Podcast appearances and mentions of rachel cunliffe

The Macron-Starmer love-in during the French President's UK visit was guaranteed to enrage the Continuity Brexiters. But will their one-in-one-out migration plans actually deliver? Plus, is Britain's justice system broken beyond repair? Jury-less trials are on the horizon but are they the fix that an impoverished, dysfunctional courts system needs? And Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham is back with a bold Ten Year Plan for the city. Ambitious or just aspirational? We explore what the rest of the UK could learn from his northern blueprint. • Listen to The Bunker episode Watch The Spies – Can the CIA survive Trump? • Get a month of The New World in print and digital for just £1 here. ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel recommends the Mitfords drama Outrageous on the U channel.  • Matt recommend the Philosophise This podcast and The Crisis Of Narration by Byung-Chul Han.  • Seth had his mind blown by Bayeux Cathedral.  • Alison saw Olivia Rodrigo live.  NOT FOR PATREON • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Presented by Alison Phillips with Rachel Cunliffe, Seth Thévoz and special guest Matt Kelly. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Simon Williams. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a real threat to Labour and the Conservatives alike.We've heard a lot about the strengths of the challenger party - who would be likely to form the next government if an election was held tomorrow.But one political polling analyst has been exploring where the Reform brand is most vulnerable to attack - and he reveals his results exclusively in this episode of the New Statesman podcast.Steve Akehurst is founder of the non-partisan research initiative Persuasion UK. He joins Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe to share the arguments Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems can use that are most likely to turn voters away from Nigel Farage and Reform UK.This episode is a must-listen for political strategists, speechwriters and MPs.

Our listeners ask: How will Zarah Sultana's new party on the left ever be able to square wildly different views among those involved?Also in the show, listeners ask how well, or badly, have Labour been dealing with the media and whether Reform will now pull their support for voting reform.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon to answer all.Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With resident doctors set to strike yet again, the courts log jammed and the OBR sounding the alarm over Britain's financial trajectory, what can and should be done to arrest the decline?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues George Eaton, Rachel Cunliffe and Will Dunn to unpack the latest symptoms of the British State's interminable malaise.READBritain is growing old disgracefully - Will DunnThe five-day doctor's strike is the last thing Labour needs - Rachel CunliffeSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What better way for Labour to celebrate a year in power than with a humiliating climbdown on welfare? Political historian Steven Fielding joins the panel to discuss rebellions, “Austerity PSD”, and how Starmer and Reeves can make Year Two better than Year One. Plus, after the anti-IDF rants by punk band Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, has the festival really become the antisemitic “hatefest” its critics claim? Unlike most of them, our own Andrew Harrison was actually there… And in the Extra Bit for Patreon supporters, is far-right ideologue Matthew Goodwin serious when he says he wants to be Reform UK's Home Secretary, or just waffling to sell his Substack? • Listen to Why? with Emma Kennedy: Could we make a real Jurassic Park?  ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel has been bingeing on Wimbledon.  • Jonn has been reading Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. • Steven has been listening to the title track of Close To The Edge by Yes. • Alison is very excited about the Women's Euros.  • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Presented by Alison Phillips with Rachel Cunliffe and Jonn Elledge. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Tom Taylor. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our listeners ask: Can we really argue that Keir Starmer has a plan after yet another disaster over the welfare reform bill?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe. This episode was recorded before MP Zarah Sultana announced she is launching a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'We've not been here since the 70s'As the government marks one year in office, Anoosh Chakelian sits down with Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss Keir Starmer's highs, lows and the many, many challenges that lie ahead.READWe must prepare for Prime Minister Farage - Andrew MarrLISTENJUST RAISE TAXSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

Dog whistle think pieces seem to be back in fashion and right wingers are more frequently using rhetoric that sounds a bit like Enoch Powell. Powell was condemned for Rivers of Blood, why isn't sounding like him so damaging for the modern right? Plus – AI and copyright. It's put Labour at odds with Elton John, never a good place to be. Politico's Joseph Bambridge joins the panel to talk through the furore.  Read Joseph's piece in Politico: https://www.politico.eu/article/ai-copyright-political-nightmare-labour-uk-models-tech/    ESCAPE ROUTES  •  Rachel watched Virgin Island on Channel 4  • Raf has been reading Barbara Kingsolver novels • Joseph watched The Contestant  • Dorian watched Black Ops  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow    Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rafael Behr and Rachel Cunliffe. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio. Production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our listeners ask: How long will the government continue to support Israel after its actions in Gaza?Also in the show, one listener asks why longstanding issues like council tax reform are perennially ignored, another whether there could ever be a true 'red tory' faction in the Conservative party.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask UsHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even as Keir Starmer faces the threat of all-out rebellion over his welfare bill, Westminster can feel the summer recess approaching. So six months into the year and with the anniversary of Labour's electoral victory approaching, host Sascha O'Sullivan enrols a host of experts to give their view on the government's progress on the 'milestones' set out by the Prime Minister last year. Harry Quilter-Pinner, director of the IPPR and Charlotte Pickles, director of Re:State think tank (formerly called Reform) talk Sascha through each of the milestones – from the economy to energy security – and gives Keir Starmer and his cabinet a grade for each. The pollster Scarlett Maguire, founder of Merlin strategies, provides key insights into how voters view the government's record to date. Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor at the New Statesman, and James Heale, deputy political editor of The Spectator, gives Sascha an assessment of the trials and tribulations on the opposition benches – from the Conservatives battles with Reform to the Greens' leadership election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diplomacy has been "pushed aside" after Donald Trump bombed Iran - leaving Britain "weak".-YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump bombs Iran-Donald Trump has hinted in a social media that he would be in favour of regime change in Iran. His government have said otherwise.Elsewhere, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has so far refused to say whether the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites was legal. Does the UK government quietly approve of Trump's actions?In this episode our associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe discusses those questions with US correspondent Freddie Hayward and senior editor George Eaton.Meanwhile in response to the attack, the Iranian government have threatened to block the strait of Hormuz, effectively restricting one fifth of the world's oil supply. Rachel asks our editor Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn what this would mean for the global economy - and the cost of goods in the UK.-READ: Britain wants no part in Israel's war by Ben WalkerSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter:Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode:You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our listeners ask: Do Labour have a realistic chance of winning the next election, and can Reform become a party for all regions of the UK?Also in the show, another listener asks how much is being done, or ever really has been, over the issue of class in British society and politics?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With conflict in the Middle East is dominating the headlines, the New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe joins the podcast team to explore Keir Starmer's attempts to influence Donald Trump and ask whether the UK has a role to play beyond that of a concerned bystander.   There is plenty of domestic politics around too, with the prime minister announcing an inquiry into grooming gangs - having said, only a few months ago, that he wouldn't – and the government trying to face down a rebellion over its welfare budget cuts.   Plus: John Major at the IfG and what comes next for government standards and ethics.   Presented by Hannah White.   With Catherine Haddon.   Produced by Candice McKenzie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton, Freddie Hayward and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss the fast moving situation in the Middle East, how the UK Government is wrangling with an unpredictable US President and also unpick the news of a new national inquiry into grooming gangs.SIGN UP:For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.comJOIN US:Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Marr, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe review Rachel Reeves's latest financial statement.LISTEN NEXT: What Keir Starmer can't say - NS editor Tom McTague on his profile of the Prime Minister https://pod.fo/e/2e40f0--Rachel Reeves unveiled her latest spending review this week. Andrew, Anoosh and Rachel unpack the winners and losers, and discuss what the spending review reveals about the government's priorities.READ: Rachel Reeves's economic credibility is on the line https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/06/rachel-reeves-high-stakes-spending-reviewSIGN UP:for a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for our newsletter morningcall.substack.comJOIN US:Subscribe to the New Statesman to get all our reporting from £8.99 a month www.newstatesman.com/pod25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seems like King in the North Andy Burnham fancies his chances of taking over Labour and giving the troubled government new direction. Is talk of a leadership fight just pot-stirring – or is Starmer in real trouble? And who else is in the frame? Plus, that video where maverick crimefighter Robert Jenrick chases faredodgers was roundly mocked. But is it smart politics in the Tories' battle with Reform over the soul of Pissed-Off Britain? And in the Extra Bit for Patreon people, we read Sarah Vine's Westminster tell-all so you don't have to.  • Don't miss the latest Crime Scene: Should Britain decriminalise cannabis? ESCAPE ROUTES • Rachel recommends Giant with John Lithgow at the Harold Pinter Theatre.  • Jonn recommends Murderbot by on Apple TV+. • Marie recommends Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson. • Alison recommends Fred And Rose: A British Horror Story on Netflix.  • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Presented by Alison Phillips with Rachel Cunliffe, Jonn Elledge and Marie le Conte. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a gap on the left and several figures have stepped forward to fill it!Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss Andy Burnham's leadership pitch, Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza inquiry, dysfunction in no 10, and what the hell Robert Jenrick is doing on the internet.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Reform being a right-wing populist movement, and splitting Tory voters. Why is there a lack of a strong left-wing populist party?, one listener asks.And another listener, Damon, writes in to ask, Why are fishing rights on the agenda with regards to this latest EU deal? Do you agree that France has a disproportionate influence on the EU?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK gets a lot of coverage but not enough scrutiny. Say Nigel Farage did become Prime Minister (God forbid), what would a Reform UK-led UK look like? Is their manifesto (… sorry, ‘contract') full to the brim of wishful thinking? Plus, with changes inbound on the two-child benefit cap and winter fuel payments is Labour sorting its act out? Or does this make Starmer look weak? Paul Nowak is the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress and joins the podcast to give his thoughts. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers following the death of BBC arts titan Alan Yentob, we ask: Is the dream of culture for the masses still alive?  • Read Sam Freedman's Substack here: https://samf.substack.com/p/what-would-a-reform-government-be • Listen to The Bunker including Duncan Weldon on the economics of war. • Don't miss the latest edition of Crime Scene on the Liverpool parade car collision and what it means for policing. ESCAPE ROUTES • Paul recommends Bruce Springsteen live and Race Across The World on BBC iPlayer.  • Matt saw Mary Poppins at the Bradford Alhambra. • Rachel recommends listening to Magic At The Musicals on RadioPlayer.  • Dorian recommends Gang Of Three (keep an eye out in case in gets a transfer) and Electric Dreams at Tate Modern. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rachel Cunliffe and Matt Green. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio Production by: Robin Leeburn. Music by Cornershop. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Winter fuel cuts? Two child benefit gap? Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules? Angela Rayner?The team discuss what will stay and what will have to go for Labour in the coming weeks and months, and where Nigel Farage is lurking to capitalise on Labour and Tory struggles.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, shadow health minister and Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans, Rachel Cunliffe from the New Statesman and political commentator Charlie Downes.

Will Israel listen to David Lammy's condemnation?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question this evening are SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, shadow health minister and Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans, Rachel Cunliffe from the New Statesman and political commentator Charlie Downes.

