Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
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'John Healey has been made Chancellor of the Exchequer.'Political Editor Christopher Hope shares breaking news that former Defence Secretary John Healey has taken Rachel Reeves' role as Chancellor, after resigning from Keir Starmer's Government weeks ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
'She's going to be severe.'Labour Peer Lord Glasman on reports that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to take over from Rachel Reeves as Chancellor in Andy Burnham's Cabinet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson unpack the latest developments in global markets, from oil price volatility and the Strait of Hormuz to US inflation, bank earnings and what it all means for interest rates. They also assess Rachel Reeves' latest Mansion House speech and the outlook for UK economic growth. Tom Sieber joins the show for a busy week of company news, with easyJet, Marks & Spencer, TikTok Shop, IBM, Barratt Redrow, PageGroup, Hays all making headlines. Plus, Charlene explores the fastest fall in mortgage rates for almost two years, reveals what the latest HMRC figures tell us about Britain's growing tax burden, and looks at where holidaymakers will get the most value from their spending money this summer. Topics covered [00:08] Introduction & market roundup [02:09] Strait of Hormuz, oil prices and global trade [10:41] US inflation, bank earnings and interest rates [13:41] Rachel Reeves' Mansion House speech [15:50] easyJet update [17:23] Marks & Spencer and TikTok Shop [23:14] Buy Now, Pay Later regulation changes [25:26] Shares magazine highlights with Tom Sieber [27:33] IBM results and tech spending trends [30:07] PayPal takeover approach [32:28] Barratt Redrow update and shareholder returns [35:23] Recruitment sector outlook: PageGroup & Hays [38:01] Paramount-Warner Bros deal challenges [40:10] Mortgage rates fall sharply [42:00] HMRC tax data and fiscal drag [46:43] Holiday spending money: where the pound goes furthest
Rachel Reeves has delivered what is likely to be her valedictory Mansion House speech, defending her record on growth, borrowing and the public finances. But with businesses counting the cost of higher employers' National Insurance and Labour preparing for a change of government, what will her legacy be?Meanwhile, the race to become Andy Burnham's chancellor appears to be shifting. Ed Miliband was once seen as the frontrunner, but some around Burnham fear that he would be too powerful – and too resistant to their plans for devolution and Treasury reform. Shabana Mahmood is now being tipped for the job, but would moving her from the Home Office prove a costly mistake?Noa Hoffman speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.
The shocking killing of Ann Widdecombe has set a sombre tone in British politics in the last week. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into the political implications of this tragedy, examining the changing police messaging and debating what the solution for protecting politicians should be. They also share memories of Widdecombe, who they both worked with throughout the years. ‘The King of North' (Andy Burnham) is set to enter Downing Street on Monday, after receiving the backing of over 90% of Labour MPs. But what is he going to do? The unknowns of the incoming Burnham premiership has resulted in breathless speculation hitting a fever pitch. George argues Burnham is focusing too much on the past in his messaging and must look to the future, while Ed cautions that Burnham should not assume he will be popular in the country off the bat. As Keir Starmer's time in No. 10 comes to an end, and Rachel Reeves time in No. 11 is likely to follow suit, the pair reflect on their political legacies and obituaries. They deliver a harsh sentence on their reigns, explaining why they were stuck in a doom loop the last two years, and how it speaks to wider problems in Britain in the last 10 years. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:
The U.S. and Iran trade strikes for a third consecutive night with President Trump declaring American forces are blockading the Strait of Hormuz and demanding a 20 per cent levy on all cargo. Trump says he remains positive on being able to reach a peace deal with Tehran. The renewed conflict pushes Brent to its biggest one-day surge since the Covid pandemic. The UK and Switzerland sign a services trade deal ahead of Rachel Reeves' last Mansion House speech under Keir Starmer's premiership. We speak top Trade Minister Chris Bryant who predicts the incoming Burnham government will seek ever-closer ties with the European Union.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Keir Starmer's farewell tour is well underway – but is he destined to spend most of it out of the UK?With an extra day in Paris for the Bastille Day celebrations and a possible dash state side for the World Cup final, Starmer is ending his premiership on the world stage – arguably his happy place.Back in Westminster, Prime Minister in waiting – Andy Burnham – ramps up preparations for government, telling colleagues his cabinet will reflect a “broad church.” But with days to go, cabinet ministers still don't know who will survive the reshuffle.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess the challenges awaiting the Burnham government and what his first appointments and decisions will say about the direction of travel.Elsewhere, Rachel Reeves delivers her final Mansion House speech as chancellor setting out the economic legacy she wants to leave behind.Plus, Anne catches up with Tony Blair. What advice does the former Labour leader have for Labour's next Prime Minister?
