FREE TRIP+ membership for all of 2025 to new sign ups
Today, the Prime Minister has responded to Trump's tariffs saying the government is ready to step in to protect the UK economy. Paddy's away so Jeremy Vine makes a guest appearance to go through it all.They also discuss the Foreign Secretary David Lammy saying it's unacceptable that two Labour MPs have been refused entry to Israel, but Kemi Badenoch appearing to back Israel over the issue.And there are concerns, denied by the government, that the Online Safety Bill could be watered down.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://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9New 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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn and Bella Saltiel. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
The British government has condemned the detention and expulsion of two of its MPs who had gone to Israel on an official visit. Israel says they were intending to spread hate speech: we hear from the UK government.Also in the programme: the Israeli army admits its soldiers made what it calls "mistakes" when they killed 15 emergency workers in Gaza; and one Ukrainian man tells us he was conscripted into the army against his will.(IMAGE: Abtisam Mohamed (left), Labour MP for Sheffield Central, and Yuan Yang (right) Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, have now left Israel after being detained and expelled while on an official visit; CREDIT: House of Commons)
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
After weeks of speculation, Liz Kendall has confirmed what benefits are to be axed in order to save £5 billion from the welfare bill - but at what cost for sick and disabled people?Keir Starmer says the rising benefit bill is “devastating for public finances” and has “wreaked a terrible human cost”. But many of his own Labour MPs have accused him of selling cuts as compassion and in the words of Clive Lewis “causing pain for millions”. Zoë Grünewald steps in for Nish to survey the fallout with Coco. And the cuts don't stop there - NHS England's abolition and unprecedented cost-cutting could see up to 30,000 jobs lost. Zoë and Coco discuss the “high-stakes” move, which the Institute of Fiscal Studies has said is “not fully thought through”.Next up, the Tories and Reform are trying to seize the news-agenda with a pair of not-so special special announcements. And Coco has one of her own… CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS VOY https://www.joinvoy.com/psukSHOPIFY https://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk GuestsMikey ErhardtZoë Grünewald Audio CreditsSky NewsBBC Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comInsta: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTwitter: https://twitter.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK