Podcast appearances and mentions of Lucy Fisher

What began as a local tragedy in Southampton has quickly become a national flashpoint. Questions about policing and trust in UK institutions are dominating the debate, as party leaders compete to shape the public response, but are politicians missing the point that this is about police treatment of suspects? With the Makerfield by-election looming, the case risks sharpening divides. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Chris Smyth to discuss the political fallout, plus the latest in Andy Burnham's campaign. The panel also consider what Sir Keir Starmer is looking to cross off his bucket list as his allies suggest it increasingly appears a fait accompli that he will be forced out of Downing Street. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris Join us on Thursday the 25th of June for a special video episode of the Political Fix podcast on Ten Years after Brexit: can the UK deliver change? Register at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questionsWant more? What if Andy Burnham loses? What Henry Nowak's murder does — and does not — tell us about policing Policing minister says ‘wrong calls' made amid anger over Henry Nowak murder Starmer pushes ‘bucket list' policies as fatalistic mood descends on Number 10 Disparities between ethnic groups are not always cause for alarm Nigel Farage gambles on playing to the far rightElectoral reform in the UK? Don't bet on it You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor with the Financial Times, discusses the latest documents on Peter Mandelson.

Tony Blair's lengthy – and excoriating – 5,600-word essay on the future of the Labour Party and Britain has set Westminster alight this week. The former prime minister's critique has sparked a lively debate, and triggered robust responses from Labour leadership hopefuls Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting. But is Blair right in some of his criticism? Host Lucy Fisher unpacks the article with FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Anna Gross and Stephen Bush. They also examine Rupert Lowe, the personality behind the far-right party Restore Britain, and whether it can harm Reform UK by splitting the rightwing vote.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.comWant more? Tony Blair criticises Labour's Andy Burnham for leftwing ‘delusion'Tony Blair ‘does not understand' role of inequality in politics, Andy Burnham saysLabour's retreat from intellectual debate traps it in comfort zoneTurning Neets into engineersBritain's expanding ‘lost generation'UK risks ‘lost generation' without more jobs for young people Nigel Farage loses viral touch to Musk-backed Rupert LoweSenior Reform UK figures clash over immigration plans You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham running for the Makerfield by-election has become far more than a contest for a safe Labour seat. It is being seen as a proxy battle over Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, Labour's direction after its bruising local election results, and even whether Reform UK can break permanently into Labour's northern heartlands. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by George Parker, political editor, Robert Shrimsley, UK chief political commentator, and Jen Williams, northern England correspondent to discuss the latest developments. The team also examines the economic offerings and political positioning of the prospective Labour leadership contenders Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; George Parker @GeorgeWParker ; Robert Shrimsley @robertshrimsley ; Jennifer Williams @JenWilliams Want more? How will Andy Burnham pay for his plans for the UK?What version of Manchesterism is Andy Burnham offering?Wes Streeting floats ‘wealth tax' in bid to woo Labour leftWes Streeting: the confident performer with a mixed record of reformGreens consider helping Labour's Andy Burnham in Makerfield by-electionReeves cuts food tariffs and children's bus fares in cost of living plan You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Nisha Patel and Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a dramatic week at Westminster, Wes Streeting has quit as health secretary and ex-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has said her wrangling with HMRC is finally over – but neither has launched a leadership challenge. Instead, all eyes are now on Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as he attempts to chart a path back to the Commons, leaving Sir Keir Starmer's premiership under severe pressure. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to discuss the latest developments. The team also examines Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's shifting story about his £5mn personal gift from a Thailand-based crypto investor in 2024, and looks ahead to consider what a Reform government would do. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Anna @annasophiagross; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Jim @pickardJE Want more? Burnham's return to Westminster will not be so easy Labour set to approve Andy Burnham's by-election runStarmer crisis as it happened: premier appoints new health secretary Angela Rayner says she has been cleared over tax affairsWes Streeting: the confident performer with a mixed record of reform To beat the populist right, Labour must be an insurgent government Zack Polanski admits ‘mistake' over houseboat council taxFT Series: Reform UK up close Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sitting Labour MP has resigned from his seat, paving the way for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to potentially return to Westminster and mount a challenge to prime minister Keir Starmer's Labour leadership Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times joined Anton

A sitting Labour MP has resigned from his seat, paving the way for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to potentially return to Westminster and mount a challenge to prime minister Keir Starmer's Labour leadership Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times joined Anton

The UK Labour Party has descended into open division over Keir Starmer's future, as four ministers resigned and joined at least 80 MPs urging him to quit. Anton gets the latest with Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

The UK Labour Party has descended into open division over Keir Starmer's future, as four ministers resigned and joined at least 80 MPs urging him to quit. Anton gets the latest with Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

A gas shipment made it through the Strait of Hormuz as European oil majors cash in billions from the US-Israeli war on Iran, airlines across Europe are cutting prices for summer flights despite a potential jet fuel shortage, and bond giant Pimco says the war could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise rates. Plus, the FT's Lucy Fisher explains what to expect from a make-or-break speech by UK prime minister Keir Starmer today. Mentioned in this podcast:Qatari gas shipment clears Strait of Hormuz after Pakistan-Iran talksEuro oil majors make billions off war Coal shipments jump as countries seek alternatives to disrupted gas suppliesAirlines cut prices to entice holiday bookers worried about jet fuelIran war could prompt Federal Reserve to raise rates, Pimco saysStarmer faces fight for survival as calls to resign escalateBritain's elections in maps and chartsPolitical Fix podcast Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Marc Filippino and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's Global Head of Audio. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You sent in your burning questions, now our panel answers them. Will Sir Keir Starmer's ‘relaunch' work? Has Britain become ungovernable? Will the UK's voting system be reformed, is the student loans system punishing youthful ambition, and what about defence? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's George Parker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss a range of topics spanning politics and policy.Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, George: @GeorgeWParker & @georgewparker.bsky.social and Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? Starmer vows he will not ‘walk away' as leadership rivals circle There was nothing here to save StarmerKeir Starmer to promise ‘urgent' change as he fights for his political future‘You've got to achieve things quickly': lessons from a decade of leading LondonThe new politics may be more like the old politics than we assume Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor at The Financial Times, analyses the precarious status of British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, following last week's local elections in the UK.

British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer vows to prove “doubters” wrong in his speech today, as 40 Labour MPs call on him to resign.The Prime Minister said he took responsibility for the results, which saw Labour lose almost 1,500 English councilors, go backwards in Scotland and drop to third in Wales…His comments come just days before King Charles III will deliver the King's Speech, in which he will set out the government's planned new laws for the next Parliamentary session.For more on this Shane is joined by Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and Host of the ‘Political Fix' podcast, Lucy Fisher and Matthew Torbitt, former Labour advisor, Political Commentator and anti-homelessness campaigner.

It's been a dreadful night for Labour as council seats across the country have turned from red to turquoise. The Conservatives have not fared much better with Reform UK the big winner so far. With results still coming in, host Lucy Fisher discusses the fracturing of the vote and the future for beleaguered Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the FT's deputy political editor Jim Pickard, Northern England correspondent Jen Williams and political columnist Stephen Bush.Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode on Monday May 11. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and Jen @JenWilliamsMEN and @jenwilliamsft.bsky.socialWant more? UK elections: Labour suffers heavy losses as Reform surgesFour things we learnt in the UK electionsScale of defeat should shake ‘big two' parties into serious actionKeir Starmer defies calls to quit after heavy Labour council lossesUK local and devolved elections: Hour-by-hour guide to key resultsIn Labour's bleak moment, Andy Burnham relishes his ownSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a dreadful night for Labour as council seats across the country have turned from red to turquoise. The Conservatives have not fared much better with Reform UK the big winner so far. With results still coming in, host Lucy Fisher discusses the fracturing of the vote and the future for beleaguered Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the FT's deputy political editor Jim Pickard, Northern England correspondent Jen Williams and political columnist Stephen Bush.Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode on Monday May 11. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and Jen: @JenWilliamsMEN and @jenwilliamsft.bsky.socialWant more? UK elections: Labour suffers heavy losses as Reform surgesFour things we learnt in the UK electionsScale of defeat should shake ‘big two' parties into serious actionKeir Starmer defies calls to quit after heavy Labour council lossesUK local and devolved elections: Hour-by-hour guide to key resultsIn Labour's bleak moment, Andy Burnham relishes his ownSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times, analyses the results that have come in so far in the UK local elections.