Your morning briefing. All the news you need to start your day.On today's podcast:(1) The United States has carried out another round of strikes on Iran, after President Trump vowed to hit the country "hard". According to multiple reports, Trump has now formally notified Congress that the US is once again at war with Iran.(2) President Donald Trump threw out a demand of a 20% reimbursement on cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, or roughly $30 million on full supertankers carrying oil.(3) Bond traders ramped up bets for a July interest-rate hike ahead of US inflation data and an appearance by the head of the Federal Reserve that stand to reinforce the need for action.(4) The European Union failed to endorse a 21st sanctions package against Russia on Monday, putting the bloc at risk of undermining one of its key tools to restrict the Kremlin’s oil revenue.(5) Rachel Reeves will issue a coded warning to the next Labour government by telling a City of London audience on Tuesday night that plans to boost the economy will only succeed with the support of financial markets.(6) It was supposed to be a cargo of bananas from Latin America. What Spanish police found on the ship in the Mediterranean port of Algeciras instead were 13 tons of cocaine. The case is striking in how it alleges links to financiers with Wall Street connections, an Irish fintech trading crypto assets, luxury Dubai real estate and multiple offshore lenders.Podcast Conversation: Scammers Are Being Scammed by Their Intended Victims OnlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Reeves has given Laura what is likely to be her last interview as chancellor.She looks back on two years in her dream job, reflects on what she feels she got right, and is pushed on what she got wrong.This is the full interview as a bonus in your Newscast feed. A regular episode with Laura and Paddy is on the way later.
Today, after speaking to Rachel Reeves in what's likely to be her final interview as chancellor, Laura speaks to Paddy about what we might get from the new administration.Andy Burnham has talked about “room within [the Labour] manifesto for movement on tax."What does that mean in practice?We've got some clues from Labour insiders.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/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn. The social producer was Jesse Fox. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Today, Laura and Paddy look at what we know and don't know about the murder of Ann Widdecombe. A murder investigation was launched after the Reform politician was found on Thursday. We also hear tributes and reaction to her death. And, Laura's been talking to Rachel Reeves in what could be her last interview as chancellor. We discuss whether it was a pitch to keep her job, or a warning to Andy Burnham. 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/newscastdiscord Get 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 Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn. The social producer was Jesse Fox. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Rachel Reeves says if Nigel Farage wants to "spend the summer arguing with a bin" then that's up to him.The Reform leader triggered a by-election by resigning this week. He is standing again to fight for the seat. Count Binface is one of those planning to stand against him in Clacton but the main parties won't be there.Beth, Ruth and Harriet dig into whether there are cracks in Farage's plan to reset the narrative after claims about his financial arrangements. Plus, Beth is fresh off the prime minister's plane from Turkey where Sir Keir Starmer was given an illegal gift he couldn't bring back with him.Andy Burnham's also promised MPs an overhaul in party culture. Harriet and Ruth debate whether the changes will ever happen.We'll be back on Tuesday for our Sky News Insider subscribers. Find out how to subscribe to our members club Sky News Insider here: skynews.com/electoraldysfunctionSky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over. Find out more and subscribe: skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.As of July 9th, we're aware of the following people and parties planning to stand in the Clacton by-election:Adham Alkhatip, Forward PartyCount Binface, IndependentPiers Corbyn, IndependentNigel Farage, ReformLaurence Fox, Reclaim PartyOllie Granger, IndependentLuke Worley, Independent
The Nigel Farage donation scandal reached a breaking point on Tuesday when he took the extreme step of triggering his own by-election. But was this a shrewd move or has it backfired? Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the risks to Reform, how Kemi Badenoch may use it to her advantage, and whether Count Binface could really be Clacton's next MP. While some see Farage as future PM, the next man set to lead the country remains Andy Burnham. With nominations opening for Labour leader today, and no other candidate in the race, it's all set to be a coronation. But is this a good thing? George's Labour sources have all voiced anxieties about the lack of scrutiny on Burnham, while Ed counters that a heated contest could have boxed in the next Labour leader.And finally, Ed explains his latest Harvard-Kings paper on regional growth, which details where Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves went wrong and how Andy Burnham can move the country forwards. Last night, he was at a talk discussing the paper with Michael Gove and Angela Rayner, and the former Tory MP made a surprising endorsement for the ex-deputy PM…We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:
