Podcasts about labour mp

Ian Murray - LIVEThis is an absolute hoot.For years Ian Murray was the only Labour MP in Scotland. Now he's in the Cabinet as Secretary of State. He takes us inside Labour's first year and tells some cracking stories along the way including meeting Donald Trump off his plane when he recently visited Turnberry.It's a classic. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:13 August: Joanna Cherry17 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the show…  - Labour's Willow-Jean Prime should be sacked for arrogantly refusing to work with national over NCEA changes. Honestly she's a waste of space.  - And my weekly panel comes back together. Stuart Nash and Ashley Church join me to discuss the week that was Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labour MP faces calls to resign in the wake of eviction claims. Plus: European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera said Israel's actions in Gaza “look very much like genocide' and Novara Media investigates far-right protests on the rise. With NoJusticeMTG and Kieran Andrieu.

Labour MPs are gathering in Christchurch to talk strategy in the run up to next year's election. Political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Corin Dann.

I get texts on the daily from people saying “you're so negative about Labour”. “You never have anything good to say about the last government. You're so critical of Labour.” And I say to them, how can anyone with a brain not be critical of Labour?! The gut feeling I had at the time that the previous administration was out of their depth and hopelessly incompetent has been proved with hard data, time and time and time again. The failure to deliver any kind of transformational reform, the failure to deliver on the absolute basics, the arrogance around co-governance, the breathtaking and utterly tragic waste of taxpayer money, more on that later, Treasury's report that came out yesterday slamming the governments spending during the pandemic just confirms everything we knew – but now this. Labour's absolute refusal to even acknowledge changes taking place within NCEA. The Herald has the story and its a good one. The Government offered Labour multiple opportunities to be briefed on the NCEA change process, but the party's education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime initially didn't respond to these invitations and then flat-out declined them. This after Hipkins said to the Herald last month that the Labour Government consulted with the then-Opposition to ensure changes were “going to be enduring” and expressed a desire for the current Government to do the same. A text message appears to show Stanford reached out to Prime about NCEA after the Labour MP took over the education portfolio from Jan Tinetti in March. “Hey Willow-Jean, congrats on the new role! Will need to get you up to speed with the NCEA change process. Jan and I had started working cross-party on this given the importance of our national qualification,” Stanford wrote, according to a screenshot provided. “Would be good if we could meet first and I can run you through where we are at and what the process is. There is a policy advisory group of principals who are working on the details and you can have access to them when they meet as well as my officials and also NZQA.” The Minister said her office would get in touch with Prime's “if that's ok?”. Nothing. Tumbleweeds. Now I get that she doesn't have to like the changes. She doesn't have to agree with the change. But a letter along the lines of 'Thanks Minister, but I am philosophically and intellectually opposed to the changes you intend to make and I will be rolling them back once I am Minister. Nga mihi, Willow Jean' would have let everybody know where they stood. Nothing? No response at all?! Stanford's office reached out again in May. Again, nothing. In mid June, Stanford reached out personally and then when again, there was no response, Stanford emailed Chris Hipkins office on July 1. “I've sought on multiple occasions to get input from your education spokesperson on NCEA curriculum reform, with no response,” Stanford wrote to Hipkins on July 1. “It is important to have cross-party collaboration regarding a national qualification, and the offer remains open to arrange a briefing from officials or from the Professional Advisory Group.” The next day, an adviser for Prime emailed Stanford: “I acknowledge your email regarding NCEA curriculum reform." “Willow-Jean has considered your email and declines the invitation." That is Labour's education spokesperson. Some one who is so rude, so out of touch, so out of her depth she refused to be part of transformational change. But no, this is not just Labour's education spokesperson, this is Labour. Out of touch, out of their depth, and while Chris Hipkins remains as leader, they should never be allowed anywhere near the levers of power ever again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump said his envoy made "great progress" in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He says he's willing to meet President Putin as well as President Zelensky of Ukraine. However the Trump administration is also threatening to slap secondary tariffs of 50% on India due to its continued purchase of Russian oil.As international pressure grows, how are the Israeli media portraying the war in Gaza? One Israeli journalist tells us many people aren't getting the whole story.And a conversation with an MP's AI chatbot. A Labour MP has created a digital version of himself to answer queries from constituents.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. The decision comes after some Labour MPs and cabinet ministers accused him of being too slow to respond to the Gaza crisis. Host George Parker is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green to discuss how the prime minister arrived at this decision, and whether UK recognition of a Palestinian state will change the state of play in the region. Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOfferFollow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: The best case for Starmer's ill-starred Palestine gambitStarmer finally sets out his stance on Palestinian statehoodKeir Starmer threads the needle on Palestinian recognitionEmmanuel Macron says France will recognise Palestinian state in SeptemberPresented by George Parker and produced by Ethan Plotkin. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner and mix by Simon Panayi. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of a series over Parliament's summer recess looking at how Labour have performed in their first year in office, this week's guest on The Rundown is Sarah Owen, Labour MP for Luton North and the chair of the Commons select committee on women and equalities.Speaking to host Alain Tolhurst, she discusses how this government is doing on its manifesto commitments to tackle racial injustice and gender inequality, improve the lives of the disabled and to protect trans people and other marginalised communities, as well as the role of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot

Baroness Margaret Hodge joined Nuala McGovern to talk about why she thinks routine mammograms should be extended to women over 70. The former Labour MP was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 80. She requested a mammogram after realising she hadn't been invited to have one in nearly a decade. Routine screening is currently only available in the UK for women aged 50-70.Dame Imelda Staunton, of Vera Drake and Harry Potter fame, and her daughter Bessie Carter, of Bridgerton fame, are starring as mother and daughter in Mrs Warren's Profession by George Bernard Shaw, currently in the West End. The play explores the morals of earning money from prostitution. They joined Kylie Pentelow to talk about the relevance of the play today, and tell us what's it like acting on stage together for the first time in their careers. There are still more statues of men called John than of women in the UK. But this imbalance is being redressed, mainly thanks to local campaigns to memorialise more female figures. A new book, London's Statues of Women, documents all the current statues of, or to, women in the capital. Its author Juliet Rix joined Nuala along with Anya Pearson from Visible Women UK and Joy Battick who has been immortalised herself in bronze not once, but twice.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Corinna Jones

Clive Lewis is the Labour MP for Norwich South and takes a bold stance in areas like water privatisation, the NHS, welfare, wealth taxes and Palestine. They discuss how he feels about the direction the Labour party has taken, and what it was like to make an anti-monarchy statement when he was sworn in as an MP.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

In CI News this week: A Labour MP shows contempt for millions of voters who believe in the reality of biological sex, backbench MPs urge the Government to reform gambling legislation, and a baby born at twenty-two weeks and one day celebrates his second birthday. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Labour MP calls gender-critics ‘swivel-eyed' fanatics 3-year-old with puberty symptoms after exposure to father's ‘sex change' drugs Backbench MPs push for wholesale gambling reform Baby born at 22 weeks celebrates second birthday with staff who saved his life

Parliament has broken up for summer, but politics shows no sign of cooling down. Ed Balls and George Osborne run through the latest from every party - the Tories' frontbench reshuffle, Labour's mounting tensions over Gaza, Reform's approach to protests worries - all while the Greens and Lib Democrats make their moves. What's really going on as MPs head off for the break?Meanwhile, the crisis in Gaza is becoming impossible to ignore across the country. With heartbreaking images and rising calls from Labour MPs to recognise Palestine, Ed and George ask how long Starmer can hold his ground - and whether the pressure will become so intense it will force a change.Meanwhile, Donald Trump is heading to Scotland to open a new golf course - but this visit isn't just about sport. Scheduled private talks with Keir Starmer and John Swinney could have serious implications for trade and Middle East diplomacy. How should Starmer handle this high-stakes meeting?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Baroness Margaret Hodge tells Nuala McGovern why she thinks routine mammograms should be extended to women over 70. The former Labour MP was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 80. She requested a mammogram after realising she hadn't been invited to have one in nearly a decade. Routine screening is currently only available in the UK for women aged 50-70. As England's Lionesses prepare for their Euro 2025 semi-final with Italy tonight, their efforts have been overshadowed by the racial abuse suffered by defender Jess Carter. The team's decided not to take the knee against racism in tonight's game, with coach Sarina Wiegman saying her players feel the gesture isn't 'good enough.' Now the head of Sport England, Chris Boardman, has written to Ofcom to express "deep concern" over the abuse directed at England's women's football team on social media. He joins Nuala, along with former Lioness and now pundit Lianne Sanderson. Campaigners in Northern Ireland want the way Victim Personal Statements are dealt with in courts there to change. At the moment people do not have the automatic right to read their own statements as part of the judicial process. Nuala talks to Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Northern Ireland, Geraldine Hanna, and campaigner Julieanne Boyle, who didn't get the opportunity to address the court during her case and wants to see a change for other victims. Georgina Moore's second novel River of Stars is set in a floating community on the Thames. A romance and family saga spanning three generations of women, it was inspired by her own move from self-confessed ‘ageing party girl' to houseboat mum. Georgina joins Nuala in the Woman's Hour studio to talk about island life and writing on the water.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Professor Alan Finlayson is back to discuss the latest developments in UK politics: the suspension of several Labour MPs and the announcement of a new left party to be led by Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn (maybe). We also discuss the vexed questions of why Starmer’s government is so unpopular after its first year in […]

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

Starmer's Youth Vote Gamble: Will It Save Him – or Sink Him Starmer #VotingAge #UKPolitics #ReformUK #Farage #JonGaunt Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have announced plans to lower the voting age to 16. But is this genuine democratic reform — or a last-ditch attempt to rig the next General Election? In this explosive live broadcast, Jon Gaunt breaks down the truth behind Labour's latest move: ✅ Why giving 16-year-olds the vote could backfire on Starmer ✅ How Farage, Reform UK, and Corbyn's Gaza Party could benefit instead ✅ Starmer's record-breaking purge of Labour MPs – 10 whip withdrawals in 12 months ✅ The hypocrisy of letting teens vote but not smoke, drink or join the army ✅ Why many young voters are disillusioned with Labour and shifting to extremes  This isn't about democracy — it's about desperation. Join the chat, sound off, and let's expose the political theatre for what it really is.

Labour is sticking to its manifesto pledge, confirming that it will give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote at the next general election. Announcing the decision, Keir Starmer said that they were old enough to pay taxes and should therefore get a say in the running of the country.But have Labour just inadvertently opened the door for two politicians incredibly popular with the young – Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn? Camilla and Tim speak to Scarlett Maguire, founder of polling firm Merlin Strategy, who believes that Corbyn is the politician “potentially capable of mobilising and motivating this group”.Elsewhere, they also speak to Rachel Maskell, one of the four Labour MPs who had the whip removed yesterday for her part in the disastrous welfare rebellion, about what life is like under Starmer's leadership and the “insulting and unprofessional” comments made about her and her colleagues by party sources in the aftermath.Producers: Georgia Coan and Lilian Fawcett Senior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyVideo Editor: Will WaltersAdditional Production: Amelia Clarke Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Starmer suspends Labour MPs over discipline breaches Babies from three peoples DNA prevents heriditary disease Summer holiday clubs now cost an average of 1,076 per child Most photographed street wrecked by vandals, say shopkeepers Emma Watson Harry Potter actress banned from driving for six months for speeding Co op boss says sorry to 6.5m people who had data stolen in hack Trump says Coca Cola will swap corn syrup for cane sugar in US Its just better Flat owners plan legal claim over secret insurance charges to freeholders US says specific steps agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus UK offered to speed up resettlement case of Afghan who posted leaked data online

With Hugo away, Patrick Maguire joins the political masterminds to ask whether Keir Starmer was right to punish rebellious Labour MPs by removing the whip.They also consider whether giving the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds will help Nigel Farage at the next election, Rachel Reeves' unpalatable options over tax, and Donald Trump's appearance at the Club World Cup.Send your comments and questions to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UK offered to speed up resettlement case of Afghan who posted leaked data online Flat owners plan legal claim over secret insurance charges to freeholders Co op boss says sorry to 6.5m people who had data stolen in hack Starmer suspends Labour MPs over discipline breaches US says specific steps agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus Emma Watson Harry Potter actress banned from driving for six months for speeding Summer holiday clubs now cost an average of 1,076 per child Most photographed street wrecked by vandals, say shopkeepers Babies from three peoples DNA prevents heriditary disease Trump says Coca Cola will swap corn syrup for cane sugar in US Its just better

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Flat owners plan legal claim over secret insurance charges to freeholders Most photographed street wrecked by vandals, say shopkeepers Babies from three peoples DNA prevents heriditary disease Starmer suspends Labour MPs over discipline breaches Trump says Coca Cola will swap corn syrup for cane sugar in US Its just better Summer holiday clubs now cost an average of 1,076 per child UK offered to speed up resettlement case of Afghan who posted leaked data online US says specific steps agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus Co op boss says sorry to 6.5m people who had data stolen in hack Emma Watson Harry Potter actress banned from driving for six months for speeding

The Prime Minister suspends four Labour MPs for “persistent breaches of discipline” as the fallout from the welfare reforms continues.  Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy discuss who they are, why now and what was the point, as the government attempts to restore order on the backbenches.   Keir Starmer also welcomes German Chancellor – Friedrich Merz – to London, in the hope of signing a wide-ranging bilateral cooperation treaty.  Plus, the PM's missions reappear on the agenda as he makes a speech at the first Civil Society Summit. 

Last night the Prime Minister chucked four of his more rebellious MPs out of the parliamentary Labour Party. Technically, he 'removed the whip' which means that for now they cannot call themselves Labour MPs. Was he right to move against them? Does it make him stronger or weaker in his job? And what message does it send out about how Starmer wants to govern? Later, why were key intelligence figures not informed of the Afghan data breach? And did the government mislead the courts over the severity of the situation?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Summer holiday clubs now cost an average of 1,076 per child Starmer suspends Labour MPs over discipline breaches Co op boss says sorry to 6.5m people who had data stolen in hack UK offered to speed up resettlement case of Afghan who posted leaked data online Most photographed street wrecked by vandals, say shopkeepers Babies from three peoples DNA prevents heriditary disease US says specific steps agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus Emma Watson Harry Potter actress banned from driving for six months for speeding Trump says Coca Cola will swap corn syrup for cane sugar in US Its just better Flat owners plan legal claim over secret insurance charges to freeholders

This episode examines a challenge at the heart of development finance. Much energy is focused on mobilising more capital in low-income countries and emerging economies, but funding alone isn't enough. A deeper issue persists: there simply aren't enough bankable projects – ventures that are ready to absorb investments at scale.Traditionally, development finance has been demand-led – waiting for the right opportunities to emerge. But this model is evolving. Some development institutions (DFIs) are now looking to actively help create the very markets we want to invest in.Our recent report explores this shift, highlighting how institutions like British International Investment (BII) and Norfund are stepping in to initiate entirely new commercial ventures in challenging markets. These aim to generate critical investments in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare.So what does it take to build truly investable opportunities from the ground up? Experts discuss how to create sustainable, locally owned ventures that can deliver lasting development impact.GuestsSara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI GlobalPaddy Carter, Director of Development Economics, British International InvestmentFrederique Dahan, Director, Development and Public Finance team, ODI GlobalShaun Githuku, Director, Gridworks Development Partners LLPNoah Law, Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay & Member of the International Development Committee, UK ParliamentRelated resourcesDFI sponsorship of new platforms and ventures: why and how? (Report, ODI Global)DFI sponsorship of new platforms and ventures: why and how? (Video of report launch event, ODI Global)Risk, return and impact (Report, British International Investment)Gridworks Development Partners LLP (British international Investment)MedAccess (British International Investment)

On the eve of parliamentary recess, Keir Starmer has just purged his party. Ava and Laura report and react to the news as it unfolds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's taken quick action on demands from thousands of Kiwi teens to counter modern slavery. The students today delivered letters to Parliament - written at World Vision NZ Youth Conferences and universities. Labour's Camilla Belich announced a draft bill today to set up an anti-slavery Commissioner. National put a similar bill to the ballot this year. Belich says nothing currently addresses issues of modern slavery - so any start is a good one. "There'll be a chance to see whether that Commissioner is effective in their role, and a chance to look at whether there's more that needs to be done in that space." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ava is joined by MP for Liverpool West Derby Ian Byrne to talk about the Hillsborough Law, which was blocked in parliament last week. He also speaks to his experience being a progressive Labour MP in an era of welfare cuts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

As Labour looks to get a grip on public spending, one rebellion gives way to another with the changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system threatening to become welfare round two. On this week's Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by The Spectator's Michael Simmons and former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman to explore what the government is planning – and why so many Labour MPs are worried. Is the system failing the children it's meant to support, or simply costing too much? And can Labour afford to fix it without tearing itself apart?Listen for: Amanda on the unintended consequences of the 2014 SEND overhaul; why teaching assistants may not be the silver bullet schools think they are; and Labour's mess over Ofsted. Michael Simmons also outlines the fiscal timebomb threatening local authorities; the cultural shift post-Covid that's changed how we approach education; and why one Labour insider is warning, ‘If you thought cutting support for disabled adults was bad, wait till you try it with children.'Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Pippa Crerar of The Guardian assesses the latest developments at Westminster.Following President Macron's state visit to the UK, Pippa discusses the visit and joint announcement on channel crossings with former Conservative Immigration Minister Damian Green, who also served as First Secretary of State for Theresa May and the Labour MP for Dover and Deal Mike Tapp.Conservative MP Damian Hinds, a former Education Secretary, and Labour MP Jen Craft discuss the debate over the future of special educational needs and disabilities provision for children.Also, Pippa interviews Paul Johnson, the outgoing director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies.And, to reflect on the life and legacy of the former Conservative Cabinet Minister Lord Tebbit, who died this week, Pippa speaks to Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London and Mary Ann Sieghart, political commentator and writer.

