Podcasts about pmqs

Another breaking news following a week of interesting medium size stories: from a fiery PMQs to the booing of Nigel Farage - plus we ask 'What's going on with the Tories?' (spoiler alert - not much)....I also bemoan the standard of hotel air-con.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There's No Bloke Without Fire'. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 Watch my STAND-UP SPECIAL 'Basic Bloke' on ITVX:  https://www.itv.com/watch/geoff-norcott:-basic-bloke/10a6363a0001B/10a6363a0001 Order the PAPERBACK EDITION of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Bloke-Decoded-Everything-explained/dp/1800961308/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Watch my COMEDY SPECIAL on YouTube https://youtu.be/YaxhuZGtDLs  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hundreds of migrants have crossed the Channel this morning, far outnumbering the handful who could be returned to France under Sir Keir Starmer's new “one in, one out” migrant deal with Emmanuel Macron. As the French president arrived at No 10 for last-minute talks, The Telegraph watched boats packed with young men leaving Gravelines beach at dawn while French police stood by. Later, 74 men, a woman and three children were handed over to Border Force by the French Navy, who even asked for the migrants' life jackets back.Critics warn that returning around 50 migrants a week will do little to reduce crossings, raising questions over Labour's Channel crisis strategy. Camilla and Gordon are joined by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp to discuss why the deal is a disaster for Britain and how Starmer has lost control of the border. Meanwhile, Reform UK is shaking up Westminster again. Nigel Farage was heckled at PMQs while raising concerns about illegal migration and ex-Tory MP Jake Berry has become the latest to defect to Reform. Our political correspondent Dom Penna joins us after speaking with Reform MP Lee Anderson on what the party's rise means for the Conservatives.Producer: Georgia CoanSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyVideo Editor: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Keir Starmer reiterated his tax pledges at PMQs as Kemi Badenoch accused him of 'flirting' with a wealth tax. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Jon Harvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

At today's PMQs, Labour leader Keir Starmer refused to rule out a new wealth tax.Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch demanded a cast-iron guarantee that there won't be an autumn Budget raid on wealth, but the Prime Minister couldn't give one, fuelling Tory claims that a “toxic cocktail” of Labour tax rises could be on the way.Tim Stanley and Gordon Rayner are joined by Daily Telegraph Economics Reporter Emma Taggart to discuss what a potential 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, suggested by Labour grandee Lord Kinnock, could mean for savers, homeowners, and the British economy.And if you visit Heathrow this summer, Grammy-nominated artist Jordan Rakei has turned the airport's everyday noises into a four-minute ambient soundscape designed to soothe travellers. But will it calm the nerves of our resident anxious flyer Tim Stanley?Producer: Georgia CoanSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineySocial Media Producer: Ece CelikVideo Editor: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's PMQs analysis Ava and Oli debut their new segment: Lickarse of the Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After yesterday's royal welcome from King Charles, President Macron will get down to business today, meeting the Prime Minister for lunch, after PMQs.  But, as Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss on this episode, away from the pomp, Keir Starmer's in-tray doesn't look any less challenging.   It includes a headache for health secretary Wes Streeting as resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, announce a new strike as well as a punchy warning from the OBR on making promises to the public.  Also today. the Welfare Bill returns to the Commons – with reports of another rebellion brewing.  

It's been a dramatic political week, with Keir Starmer attempting to answer speculation about the chancellor's future after she was seen in tears at prime minister's questions.The political masterminds discuss what really happened at PMQs, how the prime minister has responded, and whether the government is in search of a new strategy. Plus, just how big is Polly's whiteboard?Send your comments and questions to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European bourses began the session firmer, but that strength has waned to more mixed trade; US futures similar into a packed agendaDXY broadly flat intraday but with a marginal upward bias. G10s contained, but generally softer. GBP outperforms after Wednesday's post-PMQs pressure.Similarly, Gilts lead fixed income. USTs await data. Bunds unreactive to Final PMIs.Crude benchmarks softer, despite limited newsflow. Metals mixed, XAU off highs and fading as the USD picks up slightly.US Reconciliation Bill passed the Rules vote, awaiting full vote; timing unclear, dependent on the Minority Leader, but should be in the next hour(s).Looking ahead, highlights include US PMIs (Final), US NFP, International Trade, Jobless Claims, ISM Services, Canadian Trade, ECB Minutes. Speakers include Fedʼs BosticDesk Schedule: On Thursday 3rd July, the desk will shut at 18:15BST/13:15EDT due to the US Independence Day. The service will resume on Thursday 3rd July for the beginning of Asia-Pac coverage at 22:00BST/17:00EDT.Click for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics.   After Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen visibly sobbing in PMQs, the Prime Minister last night confirmed she would be Chancellor for a long time to come – but will that be enough to calm fears in the markets? And what do we think is really going on with the Chancellor? Sam and Anne discuss.   And what about Keir Starmer's fate – are some in his own party questioning his longevity?  Also, the NHS 10-year plan includes the creation of 200 new neighbourhood health centres as well as improvements to the NHS app – but does it improve the fundamentals?  

Happy 1st anniversary, Keir Starmer. He wanted to be talking about what he sees as Labour's achievements after 12 months in goverment and his 10-year plan for the NHS.   But, after another dramatic policy U-turn and the sight of his own chancellor crying at PMQs, when he kept his support for her slightly vague, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss if his start in office has been shattered by this week.    They also wonder if the solution to make relations with his own MPs a bit easier would be to make better use of Angela Rayner. Remember, you can also watch us on YouTube!

Today, Rachel Reeves was visibly upset at Prime Minister's Questions.Her team say it was a personal matter, and there are also reports of an argument with the speaker. Adam and Chris look at what's been going on amidst mounting criticism of the chancellor's handling of the welfare cuts. Plus, Sean ‘Diddy' Combs has been found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking his ex partner Cassie Ventura and another woman. The US rapper was found guilty of two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution relating to both women. Crowds gathered outside the courthouse in New York to hear the verdict. Adam is joined by the host of the Diddy on Trial podcast, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty who's been following the trial. 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/newscastcommunityhereGet 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://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 and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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

Rachel Reeves Cries, UK Despairs Under Useless Labour, Starmer Doomed  #RachelReeves #KeirStarmer #LabourParty #PMQs #UKPolitics #LabourRebellion #JonGaunt Rachel Reeves breaks down in the House of Commons as Labour faces a brutal backlash over its welfare U-turn. Keir Starmer suffers a humiliating rebellion from his own MPs, leaving the party in chaos.  Is Labour collapsing before our eyes?  Watch Jon Gaunt's breakdown from PMQs and reaction across Westminster. Featuring: Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer, Labour Party, welfare policy crisis, political rebellion, UK Parliament drama. Jon Gaunt, Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer, Labour Party, UK politics, Jon Gaunt, PMQs, House of Commons, welfare U-turn, Labour rebellion, Starmer doomed, political crisis, British government, Labour meltdown, Westminster politics, July 2025 news This video is a politics blog and social commentary by award winning talk radio star, Jon Gaunt  

Keir Starmer faces MPs after his government is forced into a humiliating reversal over welfare reform. But it's the appearance of the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and questions over her future, that dominate.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Ayesha Hazarika. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour passed its welfare reform bill on Tuesday night – but only after yet another concession to rebel MPs which make the changes almost meaningless, and wipe out £5 billion in planned savings.Why was the process so appallingly handled? Will heads roll in Government? And why was Chancellor Rachel Reeves apparently crying during PMQs this afternoon?Plus, how one suspended doctor is fuelling Britain's worklessness crisis by handing out sick notes on demand and without consultation. Camilla speaks to the Telegraph's Janet Eastham, who went undercover to expose Dr Sick Ltd.Read: The suspended doctor selling sick notes on demand, by Janet EasthamProducer: Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineySocial Media Producer: Robbie NicholsVideo Editor: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed and Ava are joined by comedian and fellow Scot Marc Jennings to discuss today's blockbuster PMQs, which saw Rachel Reeves cry and Starmer struggle to answer for yesterday's rebellion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer says Rachel Reeves will remain Chancellor of the Exchequer "for a very long time to come" after she could be seen crying during Prime Minister's Questions earlier. Speaking to Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking podcast, the Prime Minister backed the Chancellor and said Reeves' tears were to do with a personal issue and not a result of politics. The government is struggling to maintain its authority after a bruising week in which it climbed down on major welfare reforms.The Pentagon has halted weapons shipments to Ukraine including artillery shells and Patriot air defence missiles. We ask what it'll mean for Ukaine's defences.And as a French astronaut hires a Michelin-starred chef to prepare her meals before she blasts off to the International Space Station, we look at the challenges of eating well in outer space.