Another one bites the dust. Sir Keir Starmer has resigned just two years in to being Prime Minister.This latest rotation of Britain's PM merry-go-round comes despite Starmer having done nothing particularly wrong. It wasn't scandal that brought down the Prime Minister, dramatic events, a vote of confidence, or a proper leadership challenge, just his party seemingly deciding it ws fed up with the man who won Labour a huge election majority.Andy Burnham is almost certainly set for a coronation as Prime Minister rather than a leadership contest, so what could that mean for tax, our personal finances and the economy.- and have Starmer and Rachel Reeves left us in a better state than when they took over?Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss what's happened and what could come next on this episode of the This is Money Podcast.Plus, tax will be charged on Isas for the first time as Reeves tries to block savers and investors from using a stocks and shares Isa loophole to avoid the new lower cash Isa limit. But is this yet more meddling that just makes things worse?And Lee talks to the lady who signs some of our bank notes. The Bank of England's chief cashier Victoria Cleland about new banknotes and why cash is still important.And finally, how much does a full green makeover add to your home's value?Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rescuers in Venezuela are searching the rubble in the capital, Caracas where more than 100 buildings have collapsed after a double earthquake hit the country last night. 164 people have died and almost 1000 other people have been injured. The record for the hottest day recorded in the UK in June has been broken for a second day in a row, with 36.7 celsius recorded in Somerset. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves says she'll back Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister, despite speculation that he would demote her to a junior position in the cabinet.
STOP THE BURNHAM CORONATION! WE NEED AN ELECTION #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #JonGaunt #Democracy #LabourParty Is Andy Burnham the "Messiah" or just another Labour disaster in the making? Keir Starmer got elected on the empty soundbite of "the adults being in charge," but within days, it was clear he and Labour had no real plan for the country. The constant U-turns and mistakes prove they are out of their depth. Now, we are being told that Andy Burnham is the answer—a man who wasn't even an MP last week! This rush to a coronation is a disgrace and an affront to our democracy. We don't need a bloody coup; we need a General Election. Burnham's premiership will be doomed from the outset if he doesn't have a mandate from the people. We need a plan that unites the nation, not one that spreads more division. What do you think? Is this a stitch-up? Do we need an election NOW? Join Jon Gaunt to have your say! In this show: Why Burnham has no mandate and no plan. The failure of Starmer's "adults in charge" narrative. Why a "coronation" is an insult to British voters. Don't forget to: ✅ SUBSCRIBE to Jon Gaunt TV for more common sense and straight-talking politics.
Supercharged by a by-election victory in Aberdeen South and Starmer's resignation, Kemi Badenoch delivered a drive-by at PMQs today. She took aim at members of Starmer's cabinet in succession: Rachel Reeves, Ed Miliband and Bridget Phillipson. Starmer's line is that he is handing over the country in a better position than he found it; Badenoch's is that, if it is all going so well, why is he resigning? She has a point.She also highlighted the spectacle of many in Starmer's government posing for a photo with Andy Burnham on his return to Westminster yesterday. The Prime Minister should feel ‘betrayed', she said. Again, she has a point. Is this Badenoch at her best? And how will she fare against Burnham?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and Noa Hoffman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.
John Healey has resigned as Defence Secretary. In a blistering letter to the Prime Minister, he said: ‘You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.'This comes after Keir Starmer failed even to secure the derisory sum of money he had demanded from the Treasury and the cabinet to modernise Britain's forces following the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review. The timing is equally devastating, as Starmer is heading to the G7 summit on Monday, where he will have to face Donald Trump.So what does this mean for Starmer's premiership? Will more resignations follow – or will the missiles turn on the Treasury and Rachel Reeves's reluctance to cough up? And who will take on the poisoned chalice of the defence brief now?Noa Hoffman speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.
How have you had to cut back since the war in the Middle East sent the global economy into turmoil? What else would you like to see Rachel Reeves do to help with this summer cost-of-living crisis?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the independent peer and free speech campaigner Baroness Claire Fox, economist Duncan Weldon, Labour MP Toby Perkins and Conservative London Assembly deputy leader Emma Best.