Labour's biggest union backer Unite has suspended Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as a member, and threatened to pull the plug on party funding over the Birmingham bin strike. We get reaction from a local Labour MP.Also on the programme:The preliminary report into the Air India plane crash last month has just been released. We find out what's in it.A new book recreates the day Joe Biden lost his temper and Donald Trump nearly lost his life. One year on from that failed assassination attempt, we hear from one of the authors of a new insider account of the campaign.And it's 40 years since two billion people tuned in for Live Aid. We discuss the complex legacy of the "concert of the century".

French President Emmanuel Macron is tonight being feted with a white tie dinner in the City of London. But is the "entente" not so "amicale" when it comes to migration? A Labour MP who wants tougher curbs to stop small boats crossing the Channel tells us talks between Britain and France to get a deal announced tomorrow are proving tough. Also tonight:It's a departure that's stunned Silicon Valley - why is the chief executive leaving Elon Musk's platform, X?A BBC investigation verifies a leaked recording in which Bangladesh's then-prime minister says she's authorised shoot-to-kill during violent protests against her. We have a special report.And the Iranian musician - banned from singing in her homeland - who fell in love with Flamenco, and now performs it in her native Farsi.

Keir Starmer will have been hoping for a more relaxed week – but he certainly won't be getting one. He is facing a fresh rebellion over support for children with special educational needs (SEND), which threatens to become welfare 2.0.The plan involves overhauling the SEND system and it's another case of Labour MPs exclaiming that they didn't stand on a Labour ticket just to target the most vulnerable in society. The main concern among backbenchers is whether it should be legally enforceable for parents to ensure their children receive bespoke support. Elsewhere, all roads lead to the Treasury, as Neil Kinnock has a solution for increasing Rachel Reeves's headroom: a wealth tax. It's the idea that never seems to go away – but will it just increase the number of billionaires fleeing the country?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

One year on from Keir Starmer's election victory and Labour are well behind Reform in the polls, while the government is already having to bend to the will of its backbenchers. So how can Starmer recover? Kiran Stacey talks to Jonathan Ashworth, the chief executive of Labour Together and former MP for Leicester South, and Marie Tidball, the Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, about the party's first year in government, live at the Crossed Wires podcast festival in Sheffield. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Some sore heads on Coffee House Shots this morning, after last night's Spectator summer party. But while we were having fun, a drama was brewing in the Labour party after it was finally confirmed that Jeremy Corbyn is starting a new left-wing party... or is he?The news was broken last night by another MP: Zarah Sultana, a long-time admirer of Corbyn. Elected as a Labour MP in 2019, she lost the whip last July for voting to lift the two-child-benefit cap. However, after discussions with figures within the Labour party, it has become apparent that Sultana took many of those involved completely by surprise. She has, in the words of one, ‘completely jumped the gun – no ideas had been properly decided'. It has plunged the new party into a crisis even before its creation. What next for Corbyn's splinter party?Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Helen Pidd talks to Kiran Stacey and a host of Labour MPs on a day of high drama in Westminster, as parliament votes on the government's proposed disability cuts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Today, MPs have narrowly voted in favour of the government's welfare bill. The controversial legislation passed after a series of last minute concessions by the government, but 49 Labour MPs still rebelled. Adam and Chris discuss what changes were made, how the government failed to manage the rebellion, and the political blow the prime minister has taken. Plus, three former senior staff at the hospital where Lucy Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. A seperate investigation was opened into the senior leadership team at the Countess of Chester hospital after Lucy Letby was convicted of murder and attempted murder in 2023.Adam is joined by BBC Social Affairs Correspondent Michael Buchanan.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://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNew 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 Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The government has offered another concession to potential rebels, ahead of a vote on its benefits changes. The timing of eligibility changes to the Personal Independence Payment will now wait until a review is published next year. Also: 20,000 people have crossed the Channel in the first six months of the year. And a happy ending for the Disney cruise ship passenger who rescued his daughter from the waves.

Alicia McCarthy reports as ministers abandon a key part of their welfare reforms in the face of a revolt by Labour MPs.