There is much we still don't know or understand about today. Was Rachel Reeves upset by an altercation with the Speaker? Was the issue something more personal? Was she exhausted after the fruitless and demoralising failure of her welfare reform bill? But the sight of the Chancellor at lunch time today fighting back tears at the PM's side was pretty surreal. She looked wounded, fragile and hurt - and inevitably, it's started speculation she does not have the Prime Minister's full confidence. The markets are queasy - reflecting a panic that the government is looking less stable. Could the PM be about to sack his own Chancellor? And - how does he reassert his authority for the job he needs to do if the Labour MPs are now directing policy? We talk to Keir's former chief of staff Sam White.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Ben Riley-Smith of The Daily Telegraph assesses the latest developments at Westminster.He discusses the government's u-turn on its cuts to disability benefits with Anna Dixon, one of the 127 Labour MPs who had threatened to rebel and Jonathan Ashworth, Sir Keir Starmer's shadow work and pensions secretary who now runs the Labour Together think tank. Cathy Ashton, Labour peer and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Sir Mark Lyall Grant, former British Ambassador to the UN and former National Security Adviser discuss this week's NATO summit and the Iran-Israel conflict. Sir Dieter Helm, Professor of Economic Policy at Oxford University and an expert on climate and the environment looks at the Climate Change Committee's annual review on progress towards net zero. And, Angela Rayner stood in for Keir Starmer at PMQs for the second week in a row. To discuss what it is like to stand in at PMQs, Ben spoke to Sir Oliver Dowden, who as Rishi Sunak's deputy often faced Angela Rayer across the despatch box and Dame Emily Thornberry, who stood in for Jeremy Corbyn when he was Opposition leader.

Angela Rayner stands in for Keir Starmer at PMQs

With Keir Starmer away at the Nato summit, it's deputy prime minister's questions (again). Angela Rayner faces questions from Mel Stride about the mounting rebellion over welfare cuts.Ed Vaizey unpacks the action with Patrick Maguire and Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

Comedian and friend of friends of the podcast Vittorio Angelone joins us for some (deputy) PMQs analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bit of a smorgasbord this week as I pick up some political loose ends, including 'Big Ange' looking good at PMQS and problems with the Tory 'talent' pool. I also suggest the changes in reproductive rights might be a surprise to most people. Then I get into  correspondence from actual policeman on why coppers ain't what they were. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There's No Bloke Without Fire'. Book tickets here: ⁠https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793⁠ Watch my STAND-UP SPECIAL 'Basic Bloke' on ITVX:  ⁠https://www.itv.com/watch/geoff-norcott:-basic-bloke/10a6363a0001B/10a6363a0001⁠ Order the PAPERBACK EDITION of my book: ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Bloke-Decoded-Everything-explained/dp/1800961308/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=⁠ JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content ⁠https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true⁠  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers ⁠https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb⁠ Watch my COMEDY SPECIAL on YouTube ⁠https://youtu.be/YaxhuZGtDLs⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Westminster waits with bated breath to discover whether Donald Trump will ally with Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites. The President called for ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' from Tehran overnight. The day to day of domestic politics appears diminished by comparison with the ever-looming threat of an escalated conflict…But the show must go on: today's PMQs saw Chris Philp (why not Robert Jenrick?) and Angela Rayner deputising for their absent leaders; Liz Kendall introduced legislation to enact cuts to personal independence payments for disabled people; the Commons voted to decriminalise abortion at any point until birth; and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is up to its old tricks, announcing that inflation has fallen when the reality is much more complicated. Can we trust the forecasters? And did anyone ask for this amendment on abortion? James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Kate Andrews.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Rape Gangs, HS2, Dover Crisis: The Political Class Is DESTROYING Britain!  #UKPolitics #ReformUK #ImmigrationCrisis #RapeGangs  I'm Jon Gaunt and I've had ENOUGH of this circus! Today's Prime Minister's Questions was an absolute joke — screaming, shouting, blaming — while Britain BURNS. Illegal immigration is out of control. Grooming gangs are STILL ruining lives. HS2 is a multi-billion pound disaster. And what do Labour and the Tories do? Throw mud at each other like children. They've BOTH failed us. THEY opened the borders. THEY let the rape gangs go unpunished for years. THEY wasted our money on HS2. And now they have the nerve to sit in Parliament pretending to care.  The truth? They're only interested in power, not the people they're supposed to serve. While they hold emergency COBRA meetings about Israel and Iran, OUR country is falling to pieces. This is BROKEN BRITAIN. And it's about time the British people said ENOUGH. We need leaders who actually care about fixing this country — not these career politicians clinging to power. The polls don't lie. The people are done with this lot. Reform is coming. Broken Britain, political class failure, UK politics 2025, Reform UK, immigration crisis UK, Dover migrant crisis, rape gangs UK, grooming gangs scandal, HS2 disaster, government corruption, Westminster circus, PMQs today, Britain betrayed, UK parliament chaos, illegal immigration UK, Britain falling apart, British politics rant, anti establishment UK, British political crisis, UK populism rising, political betrayal UK, voters fed up UK  #BrokenBritain #UKPolitics #ReformUK #DoverCrisis #ImmigrationCrisis #RapeGangs #HS2Disaster #GovernmentFailure #PoliticalClass #BritainBetrayed #ParliamentCircus #PoliticalRant #BritainFirst #UKNews #BritishPolitics #Westminster #ImmigrationScandal #UKGovernmentFailure #TheSystemIsBroken #UKBorderCrisis

It's deputy PMQs this week while the prime minister is away, and we're joined by a special guest. Chris Ward is Keir Starmer's close aide and parliamentary private secretary, known in Westminster as a 'bag carrier'.He explains what really goes on in the Commons chamber every Wednesday, and helps Hugo Rifkind and Patrick Maguire unpack the exchanges between Angela Rayner and Chris Philp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

On today's 'tight' record, Ed and Oli discuss the illustrious Deputy Prime Minister's Questions, Robert Jenrick's dark arts, and school uniforms.Support PoliticsJOE's journalism: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticsJOE(0:00:00) JOEnlyFans(0:01:20) Grand opening(0:03:40) (D)PMQs(0:40:13) The record gets loose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could a weekly grilling like Prime Minister's Questions fix US politics? In the wake of Original Sin - Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's damning account of Joe Biden's final days in office - Ed Balls and George Osborne ask whether a PMQs-style showdown could bring more accountability to American democracy. And are there any American political customs they'd import to the UK in return?The pair then flick open their ministerial boxes: what's it like to carry one, what can one find inside and why has it never been replaced in the digital age for something more user-friendly? A red tablet perhaps? Speaking of opening up, George responds to Michael Gove's ex-wife Sarah Vine's claims in her recent memoir “How not to be a Political Wife” - did he really tell her to borrow some money from her father when she was in a financial bind?Plus - Giles Winn, Special Advisor to the Treasury under Philip Hammond, asks about soft diplomacy in an era of ramped-up military spending. With UCL, he just released a report, The Soft Power impact of The BBC World Service' - and he wants Ed and George to weigh in. And Christine Farquharson from the Institute for Fiscal Studies asks about the politics of the rise of Sure Start, which she recently evaluated alongside co-authors in this report.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

It's Spending Review day, and MPs were treated to a noisy PMQs after Kemi Badenoch promised to make it less like a courtroom and more like a pantomime.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Gráinne Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

Zia Yusuf resigned this evening from his position as chairman of Reform UK, saying: ‘I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time.' This comes after he tweeted yesterday that it was ‘dumb' for Sarah Pochin, Reform's newest MP, to urge the Prime Minister to ban the burka during PMQs.Did he jump before he was pushed? And can Reform UK really claim to have ‘professionalised' when this is the second high profile departure this year? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves unveiled billions of pounds of investment today for transport and infrastructure projects, as Labour attempts to demonstrate that next week's spending review is not just about departmental cuts. However, most of the political noise today has centred on her announcement that the winter fuel cut will be reversed by the end of the year. But what does this all mean for the average voter, for the Chancellor's fiscal headroom – and why is the government still blaming its own ‘fiscal rules'?James Heale and Michael Simmons join Lucy Dunn to unpack the Chancellor's announcements and explain the economic jargon, plus a look at today's PMQs.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer SILENT on Burqa Ban | Reform MP Sparks PMQs Controversy BurqaBan #KeirStarmer #SarahPochin #ReformUK #PMQs #UKPolitics Jon Gaunt Hosts Urgent Debate on the Burqa Ban in the UK! Newly elected Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin challenged Prime Minister Keir Starmer in PMQs by asking if the UK should follow countries like France, Austria, and the Netherlands in banning the burqa in public places. Starmer refused to answer. But why? Is he a coward?

After five years and something like 150 episodes, Tim Shipman is leaving the Sunday Times and the podcast. What has he learned from unpacking all those exchanges at PMQs?He hands over to Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire, and with Hugo they unpack the exchanges between Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch - as the PM refuses to be drawn on plans to end the two child benefit cap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

PMQs is back with a vengeance, and Ava and Oli rise to the occasion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Keir Starmer said more pensioners would get the winter fuel payment at PMQs. But had Kemi Badenoch even noticed the U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action in the Commons with The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman and the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

After Keir Starmer hinted at another u-turn at PMQs today, we ran down to the dungeon to bring you another morsel of analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch has come in for criticism since becoming leader of the opposition – for her energy, her performances at PMQs and her inability to galvanise her shadow cabinet. On this podcast, James Heale hosts the trial of Kemi Badenoch and asks whether someone else might be better placed to take the Tories into the next election and – more importantly – who that prince (or princess) across the water could be. The Spectator's assistant content editor William Atkinson makes the case for the prosecution, while Michael Gove sets out why the Tories should stick with Kemi. Lara Brown, our new commissioning editor, acts as the jury. ‘If your house is on fire you don't wait a year to call the fire brigade,' says William. But Michael argues that political leaders – much like football managers – should be given time and patience in order to implement their direction, philosophy and, ultimately, to become successful. So should she stay or should she go? ... Or should the Tories give it to ‘Big Sam' until the end of the season? Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Have your say, by emailing us at: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Kemi Badenoch has come in for criticism since becoming leader of the opposition – for her energy, her performances at PMQs and her inability to galvanise her shadow cabinet. On this podcast, James Heale hosts the trial of Kemi Badenoch and asks whether someone else might be better placed to take the Tories into the next election and – more importantly – who that prince (or princess) across the water could be. The Spectator's assistant content editor William Atkinson makes the case for the prosecution, while Michael Gove sets out why the Tories should stick with Kemi. Lara Brown, our new commissioning editor, acts as the jury. ‘If your house is on fire you don't wait a year to call the fire brigade,' says William. But Michael argues that political leaders – much like football managers – should be given time and patience in order to implement their direction, philosophy and, ultimately, to become successful. So should she stay or should she go? ... Or should the Tories give it to ‘Big Sam' until the end of the season? Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Have your say, by emailing us at: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Kemi Badenoch dismisses Keir Starmer's “tiny tariff deal” with Donald Trump, while Keir Starmer called the Tories a “dead party walking.”Hugo Rifkind unpacks all the action from the Commons with Tim Shipman and the comedian Ria Lina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister's Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister or a nominated minister. In most cases, the session starts with a routine 'open question' from an MP about the Prime Minister's engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

Lots to talk about today, including new polling which puts Reform on 29 points compared to the Tories on just 17. We've also just had the first PMQs since the local elections. But the trade deal announced yesterday between the UK and India is dominating the headlines, with many concerned about some of the concessions made – namely the decision to exempt some short-term Indian workers from national insurance as part of the new agreement. This comes barely a week after the local elections, where immigration has been widely considered the most salient issue. The Conservatives have gone on the attack, despite the fact that a trade deal with India was supposed to be one of the major gains from Brexit – an example of how Britain could ‘venture out into the world' and open up trade with fast-growing economies. Are the Tories now against free trade? Interestingly, Kemi Badenoch omitted to ask about the trade deal at PMQs today, choosing instead to question Keir Starmer on the ongoing concerns around winter fuel and the pressure from many elements within his party to at least water down the policy. Can Starmer afford to U-turn? James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Paul Goodman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Despite this being the week that Kemi Badenoch finally showed some steel in PMQs, it's Robert Jenrick who has been stealing the headlines. That's for lots of reasons – mainly his comments about a potential Tory Reform pact, which he clarified on Good Morning Britain this morning, saying: ‘Kemi Badenoch and I are on exactly the same page. Kemi has been very clear there won't be a pact with Reform, and I've said time and again that I want to put Reform out of business. I want to send Nigel Farage back to retirement.' This follows leaked footage which surfaced this week from a student event in late March, where he appeared to suggest that he would back a pact to join forces with Farage. Elsewhere, he had a big win when Yvette Cooper announced that the government will publish migrant crime league tables – a policy he has pushed for. Is he the prince across the water? Or do we need to give Kemi a break? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Henry Hill, deputy editor at Conservative Home. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.