“Having moved on from Blue Labour, which other policies will Turquoise Labour adopt from the far right?"; “Given that they are a break on everything, should the Treasury department be abolished?”; “What would happen if Labour and the Conservatives got completely wiped out at the general election and the Lib Dems and Greens also had bad polling results and the Reform party suddenly lost its mojo? Could a government function or would King Charles have to step in?”Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week saw potentially the boldest moment of Keir Starmer's leadership, as the Government announced its white paper - Restoring Control over the Immigration System. According to the Prime Minister, it marks a a significant overhaul of UK immigration policy.The headlines, however, have been less kind - focussing on the wording of his speech announcing the plans, specifically on the phrase ‘island of strangers'... Some were quick to compare this to Enoch Powell's infamous ‘Rivers of Blood' speech in which Powell talks of white British people becoming ‘strangers in their own country'.Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer's statement on immigration may well have repelled many Labour voters towards the Lib Dems and the Greens. How wrong has the Prime Minister got this strategy to defeat Reform? And are his party's plans even workable? Plus, the UK has signed trade deals with the US and India – what's in them, how important are they, and are we getting too close to Trump? Trade expert Dmitry Grozoubinski spoke to Andrew Harrison for The Bunker and we've included a brief excerpt in this section. • Want more? Find the full Bunker episode with Dmitry here. • Come to Oh God, What Now? Live at 21Soho, London on Weds 11 June. Tickets on sale here. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Seth Thévoz, Rachel Cunliffe and Ahir Shah. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio. Production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The team answer questions on the Green party's charisma issue, how Reform's power in local council could hurt their overall polling, and whether too many Lib Dems are vegan.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Ben Walker, Megan Kenyon, and George Eaton.Listen to our episode on constitutional issuesSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know the Conservatives got just about everything they could wrong when they were in government. But can we pinpoint where it all started to go wrong? And has the party learned its lessons? Tim Bale is a professor of politics at Queen Mary University London and his newly updated book: The Conservatives After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation is best placed to answer those questions. Plus, is pronatalism having a moment under Donald Trump 2.0?  And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, following the death of Pope Francis, how much does religion play a part in politics?  We're on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow   Buy the updated version of Prof. Tim Bale's Book – The Conservatives After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation, HERE.   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rachel Cunliffe and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio Production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The politics team answers listener questions on council tax, the voters ignored by Labour and the Tories, and the true value of billionaires.Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the purported 'Easter truce' fighting has resumed in Ukraine and Russia, meanwhile peace talks in the West have broken down with the US speaking to Russia separately.Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr to discuss this week in UK politics, and later in the episode by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to look at Reform UK's surging popularity ahead of the local elections.Read: Can Reform grow up?, Steve Reed: “Reform is a symptom of broken trust” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former senior civil servant Jill Rutter joins the podcast to answer listener questions on the inner workings of government.This episode is hosted by the New Statesman's associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did a joke gone awry in 1967 forever changed the nation's relationship with the truth?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Phil Tinline, a regular writer for the New Statesman and author of the new book Ghosts of Iron Mountain: The Hoax that Duped America and its Sinister Legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of May is set to be a big day for local government with council elections, mayoral races, and even a by-election taking place.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss what's being contested and where the polls stand at the moment.Read more from Ben hereSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to Donald Trump and his dodgy formula, last week tariffs were applied to countries all over the world. Consequently, the stock markets had their worst downturn since the pandemic. And economists warned of a weakened dollar, trade wars, and global recession.The White House denied for days that the US would back down on the tariffs. Until yesterday, when Trump pressed pause on higher tariff rates, with a few notable exceptions.To unpack what on earth is going on in Washington and around the world Rachel Cunliffe is joined by business editor and Will Dunn and US correspondent Freddie Hayward.