As results pour in from the UK local elections, it appears that Reform is being embraced while Labour is left out in the cold.With the loss of its stronghold in Wales, and a performance worse than initially expected, Britain is set to be transformed by the time the sun sets tonight.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and host of the ‘Political Fix' podcast.

With just one week to go before voters across the UK deliver their verdict on Sir Keir Starmer's government – our panel discusses another agonising week for the PM, Labour's forecast devastation at the polls, and how No 10 can regroup in the aftermath. Other talking points include the momentum behind Reform UK and the Green party — and the hurdles that threaten to trip them up.Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and political columnist Stephen Bush. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Robert @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? What to expect in the May local electionsWhat Labour's likely meltdown means for the UKThe problematic inevitability of Andy BurnhamReform UK and Greens hit controversy on election trail Golders Green stabbing suspect was previously referred to Prevent Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode right after the local elections, on Monday May 11. Email: politicalfix@ft.comYou can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Mixing and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor with the Financial Times, looks ahead to a House of Commons vote that could see the British Prime Minister face an inquiry over Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US.

It's not just the Trump administration attacking the UK's defence capabilities. Now a Labour grandee and former head of Nato, Lord George Robertson, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of ‘corrosive complacency' over delays to defence spending. With the 10-year plan for defence stuck in deadlock, host Lucy Fisher discusses the choices faced by the PM with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and political columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter, Stephen Bush. Plus, they look ahead to country-wide elections in less than three weeks and hear about the developing story around the vetting of Lord Mandelson.NOTE: This episode was recorded on Thursday April 16.Follow Lucy: @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? Starmer accused of ‘corrosive complacency' on UK defence by former Nato chiefUK defence ministry left to foot £200mn bill for Ukraine missionRebuke by former Nato chief points to wider government inactionKeir Starmer plans May relaunch with King's Speech The great independence charadeForeign Office top civil servant forced out over Mandelson vetting fiascoNo scenario in latest Mandelson drama makes Keir Starmer look goodSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode on May 11th. Email: politicalfix@ft.comPolitical Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Edwin Lane. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Robertson (pictured), a former defence secretary and former NATO secretary-general, has accused the government of 'corrosive complacency' towards defence, which puts the UK 'in peril'. This is all the more stinging because the Labour peer was one of the authors of the government's Strategic Defence Review – and that makes two of the three who have since criticised it. How much trouble does this spell for Starmer? And is this just the latest battle in the ongoing war between His Majesty's Treasury and the Ministry of Defence? Megan McElroy speaks to James Heale and Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor of the financial times and who broke the story.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer had promised 2026 would be the year the UK economy and household finances would finally “turn the corner”. But the Iran war has nixed those hopes. Now the pressure from unions to increase public sector pay is mounting, and resident doctors are continuing their rolling strikes. Student finance remains another open sore despite the announcement of a cap on loan interest rates. To discuss the pressures on the public purse, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Plus, with local elections just weeks away, the panel also discusses the prime minister's trip to the Middle East. Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more?Starmer leans into his Iran response to resonate with votersUnions prepare for UK public sector pay push as inflation bites UK health officials discuss banning doctors from going on strikeWhat happens when the Green Party governs?Capping student loan interest rates is a step in the right directionNHS data chief pushes for deeper rollout of Palantir technology despite outcryCan the Iran war save Keir Starmer's premiership?UK exposes covert Russian submarine operationThe political power struggle behind the Bayeux TapestryHave a question for the panel? We're planning a question-and-answer episode. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has heaped insults on Sir Keir Starmer in recent weeks over his stance on the Iran war. The US president labelled the UK prime minister “no Winston Churchill”, said Britain's aircraft carriers were mere “toys” and told Britain to “go get your own oil” from the Gulf. So perhaps it's unsurprising that the PM appears to be pivoting heavily towards the EU. Host Lucy Fisher unpicks the shift with colleagues Jim Pickard, Anna Gross and Robert Shrimsley. They also discuss how the Middle East conflict will play out in the upcoming local elections.Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Jim @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Anna @AnnaSophieGross & @annasophiegross.bsky.socialWant more? Keir Starmer signals major UK pivot towards EU after Donald Trump's tauntsLessons from history on how to survive a fuel crisisCracks appear in US-UK security co-operation after Trump-Starmer tensionsStarmer strikes upbeat note amid dismal polling ahead of May 7 local electionsPolitical drama reaches heart of UK's nuclear deterrentHammering Farage-Trump links could suppress Reform's poll leadSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Sean McGarrity. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer's authority is slipping and Westminster is alive with speculation about potential successors. But chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley joins host Lucy Fisher, alongside deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and public policy editor Chris Smyth, to argue why he believes Labour may be better off sticking with Starmer. The panel also discuss the government's plans to ban political donations in cryptocurrency and cap overseas donations at £100,000 a year. What does it mean for Reform UK, which has been a major beneficiary of overseas donors and crypto donations? Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social;Miranda @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; & Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more? The case for keeping Keir Starmer a little longerStarmer set to make Sadiq Khan a Lord Overseas donations to UK parties to be capped at £100,000 Companies face having to declare individuals behind UK political donations Net zero is not a zero-sum game Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer was Bianca Wakeman and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Rayner heaped scorn on Sir Keir Starmer's administration this week, fuelling fresh scrutiny of her ambitions. Does she want to return to cabinet or seize the reins? The former deputy prime minister issued a stark warning that the government is running out of time to change direction under Starmer, while also attempting to court the City. At the same time, the Greens continue to beat Labour in the polls with an unabashedly socialist platform.Does all this signal the government will shift left?Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's political editor George Parker, political correspondent Anna Gross, and Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush to unpack what it all means. Plus FT US national editor Ed Luce shares insights on how he caught up with Donald Trump on his mobile this week.Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com George: @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Anna: @AnnaSophieGross and @annasophiegross.bsky.socialWant more? Is the Green Party too radical for Britain?Labour's leftward shift and the bond vigilante threatBritish right must not allow prejudice to be masked as principleStarmer calls on Badenoch to sack shadow minister over Muslim prayer comments Donald Trump warns Nato faces ‘very bad future' if allies fail to help US in Iran Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip: BBCRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a week of red faces for party leaders. On Thursday, Keir Starmer apologised and took personal responsibility for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US – after a first round of document disclosures suggested the prime minister was largely absent from the decision-making process. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch were both busy executing awkward U-turns on their earlier vocal support for a US war on Iran that is proving distinctly unpopular with UK voters. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's deputy political editor Jim Pickard, columnist and writer of the ‘Inside Politics' newsletter Stephen Bush, and political editor George Parker to debate the twists and turns of the week in Westminster.Clip from: The MirrorFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; and George: @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.socialWant more? Mandelson papers: what do they show?Pressure grows on Starmer over Mandelson due diligenceEmbarrassing Iran U-turn for the right, but Keir Starmer's problems are worseThe irrepressible Nigel FarageSign 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 analysis. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOfferPolitical FIx is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week into the Iran war and Sir Keir Starmer is scrambling to defend the UK's position on the conflict. Criticised by Donald Trump over blocking the US from using British military bases to launch initial strikes on Iran, and under pressure from allies such as Cyprus to do more to protect the region, the PM is also facing demands to participate in strikes from the British right. But polling suggests the UK public is broadly in line with his policy on the conflict. This week host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and our economics editor, Sam Fleming, to discuss London's response to the war. Plus, the panel examines chancellor Rachel Reeves' spring forecast and the home secretary Shabana Mahmood's new immigration policy.Want more? Keir Starmer calls for de-escalation and defends his leadership over Iran attacksIn defence of hand-wringers and pearl-clutchersTrump threatens to cut trade with ‘terrible' Spain and calls Starmer ‘no Churchill'Rachel Reeves faces hazardous fiscal picture even without Iran warUK to further curtail rights of asylum seekersWealthy Dubai residents race back to UAE to avoid tax billsClips from: BBCWith Kevin Warsh nominated as the next Federal Reserve chair, join FT journalists on Thursday March 19 at 1pm (GMT) for an exclusive subscriber webinar exploring the future direction of the greenback, monetary policy and the global financial system. Register now for The Dollar under Trump at ft.com/trump-dollar and send us your questions.Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter' award. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky; @lucyfisher.ft.com ;Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming and Miranda: @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.socialPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson and Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Keir Starmer has defended his response to the Iran war and announced he will send four additional fighter jets to Qatar.Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama film maker; Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor for the Financial Times, and Mikey Kay, military analyst for the Security Brief, to discuss Starmer's press conference, and to take a deeper look at the weaponry being used by both sides in this conflict.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Harry Craig and Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Gorton and Denton by-election was supposedly a three-horse race, but on polling day the Green Party stormed to victory by a vast margin. It was a devastating defeat for Labour, which was pushed into third place behind Reform UK. Sir Keir Starmer now faces intense pressure, while his party must battle a threat from the left as well as the right. Does this historic result – the first ever by-election triumph for the Greens – signal the end of the two-party system? And where does it leave Reform?Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political correspondent Anna Gross, northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams, and political editor George Parker.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @georgewparker; Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT; Anna @AnnaSophieGross Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insights into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher. This episode was produced by Fiona Symon and Mischa Frankl-Duval. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip from BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain is defenceless, declares the Spectator's cover piece this week. From the size of the armed forces to protection against cyber warfare, the government is not spending fast enough to meet the UK's security challenges. But is the public ready to choose warfare over welfare? And can we blame the young people who don't want to fight for their country?For this week's Edition, host William Moore is joined by opinion editor Rupert Hawksley, columnist Matthew Parris, and Whitehall editor of the Financial Times Lucy Fisher. As well as meeting Britain's defence challenge, they discuss: whether the Mandelson scandal is bigger than the Profumo affair; the organised gangs terrorising rural farmers in the UK; and, why some people just can't get enough of conspiracy theories. Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveiled his ‘shadow cabinet' at a glitzy event in London this week, with a newly bespectacled Robert Jenrick announced as ‘shadow chancellor'. The event was a hit with Reform's supporters in the room – but can the party appeal to a broader base?One clue as to Reform's prospects: the by-election next week in Gorton and Denton. The Manchester seat – where Reform, Labour and the Greens are all vying for victory – is a crucial bellwether. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political correspondent Anna Gross, UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, and columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Anna @AnnaSophieGross and anna.gross@ft.com Want more? Perhaps we should all be banned from social mediaConcerns were raised with Cabinet Office before Antonia Romeo appointmentPupils' special needs support to be reassessed at secondary school levelThe Conservatives' foundational sinSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClips from Reform UK and the Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain is defenceless, declares the Spectator's cover piece this week. From the size of the armed forces to protection against cyber warfare, the government is not spending fast enough to meet the UK's security challenges. But is the public ready to choose warfare over welfare? And can we blame the young people who don't want to fight for their country?For this week's Edition, host William Moore is joined by opinion editor Rupert Hawksley, columnist Matthew Parris, and Whitehall editor of the Financial Times Lucy Fisher. As well as meeting Britain's defence challenge, they discuss: whether the Mandelson scandal is bigger than the Profumo affair; the organised gangs terrorising rural farmers in the UK; and, why some people just can't get enough of conspiracy theories. 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.

After another torrid week for the prime minister, the focus has shifted from No 10 to Whitehall as the UK's top civil servant is shown the door. Cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald had been in the job for less than 14 months, and his departure — following the resignations of Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff and communications director — has intensified questions about the PM's judgment over key appointments.While Starmer's cabinet appears to have rallied behind him in the short term, the impending release of further documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson's time as UK ambassador to the US looms large. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; & Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more? Keir Starmer faces backlash over ousting of Britain's top civil servantPolitical crises lead to ‘perma-purdah' in WhitehallWestminster fears release of ‘embarrassing' exchanges in Mandelson data dumpKeir Starmer's route to recoveryThe Labour Party has become devoid of purposeSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip from Channel 4 News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh revelations about Peter Mandelson's relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have sparked a political explosion in Westminster, reopening questions about Keir Starmer's decision to return him to the heart of public life. Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to Washington, has resigned from the House of Lords and from the Labour Party, while a criminal investigation has been launched into allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown.Starmer has apologised for appointing Mandelson and pledged to publish the files relating to his vetting for the ambassadorship, but with pressure growing on his leadership, how can the prime minister and the Labour Party hope to move on?Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Jim Pickard, Stephen Bush and Ashley Armstrong to discuss the fallout.Follow the panel on Bluesky - Lucy @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; and Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social Want more? Free links: Keir Starmer apologises to victims of Jeffrey Epstein Pressure grows on Keir Starmer's chief of staff over Peter Mandelson ambassador appointmentEvery doomed prime minister has a moment – this is Starmer'sMandelson and the money that never sleepsPeter Mandelson leaked sensitive UK government tax plans to Jeffrey Epstein George Parker's interview from 2025 – Peter Mandelson's back: The Prince of Darkness returns Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics' for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitehall Editor with Financial Times, Lucy Fisher reports on the pressure mounting on UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, following criticism over Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the United States.

Kemi Badenoch has asked Labour MPs to join her in a no confidence vote against Keir Starmer, as Downing Street comes under pressure to reveal how Mandelson was vetted for the post of US ambassador. Lucy Fisher, Chief Political Commentator with Times Radio joined Shane and Ciara to discuss.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor with the Financial Times, on the latest regarding former British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson and his links to financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are MPs Gordon McKee from Labour, Sarah Pochin from Reform UK and Josh Babarinde from the Liberal Democrats, plus the Financial Times political journalist Lucy Fisher.

What does the Mandelson and Epstein saga say about Starmer's judgement?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are MPs Gordon McKee from Labour, Sarah Pochin from Reform UK and Josh Babarinde from the Liberal Democrats, plus the Financial Times political journalist Lucy Fisher.

Sir Keir Starmer is 5,000 miles away in China, meeting President Xi Jinping to drum up investment and deepen relations, but back on the home front the PM's leadership looks increasingly beset. Manchester mayor Andy Burnham's ambitions may have been thwarted for now, but the plotting continues in rival contenders' camps. In a bid to wrestle back control of the agenda, the government is pressing on with fresh policy announcements. Meanwhile, the Tories have seen more MP defections to Reform, as senior centrist figures seek to drag the Conservatives away from the right. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Jim Pickard, Jennifer Williams and Robert Shrimsley – plus George Parker is on the ground in Shanghai.Follow Lucy: @lucyfisher.ft.com or @LOS_Fisher; George: @georgewparker.bsky.social, or @GeorgeWParker; Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social or @robertshrimsley, Jim: @pickardje.bsky.social or @PickardJE and Jennifer: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social or @JenWilliamsMENWant more? Donald Trump warns Keir Starmer against closer business ties with China China rolls out the red carpet for Keir StarmerGovernment plans to tighten scrutiny of Chinese influence in UKThe prisoner of Downing StreetLabour triggers early by-election to limit fallout from Andy Burnham rowReform UK picks Matt Goodwin for Gorton and Denton by-electionUK government caps ground rents paid to freeholdersSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics' for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher. The producer is Clare Williamson and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip from: ReutersRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From ‘brilliant ally' to ‘weak and stupid' within the same paragraph, it's hard to know how to handle the impulsive outbursts from America's 47th President. And yet, this is the position in which the British prime minister found himself this week as he stood firm in the face of Donald Trump's threats to Greenland. Some back channel diplomacy in Davos helped put US European relations back on an even keel but it's clear the so-called ‘special relationship' is under strain. So where does Keir Starmer turn now? Does he stick with the decades-old transatlantic alliance, does he push for more European integration, or does he look further afield to China?To discuss this and more, political editor George Parker is joined by Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher, columnist and writer of the ‘Inside Politics' newsletter Stephen Bush, and the FT's foreign editor Alec Russell.Follow: George on X @GeorgeWParker or Bluesky: @georgewparker.bsky.social, Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen: @stephenkb @stephenkb.bsky.social & Alec Russel on X:https://x.com/alecurussell Want more?UK ‘will not yield' on Greenland, Keir Starmer warns Donald TrumpTrump's Davos rant should alarm Starmer‘Thank you Tony': Blair's ‘Board of Peace' role prompts Trump praise and Westminster angerWestminster ‘riding it out' is not a strategy for UK-US relationsFlatter or confront? How world leaders are dealing with TrumpAnd sign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter, Inside Politics, for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue-(mostly)-in-cheek analysis. Get 30 days freePolitical Fix was presented by George Parker and produced by Clare Williamson. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound engineering by Breen Turner. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of audio.Clip from Channel 4What did you think of this episode? Let us know at: politicalfix@ft.comRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money, it's often said, is a form of trust and central banks are the custodians of that trust; it's their job to guarantee that the money they issue maintains stable purchasing power. More recently, that's been no easy task. Witness President Donald Trump's attacks on the independence of the US Federal Reserve. The FT's chief economics commentator, Martin Wolf, speaks to Agustín Carstens, former general manager of the Bank for International Settlements – the “central bank of central banks” – and one-time governor of the Bank of Mexico, to discuss what central banks can do to maintain trust in a fractured world and asks if they must modernise to maintain authority.Martin Wolf is the FT's chief economics commentator. You can read his columns here: https://www.ft.com/martin-wolfSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Presented by Martin Wolf. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music from Breen Turner, and sound design by Simon Panayi.Register for a November 28 live webinar on what the UK Budget will mean for your money and put your questions to FT journalists Claer Barrett, Stuart Kirk, Tej Parikh and special guest, tax expert Dan Neidle. Get your free pass now at ft.com/budgetwebinarThe webinar will also be broadcast as a bonus edition on two FT podcasts: Claer's Money Clinic and the weekly UK politics show Political Fix, presented by George Parker while Lucy Fisher is on maternity leave.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump is coming to the UK next week. What can we expect from his visit? And where do things stand between the US and the UK? In this special bonus episode, our two FT political chat shows, Political Fix and Swamp Notes, team up to unpack relations between the two longtime allies. Marc Filippino, host of the Swamp Notes podcast, and US managing editor Brooke Masters are joined by Political Fix's George Parker and Lucy Fisher to discuss. This episode was recorded on September 6 in front of a live audience at the FT Weekend Festival in London. Listen to the Swamp Notes podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to the Political Fix podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. The executive producer for Political Fix is Flo Phillips. This episode was mixed by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-heads of audio are Topher Forhecz and Manuela Saragosa. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn't the start to the new parliamentary term that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped for. His insistence that his focus is now on “delivery, delivery, delivery” was eclipsed by the furore surrounding the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, over her tax affairs. To discuss where her precarious position leaves Starmer, plus his attempts to get the economic agenda back on track, host George Parker is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, FT columnist and author of the daily Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush, and FT economics commentator Chris Giles. Plus, as the party conference season kicks off, the team looks at what's on the menu for Reform UK supporters at their first ever conference.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb; Anna @AnnaSophieGross and Chris @chrisgiles_Going to the FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House Gardens in London on Saturday September 6? George and Lucy Fisher will be hosting a breakfast event, talking politics and podcasts, in the Experience Tent from 9.45am. FT Live has a 10% discount for all FT podcast listeners with the promo code FTPodcasts. Find a registration link to use with the discount hereSend a question, ideally as a voicenote, to our email address: politicalfix@ft.comSign 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 here Want more?The UK is a Fiscal Saint not a SinnerReform UK ‘going to the next stage', says deputy leaderKeir Starmer seeks to get a grip on UK economy with new hiresThis episode of Political Fix was presented by George Parker, and produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela SaragosaRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just as Sir Keir Starmer was stealing a few days' summer holiday, Reform unveiled its immigration policy, former Labour heavyweights called for a withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights, and Tony Blair popped up in the White House. So with recess nearly over, the prime minister is trying to take back the news agenda starting with a shake-up at Number 10. And with conference season almost under way, an upcoming visit from President Donald Trump, and the Budget around the corner, Starmer has ample opportunity to seize the spotlight. Host George Parker is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, and FT columnist and author of the daily newsletter Inside Politics Stephen Bush.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert: @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb and Anna @AnnaSophieGross Want more?Farage is winning the new battle of BrexitDonald Trump holds White House talks on postwar plan for GazaKeir Starmer launches Downing Street shake-up Can Labour pull off a comeback?Jack Straw says the UK should ‘decouple' from the ECHRThe FT Weekend Festival returns for our 10th edition on Saturday, September 6 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. George Parker and Lucy Fisher will be hosting a breakfast event, talking politics and podcasts, in the Experience Tent from 9.45am. If you can't make it, please send a question, ideally as a voicenote, to our email address: politicalfix.com.PLUS, 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/InsidePoliticsOffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the gravest security lapses in UK history came to light this week after a judge lifted a superinjunction on a catastrophic data leak that could have affected 100,000 Afghans, as well as British spies and special forces members. Political Fix's Lucy Fisher, one of the journalists who broke the story, returns to the show to talk with host George Parker about how the FT uncovered the secret scheme, the superinjunction that was imposed on her, and the political fallout from the exposé. And the FT's Jim Pickard and Ashley Armstrong join to discuss the reaction to Rachel Reeves' Mansion House speech, as well as Keir Starmer's suspension of more MPs. Follow George Parker on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Lucy Fisher @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social; Ashley Armstrong @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: UK set up secret Afghan immigration scheme after data leak and gagged media The British state's battle to contain the fallout from catastrophic Afghan data leak‘What reforms?' City leaders underwhelmed by Rachel Reeves' financial strategy Keir Starmer suspends four rebel Labour MPsSign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Afghan data leak – and the unprecedented superinjunction which followed – has dominated the week in Westminster. The FT's Lucy Fisher – whose reporting has led coverage of the story – joins the podcast team to discuss who is to blame and what this episode tells us about how the state reacts when mistakes are made.   The story knocked Rachel Reeves off the front pages, but the chancellor has made a big speech this week. We'll check in with what she had to say.   Plus: The government has just set out some new reforms on voter ID, electoral fraud and, most eye-catching of all, on lowering the voting age. The Inside Briefing team give their instant reaction.   Catherine Haddon presents. With Gemma Tetlow and Alex Thomas. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been another turbulent week for Labour after Keir Starmer announced a crackdown on legal migration. The prime minister gave what has since become a controversial speech suggesting the UK is at risk of becoming an “island of strangers” – and home secretary Yvette Cooper announced an end to all social care visas, tighter rules for highly skilled visas, more rigorous English language tests, and more. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to dissect the policies, as well as the reaction to Starmer's speech and where Labour's position leaves the Tories on immigration. Plus, the panel delves into the Downing Street briefing about a whole host of new prison reforms set to drop next week.Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Starmer rejects Enoch Powell parallel after ‘island of strangers' speech Democracy's downward spiral leaves Starmer no leeway on immigrationLiz Truss regime's ‘moron premium' still looms over UK economyBadenoch pivots to economy in bid to fend off Reform threatSome prisoners in England who breach release terms face short jail sentencesSign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter' award. Presented by Lucy Fisher, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our first Q&A special episode is finally here! You sent in questions, now our panel answers them. Is the UK-US trade deal worth the paper it's signed on? Could the UK benefit from a brain drain from the US? Is there any chance of Keir Starmer being booted out by his party before the next election? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss a range of topics spanning politics, policy and foreign affairs. Plus, the team peels back the curtain on how we calculate our weekly stock picks. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Stephen @stephenkb, @stephenkb.bsky.social, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWhat did you think of this episode? Email us at politicalfix@ft.com.Want more? Free links: Britain's trade deal with Trump may not be good news for the worldWin for UK cars will not cushion the probable blow to taxpayersYvette Cooper's shadow looms UK trade ambitionsIn tough times, good policy becomes even more important Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter' award. Presented by Lucy Fisher, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, James and Chris are joined by Lucy Fisher from the FT and Stephanie Flanders from Bloomberg to discuss; whether the Prime Minister can convince the public that an increase in defence spending is needed, how the benefit cuts are being received and what to expect from the spring statement. 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 James Cook. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.