With yet another U-turn from the government, the fate of the welfare bill is left in the hands of the backbenchers. In this episode, Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Editor-in-Chief Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the potential consequences of defeat in Tuesday night's vote, Rachel Reeves‘ precarious position and how we got here in the first place.READA humbling week for Keir Starmer - Andrew MarrYour next Listen:“Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reformsSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Whatever Bob Vylan's motivation... how stupid can you be?!'Labour MP Barry Gardiner says chants of 'death to the IDF' at Glastonbury have detracted from the discussion around violence in the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Margaret Thatcher really some 'evil dictator' who's legacy still looms large over Britain? Or was she something else entirely?Broadcaster and author Iain Dale talks to Rachel Cunliffe about his new book, Margaret Thatcher, and why he wanted to dispel some of the myths and mistruths about the Iron Lady.READInside the false economy of Rachel Reeves' welfare cuts - Anoosh ChakelianYOUR NEXT LISTEN“Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reformsSIGN UP:For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.comJOIN US:Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Labour rebels appear to have forced concessions from Keir Starmer over welfare this week, former Conservative MP Steve Baker joins James Heale to reflect on his own time as a rebel, and to provide some advice to Labour MPs. Steve, an MP for 14 years and a minister under Theresa May, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, tells James about the different rebellions he was a part of (from Brexit to Covid), explains how to organise a successful one and reveals how he has lost close friends when he has made the decision to compromise.He also blames Labour's problems on their ‘bombs not benefits' approach, explains why the current welfare rebellion demonstrates that ‘the facts of life are Conservative' and argues that it has been a mistake for the Conservatives not the support Labour's original approach to reducing the winter fuel allowance.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.

As Labour rebels appear to have forced concessions from Keir Starmer over welfare this week, former Conservative MP Steve Baker joins James Heale to reflect on his own time as a rebel, and to provide some advice to Labour MPs. Steve, an MP for 14 years and a minister under Theresa May, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, tells James about the different rebellions he was a part of (from Brexit to Covid), explains how to organise a successful one and reveals how he has lost close friends when he has made the decision to compromise.He also blames Labour's problems on their ‘bombs not benefits' approach, explains why the current welfare rebellion demonstrates that ‘the facts of life are Conservative' and argues that it has been a mistake for the Conservatives not the support Labour's original approach to reducing the winter fuel allowance.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.

Some members of the UK's parliament fight back against proposed welfare cuts, and early intelligence suggests Iran's uranium stockpile is still intact, officials say. Plus, the rise of sports gambling in Nigeria is being powered by social media influencers.Mentioned in this podcast:Early intelligence suggests Iran's uranium largely intact, European officials sayA defeat Keir Starmer cannot affordKeir Starmer in talks with rebel MPs in bid to head off welfare revoltThe football betting influencers behind Nigeria's not-so secret gambling boomSend me your questions for the Swamp Notes podcast: marc.filippino@ft.com. We may even play your voicemail on the show.Today's FT News Briefing was produced by Henry Larson, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Kelly Garry, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. Our intern is Michaela Seah. The show's theme song is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO's members pledged to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

It's bad news all round for Labour and the Tories. An MRP poll out today forecasts that if an election were held tomorrow, Labour would not only lose its majority, but fall behind Reform to become the second-largest party. The Conservatives would be reduced to a mere 46 seats, placing them fourth behind the Lib Dems.But that's just the beginning of their collective woes. On the Labour side – despite Keir Starmer's charm offensive and ongoing talks with Labour MPs about potential changes to welfare policy – the number of rebels appears to be growing. The feeling increasingly is that someone might have to go, and calls for ‘regime change' splash the Times. Is time up for Morgan McSweeney?On the other side of the House, the Tories are in disarray, as Tim Shipman reports in The Spectator this week. In his scoop-filled piece, he writes: David Cameron thinks Robert Jenrick should be the next Tory leader, strategists fear the best they can hope for is to salvage 80 seats, and the blond bombshell Boris Johnson has a five-point plan for his return. Are the Tories toast?James Heale speaks to Michael Gove and Tim Shipman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

Sir Keir Starmer has been personally calling MPs this afternoon as he attempts to curb a growing rebellion against proposed welfare reforms. 126 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment opposing the plan to cut some disability and sickness-related payments. Also: Iran's Supreme Leader says US strikes on the country's nuclear sites were little more than showmanship from President Trump. And, there's a new director for the Bond franchise.

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.