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's tariffs are tanking stock markets and bankrupting penguins. How is Britain coping with Trump's assault on free trade… and is there anything we can do to protect ourselves from protectionism? Plus, the most crucial voters are aged between 35 and 59 – and they're also the most economically worried. Professor Jane Green is the Director of the Nuffield Politics Research Centre and co-author of a new report detailing why this group of people is so politically important. She joins the podcast to uncover what she found. We're on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Zoë Grünewald, and Rachel Cunliffe. Producer: Chris Jones Audio. Production by Tom Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How would it work? Can a state really find out how rich someone is? If Britain were to introduce serious wealth taxes, would the super rich simply leave?Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the political editor Andrew Marr and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the prospect of a wealth text, and the implications of the Houthi PC small group on Westminster's Whatsapp addiction.Read: Would a wealth tax work?, Westminster's WhatsApp addiction must endSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growth has halved, welfare has been cut, and defence is hoovering up more and more. Things are looking, and sounding, pretty grim for the Chancellor - and in yesterday's Spring Statement we learned what the fallout from this harsh economic reality will be.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr and economist Ben Zaranko from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch was supposed to reboot and re-energise the Tories. Now she's tanking in the polls and flailing in the Commons. If she can't beat Farage, will her leadership make it to the end of the summer? Plus, America's slide from functioning democracy to autocracy summons up dark memories of when the same thing happened to the Ancient Roman republic. Classics lovers Rachel Cunliffe and Jonn Elledge join Zöe Grünewald and Andrew Harrison to ask whether the Fall of Roman democracy is a warning or a manual.  • Read Rachel's New Statesman piece What Went Wrong of Kemi Badenoch? • Andrew interviews John Higgs, author of Exterminate! Regenerate! – The Story of Doctor Who at the Rock'n'Roll Book Club, Walthamstow on Tue 22 April. Escape Routes: • Zöe's choice Broken Country. • Andrew's choice Exterminate! Regenerate! • Jonn's History of the World in 47 Borders in paperback. • Jonn's choice I Want To Go Home But I'm Already There. • Jonn's OTHER choice Ghosts of Iron Mountain. • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Rachel Cunliffe, Jonn Elledge and Zöe Grünewald. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Labour on track for their target of 1.5million homes? What is NHS England? Why can't the Green's electrify the left in the same way that Reform has done for the right? What will the consequences be of cutting international aid?Hannah Barnes answers listener questions with the New Statesman's political editor, Andrew Marr, and associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe.Read: Labour's housing slumpSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prospect of peace in Ukraine, Liz Kendall's welfare cut announcements, and while Kemi Badenoch flails as Conservative leader ... who's waiting around the corner for her job?Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss this week in Westminster and beyond.Read: A Labour welfare revolt is still brewing, Diane Abbott rails against Keir Starmer, What went wrong for Kemi Badenoch?, Who could succeed Kemi Badenoch?Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer's decision to raise defence spending and cut foreign aid has raised a whole load of questions (but not any asked by Kemi Badenoch because she's, like, really bad at that). Is cutting aid the right choice? Are we ready for war? And is this the start of Starmer being tougher towards Trump? Plus: is centrism dead? Award-winning pollster and former President of YouGov Peter Kellner joins us to discuss why it just might be. And in the Extra Bit for Patreon backers, Boris Johnson keeps referring to Jaws – a film that was out when he was 11 years old. Which movies from when the panel were 11 left an impression on them…? We're on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor, with Rachel Cunliffe, and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer returns victorious from his meeting with Donald Trump. But was it the success it seems?Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes and Rachel Cunliffe answer listener questions on the New Statesman podcast.Also in this episode: Has Zelensky "put one over" on Trump with the rare earth minerals deal?Trump's "mob boss" geopoliticsHow the UK could make a radical pivot towards Europe - and have Putin to thank.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump's decision to rip up 80 years of transatlantic security co-operation leaves Europe in a panic. What happens when America lines up with a despot like Putin? Can Europe afford to defend itself? Dr Julie Norman of UCL joins us to look at the alarming new security environment. Plus, with Badenoch's Tories in an apparent doom spiral, we look at why politics needs a functioning opposition. And in the Extra Bit for Patreons: White Lotus is back and the Murdoch family hate each other. Why do we love watching the rich suffer?  • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rachel Cunliffe and Rafael Behr. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has reached out to Vladimir Putin, over the heads of Ukraine and Europe. The Western alliance is fracturing, so what comes next? Can European nations find the defence budget? And whose terms will this war end on?Hannah Barnes is joined by Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of War Studies at Kings College London, and later in the programme by the New Statesman's associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe, and the former justice secretary David Gauke to discuss the future of our prisons.Read: The threat of peace, Penal populism has broken Britain's prisonsSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are local council changes "an attack on democracy"? Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Kenyon join Hannah Barnes to discuss changes to the rules governing local elections, which Ed Davey and Nigel Farage have attacked as anti-democratic. They answer a listener question about why their local council can "delay my right to vote". Also in this episode, Megan Kenyon meets Kim Leadbeater for an update on the assisted dying bill, and we answer your questions about the checks and balances that would apply if the bill were to pass.Submit a question for us to answer on a future podcast: www.newstatesman.com/youaskusGet our free daily politics newsletter, Morning Call: morningcall.substack.comSubscribe to the New Statesman. Get your first five weeks for just £5 at www.newstatesman.com/feb25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer may have been enduring stormy weather since winning power – but is the sky really falling in, as parts of the media think? And why are so many UK commentators and pundits addicted to the idea that we're living in times of ultimate crisis? Plus, it's 100 days since Kemi Badenoch took on the Tory leadership. Has she turned the party's fortunes around and made her party a laughing stock no longer? No, no she hasn't. Why not? And what type of leader has she shown herself to be?  • We're on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow   Our panel's Escape Routes: • Hannah's choice is 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkemann. • Rachel chooses Good Material by Dolly Alderton. • Andrew's choices of We Stand On Guard and Ever Crashing by SRSQ.  • Alison chooses Persuasion by Jane Austen.  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn, Rachel Cunliffe and Alison Phillips. Producer: Chris Jones Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US investment already owns much of the British high street. Are "ignorant" politicians "selling the UK down the river"?As Donald Trump announces new tariffs on trading partners around the world, Hannah Barnes and Rachel Cunliffe are joined by Angus Hanton, author of Vassal State, to explore how the UK economy is, in many ways, "in thrall" to the US.They also discuss Trump's shock declaration of intent to "take over" the Gaza Strip. Later in the show they're joined by George Eaton to analyse Keir Starmer's great EU reset - and discuss whether the Prime Minister can please both Europe and the United States (spoiler: he can't).Ask a question for us to answer in a future episode: www.newstatesman.com/youaskusGet more politics coverage every day direct to your email inbox by signing up for our daily politics newsletter: morningcall.substack.comSave money on a New Statesman subscription to get full access to all our reporting and analysis from just £5 for your first 5 weeks: www.newstatesman.com/feb25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump starts as viciously as he means to go on, with a confected state of emergency on immigration, attacks on gay and trans people, withdrawals from the Paris Climate agreement and the World Health Organisation, and pardons for the anti-democracy rioters of Jan 6. Reed Galen, co-founder of the anti-MAGA Republican group The Lincoln Project and host of The Home Front podcast, joins us to assess Trump's first moves and the state of the resistance against him. And in the Extra Bit for Patreon backers: Could you boycott visiting the United States while Trump is President?   • “Very bad things are going to happen. The question is, how are we going to react to them?” – Reed Galen • Support us on Patreon for an ad-free listening experience – and to help keep independent podcasting alive!  Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rachel Cunliffe and Rafael Behr. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Simon Williams. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Britain's economic growth slows and gilt returns go up (no, we can't remember what it means either) the Tory press are eager to construct a narrative of “Labour's mess”. How real is it – and is Chancellor Rachel Reeves really at risk? Plus: Trump wants to annex Canada, Greenland and possibly your house. Are we back to 19th century foreign policy where the world is basically a game of Risk? Seth Thévoz, The New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe, comedian Matt Green and Andrew Harrison try to make sense of it all.  Support us on Patreon for an ad-free listening experience – and to independent podcasting alive!  Written and presented by group editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices