Podcasts about reform uk

On this week's episode: The news plays our least favorite repeats of the 90s ... Reform UK will tell us that voting for any party other than them is cheating ... And Kristi Noem gets old yellered but she might need to get shot by a puppy if she wanders back.To support our show on Patreon, go here:patreon.com/skepticratTo hear more from Evil Giraffes on Mars, go here:facebook.com/EvilGiraffesOnMarsGet great deals while supporting the show by checking out our sponsors:groundnews.com/skepticratmintmobile.com/skepticratquince.com/skepticratauraframes.com (code: SKEPTICRAT)betterhelp.com/skepticratHeadline Sources:War with Iran:https://www.theinternet.boingsploosh.netPolymarket bans "nuclear detonation" bets:https://ground.news/article/2a768216-a0a1-44c0-8b14-e57702bfe1fbLord Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office - BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cew8jde9pxqtAndrew released under investigation after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office - BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx28yel4811oCallers to Washington State hotline press 2 for Spanish and get accented AI English instead:https://apnews.com/article/washington-dol-spanish-accent-ai-3a1b8438a5674c07242a8d48c057d5a3Kristi Noem fired and replaced with a guy named Markwayne:https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/politics/kristi-noem-lost-trump-markwayne-mullinGreen party wins Gorton and Denton byelection, pushing Labour to third place: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/27/green-party-wins-gorton-and-denton-byelection-in-blow-to-keir-starmerReform and Tories report ‘family voting' allegations to watchdog | Byelections | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/27/family-voting-allegations-gorton-and-denton-byelection-tories-reform-watchdogOsaka stunned by anonymous gold bar gift worth $3.6M to fix aging water pipes:https://apnews.com/article/japan-osaka-gold-donation-water-pipes-2f2e68017b7b041858c2de46a67be7ab

Poppy Coburn joins Jeremy to talk about the stories of the day. Andrew Lownie discusses whether he genuinely thinks Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is a paedophile based on emerging evidence in the Epstein Files. Sir Malcom Rifkind and Sarah Pochin from Reform UK discuss Starmer's reaction to the Iran War and whether male soldiers in the British Armed Forces should be able to wear make-up and earrings as encouraged by the Ministry of Defence.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.

Ralph welcomes sociologist and historian Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi to discuss the United States' war of aggression on Iran.Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi is an Iranian-born American historian and sociologist. He is a Research Fellow at the Center for Place, Culture, and Politics at the CUNY Graduate Center. He was the Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Studies and Director of the Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies at Princeton University. He is the author of four books on different aspects and historical context of the Iranian revolution of 1979 and its aftermath.The only countries that I see that are in constant violation of international law is the United States and Israel. And frankly, I am speechless, although I'm speaking, but I am speechless—in what universe can this war be justified as self-defense? You listened to Secretary Rubio's speech in Munich where he laments 400 years of colonial rule being lost to this international law and laws of fighting wars because they want to go back to the way things were in the 18th and 19th century. This is a naked expansionist, extortionist administration here, and that's the only reason they have launched this war, and there is absolutely no justification for it.Behrooz Ghamari-TabriziFor years and years, the Israelis have been assassinating Iranian scientists. They were sabotaging Iranian industries. And actually, the Iranian government showed tremendous restraint in responding to these Israeli provocations because they didn't want to create the situation in which we find ourselves today. But then at the end of the day, calling Iran the aggressor here I think is a total ignorance of history and the context in which this war has started.Behrooz Ghamari-TabriziAll these things are not to suggest that the Iranian government in any form or shape is a democratic and just state. But the question here is about the sovereignty of the Iranian state. And the only inheritance of the revolution that has been kept throughout these forty-odd years was the question of sovereignty. Because that was one of the demands of the revolution. The question of social justice was thrown out of the window after the revolution. The question of civil liberties was thrown out of the window after the revolution. The only thing that is left is Iranian sovereignty. And according to every single intelligence study, what Iranians do outside their borders is a defensive posture. Iran does not have an expansionist agenda.Behrooz Ghamari-TabriziNews 3/6/26* Last week, Bill and Hillary Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee on their respective relationships with financier and sexual predator, Jeffrey Epstein. Hillary Clinton, in a deposition described as contentious, maintained that she had virtually zero connections with Epstein, stating at one point “I am so tired of answering that question,” per PBS. Former President Bill Clinton meanwhile, tried to downplay his relationship with Epstein, describing it as “cordial,” and claiming that he had come to an arrangement with Epstein where the financier provided his private jet for humanitarian trips in exchange for Clinton discussing politics and economics with him. The committee pressed Clinton on this point, noting that Epstein visited the White House numerous times during Clinton's presidency and that there are photos of the two men shaking hands. Clinton told lawmakers he “did not recall those interactions.” These answers leave much to be desired.* Meanwhile, another Epstein associate occupies the Oval Office today – Donald Trump – and on February 26th the Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice, under the stewardship of Attorney General Pam Bondi, has been withholding interviews with a woman who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault back in the 1980s. As the Journal writes, the suppression of this interview “raises new questions about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files release and the pages that have been kept private.” The Journal adds that “Trump officials initially opposed the release of the files and then fumbled their response, including inconsistent redactions that exposed dozens of Epstein victims and initially kept some prominent men's names hidden.” However, on March 5th, POLITICO reported that the FBI has now published a trio of FBI interviews with the woman who accused the president of sexually assaulting her in collusion with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump and his allies categorically deny any wrongdoing on the part of the president, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt calling the allegations “completely baseless…backed by zero credible evidence, from a sadly disturbed woman who has an extensive criminal history.” This story also highlights what is sure to be the next flashpoint in this saga: on Wednesday, a House committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about her handling of the Epstein files.* Turning to media news, last week we covered how Paramount-Skydance, led by the Ellison family and backed by the Trump administration, outmaneuvered Netflix to close a deal acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery – including CNN. Throughout this process, many have raised the alarm that if the Ellisons were to get their hands on CNN, they would turn it over to their ideological attack dog, Bari Weiss, as they did with CBS News. Variety is now echoing those concerns, reporting that “It's expected that Weiss will have a big role in steering CNN.” Just what exactly this role will be remains to be seen, but given her tenure as editor-in-chief of CBS News, there is much cause for concern.* In related news, Variety reports Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has filed to sell 4,004,149 shares – over $114 million worth of stock – in the company following the announcement of the sale to Paramount, including Paramount's eye-popping offer of $31 per share. Zaslav retains additional stock and options which he could cash out as the deal moves forward. Curiously, even as the Trump administration backed the Paramount buyout over the Netflix deal, the president himself continues to bank on the fiscal stability of the streaming giant, with the Hollywood Reporter documenting that Trump bought between $600,000 and $1.25 million worth of Netflix debt in January, adding to the $500,000 to $1 million in Netflix bonds that he purchased in December. This story notes that while the Netflix-Warner deal fell through, Netflix walked away with a $2.8 billion “break-up fee,” and an investment grade credit rating, unlike both WBD and Paramount.* Looking at domestic politics, this week primaries were held in Texas and North Carolina which yielded the nomination of James Talarico in Texas, beating out Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for the Democratic nod, and the razor thin victory of incumbent Valerie Foushee over her progressive challenger Nida Allam in the Durham-Chapel Hill region. But many more primary battles lay ahead, perhaps the most interesting of which is unfolding in Maine, where the Bernie Sanders-backed veteran-turned-oysterman Graham Platner is duking it out with Chuck Schumer's preferred candidate, outgoing Governor Janet Mills. Platner, despite damaging stories, has continued to draw massive crowds and enjoys a huge polling advantage. Last week, Platner's allies, led by United Autoworkers President Shawn Fain, staged a sort of intervention with Schumer, with Fain lambasting the “shortcomings” in Democratic leaders' approach to the 2026 midterms, “particularly their failure to adequately listen to working-class voters.” Michael Monahan, a high-level official in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, also sent a letter to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee strongly urging the DSCC to “refrain from intervening further in [the Maine] primary.” A mid-February independent poll found Platner with a 38-point lead over Mills among likely Democratic primary voters, yet the party continues to back Mills to the hilt. This from NBC.* Our remaining stories this week concern foreign affairs. First, in South Africa, it seems the forces of the Left are looking to pool their support by entering into a political alliance. According to TimesLIVE, a prominent South African online newspaper, the country's largest standalone Left party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has convened with the South African Communist Party (SACP) to discuss such an electoral pact. The SACP has long participated in a tripartite alliance with the African National Congress party (ANC), which has ruled South Africa since the end of Apartheid, but recently announced they would contest elections independently. The EFF and SACP emphasized that their priorities align on the “deep crises confronting South Africa: de-industrialisation, austerity-driven fiscal consolidation, collapsing energy security, mass unemployment, and extreme poverty.”* In another major political realignment, the Green Party of England and Wales is surging as the Labour Party, under the centrist leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, continues to lose ground to the Nigel Farage-led far right party, Reform UK. The rise of the Green Party has been bubbling for some time, as progressive voters feel betrayed by Labour and the momentum behind Jeremy Corbyn's “Your Party” has fizzled, but the first major test occurred recently in the Labour stronghold riding of Groton and Denton in Greater Manchester. According to the BBC, this marks the first ever win for the Greens in a by-election, with 34-year-old plumber Hannah Spencer becoming the party's first ever MP in northern England. Reform ran second, with Labour dropping by 25% into third place. Moreover, Zeteo reports the Greens have leapfrogged ahead of Labour in national polling, second only to Reform and has become the single most popular party among voters under 50. For the past five months, the Greens have been led by self-described “eco-populist” Zack Polanski, and have espoused policies including giving councils the power to control rents, extending free school meals to all children, and imposing a new ‘wealth tax' on assets above £10m.* In Congress, Representative Ro Khanna has introduced the West Bank Human Rights Resolution to Condemn Israeli Settlement Expansion. This resolution is described as utilizing far more specific language to condemn “Israeli settler violence and referencing potential sanctions tools while also calling for a review of US policies that may indirectly subsidise settlement activity,” per the Middle East Eye. In part, this resolution is a response to the Israeli government's February 8th approval of “sweeping changes to land registration and civil control in Areas A and B of the West Bank, which Palestinians say breach the Oslo Accords and advance de facto annexation.” This resolution was drafted in conjunction with Cameron Kasky, the survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting who has become a leading activist on rights for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. In a statement upon the introduction of this resolution, Kasky wrote “this is a necessary measure for Democrats and Republicans to unite behind the upholding of international law. Democrats and Republicans can agree that U.S. taxpayer money being used to subsidize the violation of international law is an outrage.”* Our final two stories concern the U.S. attacks on Iran. First, a bizarre sequence of conflicting claims between the U.S. and Spain have left many observers puzzled. First, on March 3rd, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the Iberian nation, saying “Very often great wars start with a chain of events spiralling out of control due to miscalculations, technical failures, and unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, we must learn from history and cannot play Russian roulette with the fate of millions.” Sánchez warned of “repeating the mistakes of the past,” and drew a comparison with the invasion of Iraq, concluding his government's position is “No to war,” per CNBC. More pointedly, the Spanish government prevented two jointly operated bases in its territory from being used in the strikes on Iran. Trump responded on the 4th by vowing to cut off all trade with Madrid, saying “Spain has been terrible…We don't want anything to do with Spain.” Then, on March 5th, Karoline Leavitt told the press that “With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear, and it's my understanding, over the past several hours, they've agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military.” Yet, the Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares immediately responded that “The Spanish government's position on the war in the Middle East ... and the use of our bases has not changed at all.” This also from CNBC. Trump's threat to cut off trade with Spain would be difficult to follow through on, given that the 27 nations in the European Union negotiate trade agreements collectively,* Finally, far from assuaging concerns about the attacks on Iran leading to blowback, the Hill reports that, when asked during a phone call with Time magazine about whether Americans should be worried about a potential strike on the homeland, Trump replied, “I guess.” Trump went on to say “We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah…we expect some things…some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die.” Stunningly, despite Trump openly declaring that we are at war with Iran sans congressional authorization and even casually admitting Americans could be killed on home soil, the feckless Congress has voted down War Powers resolutions in the House and Senate. In the upper house, the bill introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, failed 47-53, with Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky crossing party lines to support it while Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania crossed party lines to vote nay, per the AP. A similar measure in the House, introduced by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie – the duo behind the Epstein Files Transparency Act and other war powers resolutions including on Venezuela – failed by a vote of 212-219. In addition to Massie, Republican Rep. Warren Davison of Ohio voted in favor of the resolution, while four House Democrats voted nay, per Axios. Again the question is presented to us, if this won't shock Congress to action, what will?This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

George Parker discusses Prime Minister Starmer's decision not to support the US-Israel offensive against Iran, and the pressure he has been under for it, with the crossbench peer Kim Darroch, who was the UK's Ambassador to the United States during President Trump's first term, and the Labour peer Cathy Ashton, a former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs who led negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme.To analyse the Spring Statement that the Chancellor delivered on Tuesday, George is joined by the former Conservative Chancellor, Sir Jeremy Hunt, and the Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, who chairs the Commons Treasury Committee.MPs debated the Representation of the People Bill in the Commons this week. The Bill would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote at the next general election. To discuss the Bill, George spoke to Labour MP for Kettering, Rosie Wrighting, who is the youngest female MP in the House of Commons, and 19-year-old George Finch from Reform UK, who leads Warwickshire County Council; he is the youngest council leader in Britain.And Robert Fox, the veteran war correspondent, and Kathleen Burk, Professor Emerita of Modern and Contemporary History at University College London, debated the special relationship between the US and the UK in light of Prime Minister Starmer's decision not to support the US–Israel offensive against Iran, which sparked criticism from the White House.

Jeremy Kyle reacts to Sir Keir Starmer facing mounting criticism after reports that President Donald Trump has excluded Britain from key diplomatic discussions on the escalating Iran crisis. With tensions rising across the Middle East, Jeremy asks whether the UK–US “special relationship” is weakening and what it means for Britain's global influence.Jeremy is joined by former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and General Sir Nick Parker, former Commander-in-Chief of UK Land Forces, to assess the military reality behind the headlines. As conflict intensifies and allies ramp up their deployments, they warn Britain's armed forces face growing questions over funding, readiness and whether the UK still has the credible deterrent needed in a more dangerous world.The programme also tackles a major political row over proposals to offer migrants up to £40,000 to leave the UK and return to their home countries. Jeremy speaks to Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's Shadow Home Secretary, as critics say the plan could be costly and open to abuse, while supporters argue it could reduce pressure on the asylum system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Bright is an investigative journalist and author. He came by the studio to talk to Ava about Nigel Farage's strategy at the helm of Reform UK, the funders propping up Britain's new right, and how a collapse may be right around the corner.Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Crick reveals shocking details on Nigel Farage's alleged school racism, chaotic parties, near-death escapes, and why he's Britain's most successful politician this century. Get Michael's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Party-After-Another/dp/1471192296 Follow him on X: https://x.com/MichaelLCrick Come to my live show: https://podlifeevents.com/event-details/heretics-live-show-in-conversation-with-suella-braverman-hosted-by-andrew-gold-11-mar-2026-tickets?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=launch&utm_partner=ag  SPONSORS: Organise your life: https://akiflow.pro/Heretics  Earn up to 4 per cent on gold, paid in gold: https://www.monetary-metals.com/heretics/  Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics  Michael Crick, legendary journalist and Farage biographer, drops jaw-dropping revelations on Nigel Farage: from schoolboy racism & anti-Semitism witnessed by over 30 people, bullying a young African boy, chaotic Reform UK councils raising taxes, surviving three near-death accidents, secret Tory defection attempts, dependence on James Goldsmith's death for UKIP success, Trump-like contradictions, grooming gangs failures, mass immigration realities, and why Farage remains the most influential & successful politician of the 21st century despite spending almost no time in Parliament. Explosive Heretics interview – don't miss it! #FarageExposed #NigelFarage #MichaelCrick Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com  Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates  Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok   Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 0:00 Farage: Most Successful Politician This Century? 5:07 Farage's Early Green Vote & Tory Rejection 9:05 Shocking School Racism & Anti-Semitism Claims 13:49 Does Farage Still Panders to Racists? 18:24 When Farage "Lost" His Racism 23:24 Far Right vs Reform – What's the Difference? 28:29 Reform's Chaotic Council Record Exposed 33:03 Who Should Patriots Vote For Now? 38:07 Farage's Trump Obsession & Putin Admiration 43:04 Immigration: Enrichment or Cultural Threat? 48:15 Future Mass Migration & Birth Rate Crisis 53:08 Politicians Raking It In – Farage's Million 58:03 Farage's High Life & Man of the People Myth 1:03:30 Coutts Scandal Revived Farage's Career 1:08:11 Near-Death Crashes & Irritability Link 1:12:00 A Heretic Michael Admires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dixon Cox is back! This week: -Trump attacks Starmer, after Starmer refuses to fully back US military action in Iran -Is Starmer just pandering to Muslim voters? -Reform UK back the war, while Restore Britain do not -Two Labour defectors join Reform UK, but what do they believe? -Man Utd fans say they are glad to be colonised -Kemi Badenoch takes a stand against DEI (better late than never?) Full episode: https://www.nickdixon.net/p/trump-clashes-with-starmer-over-iran Subscribe here: www.nickdixon.net   Support us with a donation here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nickdixon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nick_dixon   X: https://x.com/nickdixon Paul's links X: https://twitter.com/PaulCoxComedy   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulcoxcomedy   Comedy clubs: https://www.epiccomedy.co.uk/    

The 2026 Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election may be one of the most significant since the start of devolution. Much attention is rightly being given to the possibility of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ending Labour's long dominance of Welsh politics. But this is also the first election since major reforms introduced a new electoral system, new constituencies, shorter electoral terms, and a move from 60 to 96 Senedd members. So what should we expect from the elections? How will these reforms affect the election result, the work of the Senedd, and the wider shape of Welsh politics? And are further reforms needed to safeguard and strengthen Welsh democracy? We discuss these questions with an expert panel. Speakers: Jess Blair – Director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru Professor Laura McAllister – Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales at Cardiff University and former Co-Chair of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales Sir Paul Silk – former Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales and Chair of the Commission on Devolution in Wales Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links:Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unitMailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-listBlog: constitution-unit.com

In Round One, the team discuss the latest escalation in the Middle East, America's questionable branding strategy (“lethalitymaxxing”) and the political fallout at home as Reform UK's supposedly unstoppable rise proves… very stoppable in the Gorton and Denton by-election.In Round Two, we celebrate 30 years of Pokémon (and discover there are now 1,025 of them, including one that is literally a bag of rubbish), before heading to Mayfair where an exclusive members club is hiring a butter sommelier, sports “czar” and a charismatic person willing to ‘work late'…In Round Three, the Missing Words Round, we hear why Scotland fans are celebrating before the World Cup has even begun, how an Irish MP's gone viral for unexpected reasons and why an Egyptian tour guide ended up in serious trouble after getting creative on a 4,000-year-old pyramid…If you enjoy the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and make sure you subscribe there so you don't miss an episode!For updates on the show, make sure you're following Have I Got News for You on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) and get in touch with us there using #HIGNFYpod or emailing podcasts@hattrick.com. Your host is Marko Ferenc… or Mike Rayment? Honestly can't tell…With Jack HarrisQueenie Miller And Emerald Paston, back next week! The Producer is Diggory WaiteThe Executive Producer is Claire BroughtonThe Music is by Big GeorgeIn the News This Week is a Hat Trick Podcast

On this episode of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the ongoing situation in Iran and across the Middle East from a Scottish perspective. They are joined by Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, Lecturer at The University of St Andrews, to discuss: Whether the Iranian regime can survive the assassination of its Supreme LeaderHow the UK government is responding — and whether Starmer is being “nimble” enoughThe implications for Scottish politics and First Minister John SwinneyLater in the show they break down the latest major poll ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, Mark McGeoghegan from Ipsos, joins the show. The SNP hold firm but Labour is up four points and Reform UK seem to have slipped back slightly. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the implications of this and ask whether Scotland is moving back towards left-right politics rather than the constitutional question. Connect with us:

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are Reform UK campaigner and former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, the Conservatives' Shadow Treasury Minister James Wild, plus the TUC chief Paul Nowak

Konrad sits down in person with Gary Stevenson, former Citibank trader turned inequality economist, for a deep dive into why Australia's housing crisis isn't actually about housing at all, why billionaire-funded far-right parties are the biggest con in politics, and why anger alone won't fix the system rigged against you. Australia's Secret Housing Advantage (And Why We're Pissing It Away) Gary breaks down why Australia has everything it needs to protect living standards and prevent inequality from spiraling, including a fair go culture, natural resources under the ground, and wealth locked up in property instead of offshore tax havens. The problem? We're not using any of it. Instead, we're giving away gas royalties for free, handing tax breaks to property investors through negative gearing and the capital gains discount, and watching house prices become inheritance lotteries instead of things you buy by working. The Real Reason House Prices Are Unaffordable Everywhere This isn't a housing crisis, it's an asset price crisis. Gary explains why housing becoming unaffordable is happening in every major city across the world, why all long term assets like stocks, gold, and land are skyrocketing at the same time, and how rich people don't directly buy your house, they own the credit on your mortgage and outcompete you through the debt system. Plus, the Bible story that perfectly explains why older Australians sitting on million dollar houses aren't actually winning. Why The Far Right Is A Billionaire Con Job Gary lays out his theory that far right parties like Reform UK and One Nation are billionaire funded political vehicles designed to stop wealth taxes from rising by distracting punters with racism and grievance politics. He explains why the political center is dead, why the future is a fight between tax the rich and the far right, and why billionaires would rather collapse society than agree to fair taxation. Also: why anger won't convince your grandparents their house wealth is destroying your future, how Margaret Thatcher turned workers into asset owners who vote against themselves, the widow's mites parable as a guide for surviving the next 20 years, and why staying calm is the only way punters can fight back. Bypass the Algorithm, Sign up to the Punter Times Newsletter https://www.punterspolitics.com/pages/email-sign-up Support We the Punters on PATREON (https://www.patreon.com/punterspolitics) Buy Punters Stickers & T-shirts (https://www.punterspolitics.com/)

Is the special relationship dead - and if so, was it Donald or Keir who killed it?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are Reform UK campaigner and former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, the Conservatives' Shadow Treasury Minister James Wild, plus the TUC chief Paul Nowak

We take you inside the Iran discussions in Number 10. What do they reveal about Keir Starmer's thinking and about Labour's electoral predicament?And as polling suggests that two parties with 2% of MPs command 44% of the vote, does Labour have a coherent argument to coax voters away from the Green Party and Reform UK? Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis 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.

This is a special episode of The Current Thing, debating the merits of Reform UK vs Restore Britain with political commentator Lee Harris. We discuss: -Why Lee still leans towards Reform UK -Whether the next election is our ‘last chance' -Why Reform keep attacking their ostensible base -Laila Cunningham's bizarre comments on whether Britain is a Christian country -Matt Goodwin calling Restore supporters racist -Nadhim Zahawi calling the new woke cabinet secretary a ‘good appointment' -The ‘splitting the vote' argument -The future of Keir Starmer and Labour -The threat of the Islamic/Green alliance And lots more! Full episode here: https//www.nickdixon.net Subscribe here: www.nickdixon.net   Support us with a donation here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nickdixon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nick_dixon   X: https://x.com/nickdixon Follow Lee on X: https://x.com/LeeHarris Follow Lee on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8_A5JEMc7raFtSOXMX4_Iw  

In this episode of Hearts of Oak, I engage in a comprehensive discussion with Richard Taylor from Wales regarding the recent UK by-election results, highlighting the Green Party's unexpected surge and its implications for traditional party dynamics. We analyze the significant role of the Muslim community in shaping the election outcome, particularly through effective campaigning strategies. Our conversation also delves into the challenges facing Labour under Keir Starmer's leadership, the potential rise of alternative parties like Reform UK, and the concept of 'sectarian voting' reshaping British political identity. Richard raises concerns about the monarchy's future amid scandals and addresses local governance issues in Wales, advocating for accountability and practical solutions. The episode concludes with a call to action for civic engagement amidst critical societal discussions surrounding voting legislation and assisted dying, emphasizing the importance of active participation for meaningful change. Follow and support Richard on social media  Richard Taylor (@RWTaylors) / X https://www.facebook.com/RichPolitics/  https://gettr.com/user/rwtaylors  https://twitter.com/RichPoliticscom   https://instagram.com/richpoliticsuk   https://www.youtube.com/c/RichPolitics   Connect with Hearts of Oak...

The Green Party has pulled off a landmark victory in the Gordon and Denton byelection in a major blow to Keir Starmer. Hannah Spencer, a local plumber, was elected as the party's first MP in northern England, with Labour pushed into third place behind Nigel Farage's Reform UK despite having a 13,000-vote majority. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's north of England correspondent Hannah Al-Othman, who lives in the constituency and was at the count overnight – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to keep fighting, after Labour finished behind the Green Party and Reform UK in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Also: The former US President, Bill Clinton, gives evidence under oath to a congressional committee, about his past links with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And over fishing means mackerel stocks are running low in the seas and on the shelves.

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

In a stunning setback for Labour, the Green party has decisively won the Gorton and Denton byelection, with Reform UK finishing second. Does this result signal the end of Labour's safe seats? And could it mark the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer? John Harris, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey unpack the fallout – and explore what might happen next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The Green Party have won their very first by-election. Westminster Insider Host Sascha O'Sullivan goes inside the Greens' effort to win the seat, and finds out how the battle for this seat will inform the three-way fights between the Greens, Labour and Reform UK. She speaks to Hannah Spencer on the election trail – and on the night itself. And she speaks to the other candidates, Angeliki Stogia for Labour and Matt Goodwin for Reform to find out what worked – and what didn't. As Labour licks its wounds, director of the Labour Growth Group Mark McVitie talks Sascha through how the party machine have been thinking about the Greens and what needs to change. Pollster and director of More in Common Luke Tryl examines what the curious combination of voters can tell us about the future fights Labour will shake out. And deputy political editor of the Spectator James Heale explains why Reform's Matt Goodwin didn't win here in Gorton and Denton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jeremy Kyle Breakfast Show was dominated by the political shockwave from the Gorton and Denton by election, where Green Party candidate Hannah Catherine Spencer was declared the new MP in a historic upset. In what had long been considered safe Labour territory, Labour slumped to third place, Reform UK were beaten by more than 4,000 votes and the Conservatives picked up just 1.9 percent. Jeremy described it as a political earthquake for Sir Keir Starmer, with pressure mounting on Labour's leadership as voters delivered a dramatic verdict in Greater Manchester.Reform's David Bull told Talk the party would report the claims of 'family voting' to the police. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Green Party pulled off a stunning victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election, deposing Labour who trailed in third place, with Reform UK 2nd. Adrian Goldberg discusses the result with Byline Times political editor Adam Bienkov. Produced by Adrian Goldberg in Birmingham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Die Britse eerste minister, Keir Starmer, se Arbeidersparty het 'n terugslag gely toe Hannah Spencer van die Groen-party die tussenverkiesing in Gorton en Denton gewen het, met die Arbeiders derde na Reform UK. Starmer is voorheen gevra om te bedank oor Peter Mandelson se aanstelling as ambassadeur in Washington ondanks sy bande met die seksoortreder Jeffrey Epstein. Onderleier Lucy Powell het aan Sky News gesê Starmer gaan nêrens heen nie:

Harriet Langley-Swindon and Producer Martin speak to Reform UK's Suella Braverman, about Reform's exciting new slate of policies; we also hear from Oxbridge University, Leicester's Professor Emeritus Of Constitutional Monarchy & Media Studies Brenjamin St. Francis, about how hard it is to remove someone from the line of succession; and Eshaan Akbar has an award-winning edition of ApologyWatch.Thank you to Richard, Michael Vickers, Peter Gorman and Sue Avery, all of whom signed up to our Patreon this week. They're making it possible for us to pay our guests, because lord knows the ad revenue doesn't cover that. This week they - and all our Patreons - will be getting a bonus interview with podcaster Celebrity Baby Publicist Prunella d'Arcy, about how to monetise your children. Our Patreons also get every episode early and without adverts, access to the full video of all our interviews, as well as the Patreon-exclusive monthly Time For Questions podcast, which is out this week - so get over to Patreon.com/NonCensored and sign up for one or two pounds a week to support the show if you can.Please follow our new, bespoke social media accounts!Instagram: @noncensoredpodcastTikTok: @noncensoredpodDon't take this survey if you're not a cool kid: http://bit.ly/noncensored-survey.With thanks to Rosie Holt, Brendan Murphy, Eshaan Akbar, Athena Kugblenu, Oliver Izod, Sooz Kempner, Susan Harrison and Ed Morrish.Rosie's sitcom, Crossing The Floor, is available now on BBC Sounds.Brendan's show, Buffy ReVamped, is about to tour America!Eshaan has started a new, live podcast called The Early Evening Show, every Sunday evening on YouTube.Athena has a kids book out called History's Most Epic Fails, which you can buy here.Oliver is playing with his genre-defying string quartet, Bowjangles, who mix physical comedy, improbable dancing, soaring vocals and, of course, virtuosic string playing, at the Crazy Coqs in London on the 19th March. Tickets are available here.Susan is taking part in the Pleasance's 50-hour Improvathon from the 27th Feb-1st March, and is performing her solo show, Should I Still Be Doing This?, at the Soho Theatre on the 24th and 25th April.Ed has just launched Smelt, a store where you can buy scripted audio comedy that doesn't exist yet, from people like Andy Hamilton, Ian Martin, Larry & Paul and Deborah Frances-White. To get involved, go to leadmojo.co.uk/smeltShow photography is by Karla Gowlett and design is by Chris Barker. Original music is by Paddy Gervers and Rob Sell at Torch and Compass.NonCensored is a Lead Mojo production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your co-pilots have braved the atmosphere of planet Earth as the rocket touches down at the Emmanuel Centre in London for a live recording of Planet Normal! To mark the occasion, your co-pilots are joined by two of the most fearless voices to navigate a country they fear is currently on an ‘economic cliff edge'. The first revered stowaway on the rocket today is Lionel Shriver: The celebrated satirical novelist discusses her provocative new book, A Better Life. She pulls no punches while exploring the naivete of the progressive left and the ruthlessness often overlooked in the immigration debate. Also strapping in for lift-off is Suella Braverman KC MP in her first appearance since her high-profile defection to Reform UK. She reveals the ‘list of great betrayals' she witnessed at the heart of government and explains why she believes the Conservative Party has abandoned the principles of Margaret Thatcher. Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor |Read Allison ‘No ‘spares', no climate preaching: My plan to save the monarchy':https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/24/my-plan-to-save-the-monarchy/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘Reform needs to convince global markets it can govern': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/02/22/reform-needs-to-convince-global-markets-it-can-govern/ | Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Liam's Substack: https://liamhalligan.substack.com/ | Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK's Robert Jenrick joins Jeremy in the studio to face your calls in another addition of Ring Rob. Kinsey Schofield joins Jeremy to discuss the ongoing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor investigation and look at Stephen Hawking's weird holiday pictures on Epstein's Island. Labour want school boys in dresses and Jeremy is joined Britain's strictest headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh. Plus, Samara Gill digs deep into the legacy of grooming gang attacks as she speaks to a victim. Plus Sarah Vine and Poppy Coburn join Jeremy for the day's stories, including the sneaky plan to give Gibraltar away to Spain and the EU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's expected to be a close race between Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens. We hear from the count and speak to political scientist Paula Keaveney about the apparent fragmentation of British politics.Also on programme: Democrats on the Republican-led House Oversight Committee have defended the former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after her deposition about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.And the television series Our Friends in the North is adapted for the stage. Writer Peter Flannery and actor Christopher Eccleston discuss the show's enduring success.

Reform and the Greens both insist they can win the Greater Manchester seat of Gorton and Denton from Labour – and if they do, it could be another nail in the prime minister's coffin. Helen Pidd reports on how the candidates and voters are feeling. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Starmer's 'Watergate' moment hits as he refuses to publish the remaining files on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The Green Party says it wants to give free housing, wages and NHS treatment to illegal migrants. Jacob Rees-Mogg joins Jeremy Kyle and former head of Royal security Dai Davies and Royal biographer Andrew Lownie discuss the fall of Andrew whilst Jeremy heads up to Gorton & Denton to look at the close by election race between Reform UK & the Green Party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Education Brief: Wednesday 25 February 2026 - Top stories include:Reform UK appointed Suella Braverman as its new education and skills spokesperson.Julie McCulloch has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Education Policy Institute.Music hubs “highly valued” by schools and families face growing funding and staffing pressures.This week's deep dive: The Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and ThrivingHEP Updates:https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/governor-briefing-spring-term/https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/inclusive-behaviour-strategies/https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/getting-the-most-out-of-insight/https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/calendar/getting-the-most-out-of-insight-2/Book your ticket to the Haringey Racial Equity Conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haringey-racial-equity-conference-2026-tickets-1982524828129?aff=oddtdtcreatorEmail us to book your ticket to the HEP Headteacher Conference Find and book CPD sessions at https://hepbookinghub.co.uk/Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxg8v7iUq9oListening - https://www.insideyoured.com/Reading - https://carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-embarrassingly-parallel-problemAI Tool - https://www.edugems.ai/home⁠Music by Slo Pony⁠

On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss a brand new MRP poll which suggests that the Scottish National Party (SNP) could win an outright majority at Holyrood — something not seen since 2011 under Alex Salmond.Calum, Geoff and Andy also consider the future of the Additional Member System, whether Holyrood needs reform, and what Denmark's energy U-turn means for the North Sea debate.We're also joined by Shona Haslam from Logos Scotland, to discuss Christians in Scotland's views ahead of the election. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down:

It's Tuesday, February 24th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Early Rain Covenant Church Hit Again China Aid reports of more communist persecution of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China.   Pastor Wang Yi is entering his seventh year in prison -- of a nine-year sentence.   But now, elder Li Yingqiang and his wife have been arrested for their commitment to Christ. His wife was released on bail, and encouraged friends on social media that “God's arrangements are always good.” Multiple churches in North America, and an organization in Australia, have designated the ninth of each month as a “Day of Fasting and Prayer for the Persecuted Church in China.”  Mexican National Guardsmen killed the most wanted cartel leader in the country Mexico is in turmoil this week, after Mexican National Guardsmen killed the most wanted cartel leader in the country, Nemesio Cervantes, a criminal known as “El Mencho.” So far, 34 drug cartel members are dead. Sadly, another 25 federal troops were killed in the ongoing conflict. European immigration numbers down Immigration numbers have dropped sharply in Europe. Britain records only 200,000 immigrants in 2025, down from 900,000 in 2023.  Eurostat's Migration and Asylum report indicates a 13% drop in asylum applicants to European Union countries in 2024. That's the first drop since 2020.  And October 2025 numbers indicate a 28% drop compared with October 2024. European Parliament refused to affirm only women can get pregnant The Parliament of the European Union voted 340-141 to artificially redefine the definition of what a woman is. The Parliament also refused to affirm the biological fact “that only women can become pregnant.” German Parliament member Tomasz Froelich blasted the new guidance. He said, “This isn't about courtesy or pronouns. It's about law, language, and the destruction of biological clarity in public policy.” The new law opens the continent up to “the full recognition of trans women as women,” directly opposing God's created gender roles. In Matthew 19:4, Jesus asked, “Have you not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female?” Reform UK lacked traction; Will Restore Britain thrive? As The Worldview reported on February 19th, Britain has a new populist political party called the Restore Britain party. The previous nationalist party, Reform UK, gained 14% of the vote in the 2024 election, but only holds eight seats which is a little over 1% of the seats in parliament. Back in 2002, the UK populist parties had only 2% of the national vote. More debt and more inflation for the U.S. In President Donald Trump's first year in office in his second term, the US Debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio spiked to 122%. That's the highest since Joe Biden's first year in office during the COVID spend-a-thon.   Today's U.S. federal debt stands at $38.7 trillion — exactly double what it was 10 years ago during the first Trump term, and quadruple the size of the debt 18 years ago during the 2008 recession.   Also in economic news, despite all the political noise and hand waving coming out of Washington, inflation is up in the U.S. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation index is up to 3% — back up to where it was two years ago.   The GDP inflator reached 3.7%, the worst it's been in three years. And yet, the average 30-year mortgage rate has dropped to 6%, That's the lowest it's been in two and a half years. Deuteronomy 15:6 ties in here. It says, “For the LORD your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.” Kansas legislature overturns veto on transgender Law KANSAS LEADER: “The motion prevails and the bill passes.” (Gavel comes down) And with that announcement, the Kansas Legislature, dominated by Republicans, voted to overturn Democratic Governor Laura Kelly's veto on a bill that banned men, including men pretending to be women, from entering women's spaces. The Kansas House voted 87-37 and the Kansas Senate voted 31-9 to overturn the veto.  Republican Kansas State Senator Virgil Peck, Jr. spoke from the Senate floor. PECK: “I'm amazed that we're not hearing from more of those who are, if you will, feminists standing up for young ladies.” The bill allows for criminal charges to be brought against biological men who intrude on women's bathrooms and locker rooms, and holds to the birth gender or biological definition of male and female. 118,000 applications submitted for tax-funded school vouchers Texas parents have submitted 118,000 applications since Texas Freedom Education Accounts opened up on February 4th. The Houston public school district is looking at closing down 12 of its schools for the next school year, reports The Chronicle. The Texas Homeschool Coalition estimates there are 500,000 homeschooled students in the state. Add to that 422,000 children enrolled in Texas charter schools, and another 279,000 children enrolled in Texas private schools. That adds up to 1,200,000 Texas students not attending public school, representing 21% of school-aged children in Texas. Study reveals cancer linked to COVID-19 shot A new scientific study has linked the rise in certain types of cancer to the mRNA COVID-19 shots.  The study, published by Oncotarget, marks the spike in cancers, including highly aggressive cancers, in correspondence with certain lipid nanoparticles that were in the COVID vaccines.  The study evidenced that the modRNA in the COVID shot, along with the lipid nanoparticles, could “affect various tissues and organs, including the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs.”  The study also found a link between rising mortalities worldwide and the rollout of the COVID shot. In one Italian province, for example, “vaccination was associated with a 23% increased risk of cancer hospitalization after receiving one or more doses.”  U.S. Men's Hockey team wins gold in overtime And finally … (Audio of Olympic theme song) Norway has captured the highest number of gold medals in the 2026 Winter Olympics this year — taking home 18 medals (so far). The United States comes in second with 12 golds. That's a record for America — this time including a top medal for the Men's and Women's Hockey competition.   The U.S. Men's Hockey Team won the gold medal for the first time in 46 years in a 2-1 overtime win on the final golden goal knocked in by Jack Hughes, who played center. Listen. ANNOUNCER: “Jack Hughes wins it. The golden goal for the United States. For the first time since the 1980 Miracle, the United States takes the gold.” Jack will be remembered for having taken a high stick and losing multiple teeth before scoring the winning goal. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, February 24th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Extra print stories Elderly farmer refuses to sell farm to data company 86-year-old farmer Mervin Raudabaugh refused to sell his Pennsylvania farm to data company developers, even though his farm was valued at over $15 million. Raudabaugh has lived in Silver Springs Township in Cumberland County and been a farmer for more than 60 years. He exclaimed, “I was not interested in destroying my farms. That was the bottom line. It really wasn't so much the economic end of it. I just didn't want to see these two farms destroyed.”  Raudabaugh instead sold his property for a much lower price to the Silver Springs Township's Land Preservation Program, which protects farmland, woodland, and wetlands. He explained, “I love this land. It's been my life. And I realized… if it wasn't built on or dug up, another set of families could live here—and that's what I wanted to do. And I got it done.” Micah 4:4 promises, “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.” 10 major British cities have Muslim mayors 46 million Muslims now live in Europe, as migrants from third world countries continue overwhelming the European system.  Muslims are taking over political offices in European nations, including in the United Kingdom, where 10 major cities now have Muslim mayors. The massive influx in illegal immigration to Europe, while condemned and hated by its people, is being celebrated by its leaders. Newsmax reports, “They've chosen to stand with radical Muslims over their own people. It's because of all of these reasons these countries are falling apart and failing as the attack on Western civilization continues.” Muslim infiltration has also reached the United States, evidenced by Muslim influence in states like Texas and Minnesota. Chase Bank admits to debanking Trump JPMorgan Bank has admitted to freezing President Donald Trump's bank account following the January 6, 2021 protests. Trump had sued the bank for $5 billion in damages. The admission came after JPMorgan initially dodged the question of whether it debanked the President, and is yet another confirmation that conservatives were in fact targeted and persecuted under the Biden administration.  CNBC reported, “This is not the first lawsuit Trump has filed against a big bank, alleging that he was debanked. The Trump Organization sued credit card giant Capital One in March 2025 for similar reasons and allegations.” However, some have pointed out that the Trump administration is working towards digital currencies, which run a large risk of being controlled.

As Lord Mandelson's arrest sends shock waves through Westminster, Sir Keir Starmer is set to face his biggest electoral test yet.It is not just a by-election; it is a referendum on the establishment. This week, all eyes are on Manchester as the Gorton and Denton by-election prepares to deliver a verdict that could redefine the UK's political map and stick another nail in Labour's coffin.Camilla and Tim are joined by Scarlett Maguire, pollster and founder of Merlin Strategies, to break down the numbers in what is traditionally a “red wall” fortress, discuss the extraordinary unpopularity of Sir Keir and the potential for a new coalition government.And they catch up with Matt Goodwin, Reform UK's controversial candidate. The academic-turned-politician discusses his belief that the party will win the seat, the “darker forces” and “sectarianism” he claims his opponents are enabling, his comments on the UK's fertility crisis and Reform's push to win over white working-class and minority voters.Producer: Georgia CoanSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleSocial Producer: Nada AggourEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show, Julia is joined by Lord Foulkes (Labour peer and former minister under Tony Blair) and Brendan O'Neill (Chief Political Writer at Spiked) to unpack the growing political storm around Peter Mandelson's arrest last night in connection with the wider Jeffrey Epstein fallout. He was released on bail in the early hours of the morning. With Mandelson denying wrongdoing and there being no confirmed charges, the focus turns to Keir Starmer's political judgement in appointing Mandelson in the first place. Does Britain operate with one rule for the powerful and another for everyone else? Julia argues the story now lands squarely on Keir Starmer, because it raises questions about why someone with controversial associations was elevated to a senior diplomatic role — and what ministers and security vetting may have known.The episode also ranges across Reform UK's immigration and ECHR stance, proposals to restrict the Burka and other face coverings, and the Gorton & Denton by-election, including controversy over campaigning in languages other than English - namely Urdu, appealing to British-Pakistani voters - and the rise of sectarian-style politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three separate scandals have raised serious questions over Keir Starmer's judgement. It's empowered Labour MPs who were once written off as cranks. And with many files still to come out, the questions will keep on coming.Meanwhile, the PM is selling the idea that the Gorton and Denton by-election is a two-horse race between Reform UK and Labour, but will voters believe him when the Green Party is campaigning hard on Gaza? Also, is parliament fit for purpose on the subject of the royal family?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis 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.

Reform UK has promised to create an ICE-style agency dedicated to mass deportations if the party came to power. Nigel Farage and his party's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, have pledged to start a ‘UK Deportation Command' to remove thousands of people, under plans that have been condemned as ‘sadistic'. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's deputy political editor Jessica Elgot – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

CAN FARAGE AND YUSUF STOP THE BOATS, DITCH ECHR AND BAN BURQA  #NigelFarage #ZiaYusuf #ReformUK #StopTheBoats #ECHR #BurqaBan #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV  Britain's had enough. The borders are a joke, the system's broken, and the public's being ignored. So tonight we ask the questions the political class is terrified of. Can Nigel Farage and Zia Yusuf deliver what millions are demanding — or is this another promise that crashes and burns?  We tear into Reform UK's hard-line proposals, straight, loud, and unapologetic:

Why has Keir Starmer ordered an investigation into Labour Together? What the hell is going on with our local elections? And what are we meant to make of Reform UK's new “shadow cabinet”?You asked, we'll answer. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe for the listener questions episode of Daily Politics from the New Statesman.

Today Adam, Alex Forsyth, Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl look back at the week in Westminster; starting with Thursday morning's news that the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.Plus, they discuss the appointment of Antonia Romeo to the role of cabinet secretary and our first look at Reform UK's new economic policy. 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 Joe Wilkinson. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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

Why is Reform UK's leader not being properly challenged by the press, and how does he get away with it? What does this reveal about the international populist playbook? How can our democracies be better protected? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit ⁠fuseenergy.com/politics⁠. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at ⁠therestispolitics.com⁠ to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members' newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Sign up for our free newsletter at ⁠therestispolitics.com⁠. __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Josh Smith, Vasco Andrade Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Senior Producer: Callum Hill General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reform UK has this week announced its ‘shadow cabinet'. But with a familiar cast of former Conservative ministers, can Nigel Farage shake off claims that his ‘one-man band' is little more than a Tory 2.0 project? Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker discuss what the appointments reveal about Reform's policy direction. Plus: who is Antonia Romeo, the newly appointed cabinet secretary? Please send your questions and messages for Pippa Crerar, Kiran Stacey and John Harris to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

It is Robert Jenrick's big day out today. The newly-minted Reform ‘shadow chancellor' made his first speech this morning, where he had the chance to show what kind of chancellor he would be and – sporting a snazzy pair of specs – he had plenty of soothing words to calm the jitters of the bond markets.The top news lines from his presser was his decision to kill Reform's two-child benefit cap – Nigel Farage's big offer to Labour voters last summer – and the announcement that he he would support the independence of the OBR and the Bank of England. Is this a missed opportunity for Reform UK? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Michael Simmons and Tim Shipman. 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.

On today's show: Dr. Stuart Waiton is a journalist, author and criminology lecturer. He is always compelling. In this episode, Stuart discusses the racism allegations surrounding last night's Benfica v Real Madrid game, Reform UK's pledge to introduce a "patriotic curriculum," the absence of solidarity when someone is being pursued by a woke mob, why schools must not ditch classic novels, poems and plays and much more. Plus: Richie rounds up the day's top news stories. For more on Stuart, visit: https://scottishunionforeducation.substack.com/abouthttps://www.facebook.com/stuart.waiton/

To hear this week's podcast in full, search 'Quite right!' wherever you are listening now. This week, Michael and Maddie consider Reform UK's succession plan. With Nigel Farage unveiling his new shadow cabinet, attention shifts to the bigger question: who comes after him? Is Reform preparing for life beyond its founder – and if so, who stands ready to inherit the crown?Also this week, they examine the fallout from the court's decision to overturn the government's attempt to proscribe Palestine Action – and ask what it means for free speech, public order and the limits of the state.They explore whether Britain is drifting toward a de facto blasphemy law, and debate claims of ‘two-tier justice' in the handling of extremist activism. Has the government lost control of the argument — or is it simply constrained by the courts?Produced by Oscar Edmondson.To submit your questions to Michael and Maddie, visit spectator.com/quiteright Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we look at why young people are bearing the brunt as unemployment hits its highest rate for nearly five years.Adam and Alex are joined by BBC business editor Simon Jack to unpack some of the factors driving the trend.Plus Alex updates us on Nigel Farage appointing Reform UK's new top team, which he is calling his ‘shadow cabinet'. Alex explains what the appointments might tell us about how Reform is operating. 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 Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Reform UK is no longer a one-man band. Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform's four spokesmen for the “great offices of state” at a press conference in Westminster. Recent Tory defector Robert Jenrick has been given the Chancellor brief, Zia Yusuf is in charge of home affairs, Suella Braverman is responsible for education and Richard Tice will look after business and energy. The format resembled a game show like the ‘Weakest Link' or ‘Take Me Out'. Each of the quartet was introduced, given a spotlight and then had it turned out when their time was up. Is this new 'shadow cabinet' ready for No. 10, or just Tory 2.0? Tim Shipman, James Heale, and Megan McElroy 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.

One of the most influential voices of the American civil rights movement, Jesse Jackson, has died at the age of 84. Also: Nigel Farage has named the former Conservative Cabinet minister, Robert Jenrick, as Reform UK's choice to become Chancellor if the party wins power at the next general election. And heavy snow disrupts the Winter Olympics.