In the final episode of Season 3, CEO Nimesh Shah and Heather Powell take a look at some of the tax stories making headlines, including Andy Burnham's proposals for a land value tax and inheritance tax reform, and the latest developments surrounding Rachel Reeves' ISA plans. They discuss the practical implications that these policies could have for property owners, investors and taxpayers, while also examining whether headline-grabbing tax proposals can work in practice. To round off the season, Nimesh and Heather swap policy discussions for a light-hearted Tax Factor challenge, Nimesh tests Heather on how many UK taxes she can name in 60 seconds, before sharing some of the most surprising tax myths and misconceptions they've encountered throughout their careers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tiernan is in for Diane this week, chatting with Tatton about heatwaves and Rachel Reeves' Summer of Savings. They also spent far too long discussing and laughing about which animals would make the best MPs. Who we are Simple Politics does things differently. We exist to help you have better conversations about the issues and the changes that matter. We do so by being clear, accurate and impartial. Also, light-hearted, engaging and occasionally (but not as often as we think) amusing. It's not just about understanding the facts and the topics themselves but also looking at why different people hold the opinions they do. Those with whom you disagree aren't monsters. Understanding and respect are at the core of everything we do. Our core offering will always be free. Unfortunately, giving things away for free isn't a great business model. We've never been business people. But. We do need to make this work. We do so through our amazing supporters, who keep us going by buying stuff in our shop and making monthly donations. This podcast has been Produced by Stripped Media If you want to know more about this podcast and others produced by Stripped Media, please visit www.Stripped.media or email Producers@Stripped.Media to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In what is perhaps the closest this podcast has ever come to releasing a raw audio file, your stoic hosts endure the scalding British atmosphere to discuss the scaldingly racist atmosphere at Tommy Robinson's coked up rally. We also bring you another Labour update as the competitors for the premiership take their marks, as well as Rachel Reeves' latest plan to pull their failing party out of the toilet. David rounds out the episode by reading us a modern-day forums moderator meltdown, as well as Reading Directly From The Book via a landlord newsletter website. Subscribe for three whole bonus episodes a month: https://www.patreon.com/praxiscast Watch streams: https://www.twitch.tv/praxiscast Buy shirts: https://praxiscast.teemill.com/ Follow us: https://bsky.app/profile/praxiscast.bsky.social Cast: Jamie - https://bsky.app/profile/reobinwagon.bsky.social David - https://bsky.app/profile/sanitarynaptime.bsky.social Alasdair - https://bsky.app/profile/ballistari.bsky.social
In the Makerfield by-election, Reform UK have put forward a local plumber in the hope of derailing Burnham's push for power — but a string of deeply questionable old social media posts has left the campaign wobbling. Meanwhile, on Reform's right flank, Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party is threatening to split the vote after a Sunday Times poll put them on 7% — enough to potentially hand Labour the advantage.Back in Downing Street, Rachel Reeves is machine-gunning her colleagues. The question is whether she genuinely believes she can survive in post under an Andy Burnham leadership.Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign today to be MP for Makerfield (read: Prime Minister). But what does he actually stand for? We've had briefings that, despite being the candidate of the soft left, he will stick to Rachel Reeves's fiscal rules and keep Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms. He's flirted with nationalisation of utilities, but which exactly? What's the big pitch?Burnham's launch comes the day after some good news for the government, after net migration hit its lowest level since the pandemic. The number of people moving to Britain dropped to 171,000 in the 12 months to December, nearly half the figure recorded the year before. So why isn't the government shouting about it?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Michael Simmons and Noa Hoffman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.
The Labour leadership contest may be rumbling on in the background, but today Coffee House turns to the Conservatives – and whether Kemi Badenoch can really revive a party still reeling from electoral collapse.Her allies argue that Badenoch is beginning to cut through: from her conference speech to her response to Rachel Reeves's Budget, and her decision to sack Robert Jenrick. Her personal ratings have improved, even as the Tory brand remains deeply damaged. But is that enough? Can Badenoch turn the Conservatives into a serious vehicle for change? Is the Tory brand beyond repair? And could the party eventually find itself forced into some kind of deal with Reform?Tim Shipman is joined by Noa Hoffman and Boris Johnson's former director of communications Lee Cain to discuss Kemi's dilemma – and whether the Conservative party is dead, or merely resting.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.
The Labour leadership contest may be rumbling on in the background, but today Coffee House turns to the Conservatives – and whether Kemi Badenoch can really revive a party still reeling from electoral collapse.Her allies argue that Badenoch is beginning to cut through: from her conference speech to her response to Rachel Reeves's Budget, and her decision to sack Robert Jenrick. Her personal ratings have improved, even as the Tory brand remains deeply damaged. But is that enough? Can Badenoch turn the Conservatives into a serious vehicle for change? Is the Tory brand beyond repair? And could the party eventually find itself forced into some kind of deal with Reform?Tim Shipman is joined by Noa Hoffman and Boris Johnson's former director of communications Lee Cain to discuss Kemi's dilemma – and whether the Conservative party is dead, or merely resting.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the one-hundred-and-ninety-third episode, we look at the Definist Fallacy, starting with Trump redefining profit, temperament, and his opponents.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at definitions of socialism from Jeremy Corbyn, Mick Lynch, Kier Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Jonathan Reynolds, and James Cleverly.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Friends, Babylon 5, and Andy Ngo on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about the insane "settlement agreement" between Trump and the DoJ.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft193 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
With food prices in the spotlight as Rachel Reeves pushes supermarkets to cap costs for consumers, this week's show starts further up the supply chain with pork and poultry producer Cranswick. The company reported another strong set of results, and Mark Robinson talks through the details.Discussion then turns to this week's Big Read on picking the perfect pension provider. In a week when the Pensions Commission outlined big gaps in the nation's savings, it's poignant to discuss what investors should consider when choosing a savings account. From charges to investment options, selecting the right home for your savings is vital. Helen Kirrane explains what to do.Finally, we cast our ears to palm oil producers in Indonesia, a country already feeling the impact of higher prices and where mooted export controls hit the industry this week. Julian Hofmann gives us the details on MP Evans and AEP Plantations.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:07 Cranswick13:07 How to pick a perfect pension pot23:13 Palm oil plantations Listen to more podcasts from Investors' Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation pull back the curtain on another busy week at Westminster. After Andy Burnham was confirmed as Prime Minister, are the government now in crisis mode and will anything they do increase their approval ratings? Also on the show today: Why did the UK quietly loosen sanctions on refined Russian oil and diesel behind Europe's back? We break down the late-night technical notice that left ministers fumbling for answers.Bridget Phillipson called criticism of a social media video with Gemma Collins "snobbery," but why did the Department for Education's collaboration with her leave Special Educational Needs (SEND) parents and campaigners absolutely furious?Rachel Reeves announces a summer VAT holiday on theme parks, cinemas, and zoos while the government fights off rumours of supermarket food price caps. Is this smart cost-of-living policy or sheer desperation?And a brutal text exchange between Jonny Reynolds and suspended Labour MP Karl Turner goes viral on X. Is this sending completely the wrong message on mental health? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, the chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the costs for families in the summer holidays. Ticket prices for families at various attractions such as theme parks, zoos and museums will be cheaper during the summer holidays through a cut to VAT, the chancellor has said. The government didn't however announce any major package of support aimed at energy costs. On Thursday it was also revealed that UK migration had dropped to 171,00 almost half of 2024's figure. Adam, Chris, Joe Pike and Helen Miller from the Institute for Fiscal Studies discuss. 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 are 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 Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
DO RACHEL REEVES AND KEIR STARMER DESERVE TO BE HECKLED? #RachelReeves #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #JonGaunt #CommonSense #LaborHypocrisy #GeneralElectionNow #BritishValues Rachel Reeves got a reality check today! A "white van man" heckled the Chancellor at a petrol station, and now the political class is in a total meltdown. The pearl-clutching commentators are out in force, whining about "civility" and "manners" in UK politics. Rachel even had the patronising cheek to say that the man heckling her "wasn't a very British thing to do!" Really, Rach? Since when did you become the arbiter of what is or isn't British? I'd say standing up to a hypocrite and speaking your mind is about as British as it gets! I'll tell you what manners are, Rach! Manners are NOT lying on your CV. Manners are NOT lying in your manifesto. And manners are certainly NOT ripping off pensioners' fuel allowances while you sit smugly in Whitehall! If these hypocrites want to talk about manners, let's start with the basic decency of telling the truth to the British public. They want us to stay quiet while they dismantle the country? I don't think so. It's time to test this "stinking smug hypocrisy" with a General Election! HAVE YOUR SAY: Is heckling a legitimate form of protest when politicians stop listening? Or have we lost our way? I'll be reading your comments and reactions throughout the show—get stuck in!
With Andy Burnham inching closer to a return to Westminster, Sam White, Keir Starmer's former chief-of-staff, joins the podcast team to explore what happens next - and what the prime minister can do while this drama plays out around him. If Burnham makes it to Number 10, then he will follow a path once trodden by Boris Johnson in being a mayor turned prime minister. So what skills does the mayoralty provide - and how might they be transferable to Downing Street? Plus: What is in Rachel Reeves's economic support package and will it meet the scale of the Iran crisis? Catherine Haddon presents.With Hannah Keenan and Tom Pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Married at First Sight UK has been pulled off air after allegations of rape during filming were made by former participants. What does this tell us about safeguarding in reality TV? Why might Rachel Reeves's newly announced cuts on food tariffs negatively affect our health? And why has a football club admitted to spying?Jeevan Vasager is joined by The Observer's James Tapper, Madeleine Parr and Andrew Butler as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day. Note: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence and suicide.**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social on bluesky Host: Jeevan VasagerProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Poppy BullardTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
British politics has moved at a rapid pace the last week, with Andy Burnham securing his root to parliament, Wes Streeting reigniting Brexit debates, and a defiant No. 10 fighting on through all of it. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the leadership race, the manoeuvres being made by Streeting to court the Labour faithful and how Burnham is having to campaign on two fronts. Why is the cabinet silent? Is Starmer right to cling on? Will the King of the North be coronated should he return to parliament? What if he loses? The pair then examine the economic prospectus of both Burnham and Streeting, contrasting it with the cost of living support announced by Rachel Reeves today. They detail the limitations of any government to combat inflation, the holes in plans both contenders have spoken of and the risk a governing party faces openly debating policy like this.Finally, they take a trip across the Atlantic to California and the final stages of the gubernatorial primary. George's mate Steve Hilton has maintained his frontrunner status amidst a split Democratic field, but can he actually win come November? The odds are stacked against him, but Ed and George caution not to count him out.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:
The Office for National Statistics has released the migration figures for the last quarter — and whilst the government is celebrating, Julia Hartley-Brewer isn't buying it. She's joined by Reform UK Councillor and Deputy Leader of Durham County Council Darren Grimes, who forcefully argues that nobody voted for the rampant levels of migration over the past decades. From David Cameron's broken promise of reducing it to tens of thousands, to Boris Johnson's staggering 944,000 net arrivals, the British public have been consistently lied to — and are now footing the bill in housing, healthcare, schools, and council translation contracts running into the tens of thousands.Former Head of UK Border Force Tony Smith then joins to drill down into the raw data. Net migration is down to 171,000 — but 88,000 new asylum claims, a 3% boat removal rate, and nearly a fifth of the UK population now foreign-born tells a very different story.Also: Julia discusses the viral clip of Rachel Reeves getting heckled at a Leeds petrol station… and her questioning the British-ness of her heckler. Plus, the Reform candidate for the Makerfield by-election faces media scrutiny over deleted tweets.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves had to hit back at a heckler while trying to answer questions from the media at a stand-up. Reeves was announcing that a planned increase in fuel duty would be scrapped to help consumers at a petrol station - while a man yelled pro-Reform comments from his truck. UK correspondent Enda Brady explained why more politicians in the UK seem to be copping backlash from certain fringe groups. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Would a voluntary agreement between supermarket bosses and the Chancellor to cap the prices of food basics help those struggling on low incomes? Is the biggest threat to the UK now higher inflation or higher unemployment? And could Andy Burnham, as Prime Minister, take control of water and energy without destroying the public finances? Steph and Robert discuss Rachel Reeves' plans to protect living standards from Trump's Iran war shock, and try to work out what Andy Burnham means when he says his “Manchesterism” is the end of neoliberalism. The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain's smart energy pioneer. Email: therestismoney@goalhanger.com X: @TheRestIsMoney Instagram: @TheRestIsMoney TikTok: @RestIsMoney Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After a fortnight of local and national elections drama - can the machinery of government get back moving again amid global instability?With the Straits of Hormuz still shut, Sam and Anne examine a raft of announcements coming from the Treasury. Is Rachel Reeves about to open a massive argument with the NIMBYs on the right to launch judicial reviews?Away from the levers of government, the duo look ahead to some upcoming by-elections and explain the rules around the coverage of electoral events.All the candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election can be found here.
Scrutiny of Andy Burnham, Labour's candidate for Makerfield, continues. As the Labour party wrangles over who should be leader, Andy Burnham is hoping a successful campaign in Makerfield will prove to party and country that he can beat Reform and turn a hitherto spectacularly unpopular government around. But after his U-turn on Brexit, now his commitment to trans ideology is coming under fire… as his previous comments suggesting that trans-identified men should have access to women-only spaces emerged. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves has reportedly been discussing voluntary price caps with supermarkets – to keep the prices of essential goods down. Immediately, a furious reaction from retail groups ensued. Karl Turner MP calls it ‘nearly the barmiest idea I've ever heard'. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elon Musk loses in his lawsuit against OpenAI boss Sam Altman. Elsewhere, Rachel Reeves says she will relax banking regulations, and Sean hears from the director of a golf academy who has known US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai since he was a teen.
Mark Dolan reacts as Andy Burnham faced accusations of political contortion after retreating on EU rejoining and endorsing Rachel Reeves's borrowing rules. Labour polling showed Burnham preferred over Starmer, while Wes Streeting's leadership hopes suffered sharp rejection from party members. Wider favourability data suggest that Burnham could unite Labour's fractured base, though Brexit-sensitive Makerfield remains a crucial test.Wake up with Talk Breakfast in full on YouTube, DAB+ radio, Freeview 280, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus or the Talk App on your TV from 6am every morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Die Britse minister van Finansies, Rachel Reeves, sê die land se jongste groeisyfers toon die regering het die regte ekonomiese plan. Die ekonomie het in die eerste kwartaal met 0,6-persent gegroei toe produksie en die boubedryf goed presteer het ondanks hoër energiekoste weens die Iranse konflik. Reeves sê ekonomiese bestendigheid moenie nou in gevaar gestel word nie, en waarsku teen 'n moontlike leierskapsuitdaging teen eerste minister Keir Starmer:
Andy Briggs, chief executive of Standard Life, joins the Big Boss Interview to discuss the war in Iran, pension reform,and the growing risk that millions of people are not putting enough aside for later life.Briggs says pension savers should not panic about the conflict in the Middle East, arguing that most economists expect short-term volatility rather than lasting structural damage to investments. Standard Life, which looks after 12 million customers and manages more than £300 billion in assets, believes pensions should be viewed over decades. Workplace retirement saving continued through COVID, the Ukraine inflation shock and the Liz Truss mini-budget fallout, because contributions are taken from gross pay before workers see their wages.Briggs addresses concerns about a potential AI bubble, noting that much of the funding flowing into artificial intelligence is now debt-based, which could create risks if companies fail to generate sufficient cash to service that debt.The new Pension Schemes Act — the biggest overhaul of the sector in more than a decade — has his broad support, particularly the push for greater scale and investment in productive assets such as infrastructure and growth equity. UK pension savers have generated real returns of around 4% per annum over the past decade, compared with 5.2% in Canada and 5.5% in Australia. The biggest difference, he says, is exposure to private assets. He draws a clear line at mandation, however, arguing that investment decisions should remain a matter of customer choice rather than government compulsion.Briggs is emphatic that pensions policy needs long-term, cross-party consensus rather than budget-cycle speculation. He points to the damage caused by rumours ahead of Rachel Reeves's budget, when thousands of customers withdrew their tax-free cash prematurely — only for the policy to remain unchanged, leaving those savers worse off.The current auto-enrolment minimum of 8% of salary is no longer sufficient, he warns, calling for a gradual increase to 12%. Without change, 60% of people could reach retirement in the 2040s without enough for a decent standard of living. The crisis is partly hidden because today's retirees still benefit from defined benefit pensions built up earlier in their careers — a cushion that is rapidly disappearing.Briggs concedes the UK is "not sufficiently financially literate" on pensions and expresses concern for younger generations struggling to find secure work. Greater pension investment in the UK economy, he argues, could stimulate growth, improve infrastructure and create better jobs — benefiting both savers and the wider economy.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones01:54 Andy Briggs joins the pod - discusses political upheaval. 06:00 War in Iran impact on pension savers 08:19 AI bubble concerns & tech stock exposure 09:58 Pension drawdowns around the Reeves budget 11:32 Pension Scheme Act & mandation 17:02 Returns gap vs Canada & Australia 22:20 Pension adequacy & the case for 12% 24:05 60% face inadequate retirement by the 2040s 26:35 Young people & the retirement challenge 30:50 Financial literacy admission 36:10 Personal reflections on careers & opportunity
Does Keir Starmer have confidence in Rachel Reeves? Kemi Badenoch pressed the Prime Minister on his Chancellor's future at PMQs – and he declined to answer, twice. Westminster (and Twitter) is now awash with reshuffle rumours.No 10 has since issued a denial, but the damage may already be done, raising a familiar question: is Keir Starmer just bad at politics?With recess looming and Labour braced for a battering at the local elections, Tim Shipman and Noa Hoffman join Megan McElroy to discuss.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.
How much did Brexit cost the UK? Would rejoining make us much richer? And if US managers are PSG players, are British ones more like Aston Villa's? Robert talks to Stanford Professor Nick Bloom about his influential forecast, recently adopted by Rachel Reeves, that quitting the EU made Britain 8% or £240bn poorer than it would otherwise have been. The Rest is Money is brought to you by Octopus Energy, Britain's smart energy pioneer. Email: therestismoney@goalhanger.com X: @TheRestIsMoney Instagram: @TheRestIsMoney TikTok: @RestIsMoney Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Keir Starmer faced a fired-up Kemi Badenoch at the final Prime Minister's Questions before the local elections this lunchtime, with the PM refusing to explicitly rule out sacking his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley are live at Warwick University with special guest Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg as part of the Daily T: On the Road, who says he has heard Andy Burnham is ready for a leadership challenge immediately after May 7.They also discuss the creeping rise of sectarian and political violence, with an antisemitic attack in Golders Green, North London, and Nigel Farage admitting to this newspaper that his home had been “firebombed”.
President Trump says Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ten day ceasefire following "excellent conversations" with both the Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, and Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Also: Peter Mandelson, the former Labour peer, failed his security vetting clearance but the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office to ensure he could take up his post as ambassador to the US. And the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves says there has been a “very positive” start to the year for the economy.
Today, an undercover BBC investigation has found evidence of law firms and legal advisors helping migrants pretend to be gay to get asylum.Migrants were advised to take staged photos at nightclubs, attend LGBT events and to go to GPs pretending to be depressed to obtain medical evidence to support their cases. Adam and Chris are joined by BBC politics investigation correspondent Billy Kenber, who uncovered the story.In response to our findings, the Home Office said: "Anyone found trying to exploit the system will face the full force of the law, including removal from the UK."Plus, Adam also checks in with Faisal, who's in the US at the IMF's annual conference. He fills us in on the indirect war of words between Rachel Reeves and her US counterpart, Scott Bessent.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 Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
World finance ministers meeting in Washington have been voicing their anger and frustration at the US because of the financial strains being placed on the global economy caused by its military offensive in the Middle East. Rachel Reeves from the UK described the US-Israeli war with Iran as 'folly' while France's finance minister Roland Lescure called for renewed efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The calls come as Iran's military widens its threats on shipping the Gulf to include the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman - if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. The International Monetary Fund has been warning of the risk of a global recession at its Spring Conference in Washington DC. There was further evidence of these concerns today. Hermes is the latest fashion house, after LVMH and Gucci-owner Kering to say sales have been weaker than expected at the start of this year...with spending hit both in the Middle East, but also fewer tourists visiting Paris and buying handbags and designer clothes. And there has been continued unrest in parts of India over wages, as the increased costs of living caused by the crisis continue to hurt the economy. Also in the programme - are hedge fund managers cashing in on the uncertainty of whether firms will receive refunds on tariffs?And we discover why Google is clamping down on so-called ‘back button hijacking'...when sites mess with your browser so you can't leave.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson
Today, we try and get to the bottom of whether or not Iran and the US might be meeting at the negotiating table.Whilst President Trump has previously said the two countries have already had productive conversations, Iran has denied the reports.Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent and Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter for BBC Persian explain who might be involved if talks do go ahead and the latest we know about what's happening inside Iran. Plus, Faisal Islam joins Adam for a deep dive into how all the uncertainty is affecting the economy. They unpack Rachel Reeves' address to the House of Commons today and the measures she might take if the situation continues to escalate. Apply for tickets to Castfest here https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026You 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 Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers were Jem Westgate, Beth Pritchard and Sophie Millward. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor was Jack Maclaren. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.