Podcasts about Starmer

On this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Tim Shipman is joined by Jonathan Hinder – a rising star of the back benches and a blue Labour acolyte – for a candid discussion about the state of the Labour party and the security of its leader.They discuss the Peter Mandelson scandal and the impact it has had on backbench support for the Prime Minister, as well as the implications it may have regarding decision-making at the top of government. Are Labour MPs considering moving against Keir Starmer? Should he fight the next election?This is set within the context of local elections, which Jonathan forecasts will be ‘bad' for the Labour party – ‘it's not a great time to be a Labour MP', he says. Is there a route back for the Labour party? And could Shabana Mahmood's tougher line on immigration be the saving grace?Produced by Megan McElroy and 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 this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Tim Shipman is joined by Jonathan Hinder – a rising star of the back benches and a blue Labour acolyte – for a candid discussion about the state of the Labour party and the security of its leader.They discuss the Peter Mandelson scandal and the impact it has had on backbench support for the Prime Minister, as well as the implications it may have regarding decision-making at the top of government. Are Labour MPs considering moving against Keir Starmer? Should he fight the next election?This is set within the context of local elections, which Jonathan forecasts will be ‘bad' for the Labour party – ‘it's not a great time to be a Labour MP', he says. Is there a route back for the Labour party? And could Shabana Mahmood's tougher line on immigration be the saving grace?Produced by Megan McElroy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the agenda this week is Starmer vs Burnham in Labour's latest civil war, Suella Braverman's defection to Reform, and working out how to save The Great British pub. To get to the bottom of all this, Andy is joined by Daliso Chaponda, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Hugo Rifkind and Holly Walsh.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Christina Riggs, Cameron Loxdale and Sarah Mills Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Albie Amankona, Tom Slater and Fraser Myers on the fallout from the Epstein Files, the Iran apologists in Britain and Spain's insane new migration policy. Watch the second half of the discussion on spiked podcast: unlocked – our weekly bonus podcast, exclusively for spiked supporters – here: https://www.spiked-online.com/podcast-episode/is-the-english-countryside-too-white/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keir Starmer is increasingly on the defensive as the Epstein scandal widens and scrutiny turns toward the political class that benefited from years of selective blindness. While Starmer has not been accused of direct involvement in Epstein's crimes, the pressure comes from his positioning as a moral reformer while presiding over a system now exposed as having repeatedly failed victims and protected powerful men. Critics argue that his leadership has coincided with evasive answers, cautious language, and an instinct to manage optics rather than confront the full scale of institutional rot revealed by the Epstein disclosures. For a prime minister who built his brand on legality, integrity, and prosecutorial seriousness, even the perception of hedging or delay has proven politically toxic.What has put Starmer “on the ropes” is not a single revelation but the cumulative effect of public anger: survivors demanding accountability, advocates calling out transatlantic protection networks, and voters increasingly intolerant of leaders who appear more concerned with reputational containment than justice. The Epstein scandal has become a litmus test for whether Starmer will meaningfully challenge entrenched power or default to the same cautious establishment instincts he once criticized. Each non-answer, each procedural dodge, and each appeal to process over accountability feeds the narrative that he is out of his depth—or unwilling—to confront elites implicated by proximity, silence, or prior association. In a moment defined by moral clarity for the public, Starmer's careful lawyering is being read not as prudence, but as weakness.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Secret texts with PM's chief aide, what PM knew about Epstein links, and huge 'golden goodbye'... the grim trove of Mandelson papers due for publication that could end Starmer | Daily Mail Online

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

Today, the Prime Minister has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador and “believing his lies”.Adam is joined by Henry in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea from the New Statesman and Luke Sullivan, Keir Starmer's former political director to break down where the Mandelson affair leaves the Prime Minister. 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 Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The release of the latest Epstein files triggered a deluge of revelations, spelling the end for one of UK's biggest political characters. Nish and Coco chat about Lord Mandelson's fall and the damage done to Keir Starmer and his government as well as the new police investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.Economist Ann Pettifor, one of the few who predicted the 2008 financial crash, is the author of a new book “The Global Casino”. She has a lot to say about the Mandelson scandal, the financial systems that control our lives and what governments need to do to challenge the global billionaires who speculate with our money every day.Plus - move over Barbenheimer, Nish and Coco give their take on two premieres: The Moment and Melania.CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS  SHOPIFYhttps://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk AURA FRAMEShttps://www.auraframes.com Code: PSTUKGUEST Ann Pettifor, economist and author of ‘The Global Casino'USEFUL LINKSNish Tour Ticketshttps://www.nishkumar.co.uk/gigs/The Global Casino: How Wall Street Gambles with People and the Planethttps://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3258-the-global-casinoCREDITSKeir Starmer MP / Parliament TVLord Mandelson / ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg' BBC OneMelania Trailer Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Get in touch - contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukLike and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUKInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukX: https://x.com/podsavetheuk

Keir Starmer's days as prime minister are numbered, Labour MPs have warned, after a week of fury over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. While several MPs have said the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, should take responsibility and resign, the mood surrounding No 10 has seemed ‘terminal', said an MP from the 2024 intake. Lucy Hough talks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

James Heale, Tim Shipman and Oscar Edmondson discuss the continuing fallout over the Mandelson scandal. The mood amongst Labour MPs is pretty dire – following a bruising PMQs and a government climbdown over the release of Mandelson's vetting files – but is it bad enough for Labour MPs to challenge Starmer? And could his chief of staff – and close Mandelson ally – Morgan McSweeney be in the firing line? How long ago the decision to block Andy Burnham seems now...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.

“I'm Mandy – buy me.” Peter Mandelson's career finally collapses in a scandal more poisonous than Profumo, more serious than Partygate, and more shameful than Suez. How did Mandelson get away with his shifty behaviour for so long? Will Starmer's errors of judgment taint his government irrevocably? And how come it's on British figures like Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor who are suffering the consequences of their associations with Epstein?  ESCAPE ROUTES • Raf recommends the app DJay Pro for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android. • Ros went to see the National Theatre production of Terence Rattigan's Man And Boy.  • Jonn is watching A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, the Game of Thrones spin-off, on Sky Atlantic.  • Andrew recommends the Marvel series Wonder Man on Disney+.  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Jonn Elledge, Ros Taylor and Rafael Behr. Audio Production by Robin Leeburn and Tom Taylor. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can watch this episode of Planet Normal on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wh42OqWtzDAAs the Prime Minister vows to release the ‘Mandelson Files' pressure on who knew what, and when is mounting on Labour. Repeat stowaway former head of Mi6 Sir Richard Dearlove is on hand to give his expert analysis on the unfolding situation.Allison is disgusted by the continuing scandal of Peter Mandelson and is in disbelief that Starmer et al. thought he would ever be a suitable candidate as Ambassador to the United States.Liam thinks this scandal will change the political landscape as deeply as the expenses scandal did; in making the public scrutinise the political class even closer.Book your tickets for Planet Normal: LIVE on the 24th February: telegraph.co.uk/planetnormallive |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 ‘When I met Peter Mandelson, I knew straight away he was rotten' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/03/i-knew-peter-mandelson-was-rotten/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘The US dollar is down but not out': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/02/01/the-us-dollar-is-down-but-not-out/ |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.

On this week of The Bugle, Andy is joined by Anuvab Pal and Sara Barron, as they navigate through the week's biggest and strangest stories, from Melania Trump's movie release, the new Springsteen number, Starmer's trip to China and a potentially habitable new planet has been discovered 146 light-years away – but it may be -70C

Today, MPs voted to release documents about Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador following a six-hour long debate. Adam and Chris unpack how Keir Starmer spoke about Mandelson at Prime Minister's Questions, Kemi Badenoch's line of questioning about who knew what when and the volume of questions swirling about the Prime Minister's judgement. Plus, Laura has been following Reform UK for a new documentary. She chats about what she learned about the party's track record in local government so far and new revelations from leader Nigel Farage. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The social producers were Sophie Millward and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Another impressive PMQs from Kemi Badenoch – but she had plenty of ammunition to deploy after the Peter Mandelson scandal took a bleaker turn this week.The Prime Minister clearly wanted to make a strong statement in his first answer to Kemi Badenoch, saying that ‘Mandelson betrayed our country, our parliament and my party'. He added: ‘He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him.' He then listed the actions he had taken to strip Mandelson of his title, remove him from the Privy Council, and refer material to the Metropolitan Police.The whole thing exposed Starmer's biggest weaknesses: his over-reliance on process and his inability to consider how the public see him. There is a lot of support for a full public inquiry, which seems more fitting to the magnitude of this scandal. As the evidence piles in and the scandal rumbles on, is this the beginning of the end for the prime minister – or are we even further along than that?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973

Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg details Starmer's unpopularity and lack of economic agenda, noting potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party from rivals like Burnham and Streeting.1808 GREST HSLL BSNK OF ENGLAND

Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg warns that revelations linking Peter Mandelson to Epstein reinforce narratives of elitism, damaging Starmer's already unpopular Labour government among working-class voters.1859 CHARLES II

SHOW SCHEDULE 2-3-20261882 CONSTANTINOPLE Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek discusses Trump's nomination of hawk Kevin Warsh for Federal ReserveChairman, noting the immediate drop in precious metals and potential monetary policy shifts. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek predicts Democrats will take the House in midterms, forcing Trump to rely on executive actions and non-traditional voter turnout to maintain his agenda. Guest: Judy Dempsey. Dempsey analyzes the stalemated Ukraine conflict, noting European refusal to accept Russian victory, while discussing rising tensions and internal political divisions within Iran. Guest: Judy Dempsey. Amidst the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, Dempsey explains how economic struggles and Brexit regrets are driving the Labour Party to consider re-engaging with the European Union. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg details Starmer's unpopularity and lack of economic agenda, noting potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party from rivals like Burnham and Streeting. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg warns that revelations linking Peter Mandelson to Epstein reinforce narratives of elitism, damaging Starmer's already unpopular Labour government among working-class voters. Guest: David Shedd. Shedd discusses the conviction of a Google engineer for stealing AI secrets, illustrating corporate naivety regarding China's state-mandated espionage and intelligence gathering operations. Guest: David Shedd. Shedd warns against selling advanced chips to China, describing Beijing's "capture, cage, and kill" economic strategy and criticizing the U.S. administration's transactional approach. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel argues U.S. talks with Iran are dangerous, as Tehran uses negotiations to stall while maintaining brutality and nuclear ambitions amidst regional military buildup. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel discusses the futility of appeasing Putin regarding Ukrainian territory and the need for security plans to support Venezuela's opposition against the Maduro regime. Guest: David Albright. Albright warns of "loose nukes" and dangerous materials in Iran, urging planning for a "day after" scenario to secure nuclear assets during potential regime instability. Guest: David Albright. Albright emphasizes the need for a coalition-led inspection and removal regime to secure Iranian nuclear materials and protect scientists if the government collapses. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley analyzes new talks involving Turkey and the UAE, noting U.S. reluctance to support Iranian civil society leaves the clerical regime breathing room despite weakness. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley observes Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure to pressure the public, noting that despite Western support, Moscow retains the upper hand while demanding territorial concessions. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley details a civil war within the CCP as Xi Jinping purges military leaders, risking regime collapse while Western leaders ignore China's economic hollowing. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley discusses the Epstein scandal involving Lord Mandelson and Prince Andrew, suggesting King Charles is distancing the monarchy from these revelations to protect the institution.

This program was broadcast on Friday January 30, 2025. Here are the main stories… – Starmer in China – The truth about Iran 'protestor casualties' – USN Carrier Group move to Persian Gulf – The collapse of US dollar, Gold as new reserve currency – UK Politics, UBI, and AI in government – A new "British FBI" police force Co-hosts Patrick Henningsen and Brian Gerrish are joined by guest Basil Valentine. Watch this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz_1oYh-Sco  SUPPORT OUR 21WIRE FUNDRAISING DRIVE – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV VISIT OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL

As Keir Starmer's visit to China draws to a close, Sam Olsen – who runs the States of Play substack – and Times columnist Cindy Yu join Patrick Gibbons to discuss how the UK should manage its relationship with China. Starmer's visit has drawn criticism from various China hawks – and from President Trump – but is there a way for the UK to balance legitimate security concerns with the need to trade with the world's second largest economic power? Plus, to what extent to the British public care about these geopolitical concerns? Cindy and Sam explain why is it important for policymakers to explain how these trips link back to domestic issues – and Cindy name checks James Cleverly as she highlights the importance of consistency amongst the political class.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Keir Starmer's visit to China draws to a close, Sam Olsen – who runs the States of Play substack – and Times columnist Cindy Yu join Patrick Gibbons to discuss how the UK should manage its relationship with China. Starmer's visit has drawn criticism from various China hawks – and from President Trump – but is there a way for the UK to balance legitimate security concerns with the need to trade with the world's second largest economic power? Plus, to what extent to the British public care about these geopolitical concerns? Cindy and Sam explain why is it important for policymakers to explain how these trips link back to domestic issues – and Cindy name checks James Cleverly as she highlights the importance of consistency amongst the political class.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is in China this week, marking the first time a British prime minister has visited the country in eight years. UK–China ties have been under strain since Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong and amid allegations of Chinese spying in Britain. Also, understanding the partial return of internet access in Iran. And, a look at US and Israeli pressure on the ICC. Plus, the northern Finnish port city of Oulu becomes one of two European Capitals of Culture in 2026. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Today, Keir Starmer continues his reset trip to China.Adam and Alex are joined by James Landale and Sarah Montague to discuss the geopolitical significance of the Prime Minister's visit to China plus what's actually been agreed for British businesses. Plus, is President Trump preparing another strike on Iran?And, Andy Burnham has spoken out about the briefing culture in Westminster. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade. The social producer was Joe WIlkinson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

In his column this week, Tim Shipman has finally hit upon an answer to the age-old question: what is Starmerism? After a concerted effort from his team to tie the Prime Minister down to a definitive ‘-ism', he has delivered a threefold structure: firstly, the contestable claim that Labour has achieved macroeconomic stability by clinging grimly to the Chancellor's fiscal rules, which will mean interest rates and inflation fall; secondly, Starmer will say Britain needs an ‘active government' to intervene directly in retail offers; and finally, the PM will seek to tie together domestic and international policy by arguing that Britain needs ‘an active and engaged government abroad' if it is to control the cost of living at home.But is this the sort of thing that can secure his position? The rumour swirling around Westminster is that Streeting has up to 200 supporters waiting in the wings, and a straight fight between him and Angela Rayner is the most likely scenario given a poor local elections result.Tim Shipman and James Heale discuss.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.

Starmer slaps down Andy Burnham's bid to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election: bad move for Labour, bad timing from Burnham, or another distraction we don't need? Plus, who's bringing the best self to the overladen Reform bandwagon: twice-sacked Home Sec and Creature Comforts creation Suella Braverman, or race-baiting former academic Matt Goodwin? Special guest, media analysts Ayala Panievsky, takes us through the populist assault on the right to know, and her book The New Censorship: How the War on the Media is Taking Us Down. And in the Extra Bit: Who's feeling the “middle class spending crisis?” •  Buy The New Censorship by Ayala Panievsky through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. ESCAPE ROUTES •  HANNAH has been reading Eurotrash by Christian Kracht •  MATT recommends the Tourette's movie I Swear •  AYALA PANIEVSKY has been going to Iranian and Persian raves in Hackney like this one •  ANDREW has rediscovered the (mostly) pre-Trump nostalgia of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix.   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn and Matt Green. Audio Production by: Robin Leeburn. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

00:00 Intro00:57 No Major Deals for UK After Starmer–Xi Meeting03:26 CCP Agents Threaten Terror in UK Over Shen Yun04:37 US Bolsters Sub Fleet as China–Taiwan Tensions Rise07:53 Rubio Announces Start of US–Denmark–Greenland Talks08:44 Linda Sun's Second Trial Pushed to January 202709:24 Senate Probes Cybercom Readiness Amid China Threat12:42 Democratic, GOP Senators Praise Trump's Action in Venezuela15:13 Moolenaar: Nvidia Helped Improve China's DeepSeek AI16:15 Canada Opens Door to Chinese Electric Vehicles | Analysis

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called his China visit "historic", highlighting dialogue and cooperation at the UK–China Business Forum in Beijing.

Simon Constable faults Prime Minister Starmer's lack of leadership, criticizing the British leader's failure to articulate vision or direction as the United Kingdom drifts through economic and political uncertainty.1849 MONET

From the BBC World Service: U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the latest political leader to visit China for trade talks. Chinese President Xi Jinping told Starmer that Beijing is ready to develop a long-term strategic partnership. Since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on most imports, countries around the world have been scrambling to sign new trade deals. Plus, as South Africa has been grappling with 30% U.S. tariffs, farmers there are also looking to China.

Keir Starmer jets off to Beijing, leaving Westminster - once again - bubbling with rumours about his future. The King of the North might be off the cards, but Angela Rayner and even Ed Miliband are eyeing up the top spot. Reform thinks GB News Presenter and right-wing activist Matt Goodwin is the right man to be their MP candidate in Gorton and Denton - if only he can shelve his disdain for Manchester… Nish and Coco chew it all over with political journalist Zoë Grünewald.Away from the psychodrama, controversial plans to overhaul special educational needs education in England risk children's legal rights to cut costs. Campaigners Rachel Filmer and Carrie Grant share their concerns with Coco.And surveillance firm Palantir is using medical records to target people for ICE in the US - could the UK be next?This podcast has been edited to remove a story about Matt Goodwin after he clarified the context of his comments about Manchester. We regret the error.CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS SHOPIFYhttps://www.shopify.co.uk/podsavetheuk GUESTS Zoë Grünewald, journalist, broadcaster and political commentatorDr Carrie Grant MBE, TV presenter and voice coachRachel Filmer, SEND campaignerUSEFUL LINKSSave Our Children's Rights Campaignhttps://www.saveourchildrensrights.org.uk/Stop Palantir in the NHShttps://goodlawproject.org/campaign/stop-palantir-in-the-nhsCREDITSKeir Starmer / TikTokPod Save America / XGood Law Project / InstagramSky News / YouTubeUKLabour / XPod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Get in touch - contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukLike and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUKInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukX: https://x.com/podsavetheuk

The British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says "good progress" was made in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping of China. Our China correspondent will give us her assessment. Also on the programme: as President Trump steps up the rhetoric on Iran, what could happen if the US strikes it? And the musical director who stood in for Puccini's challenging Turandot when the star tenor suddenly fell ill. (Photo: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shakes hands with President Xi Jinping of China ahead of a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during his visit to China. Credit: PA)

From the BBC World Service: U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the latest political leader to visit China for trade talks. Chinese President Xi Jinping told Starmer that Beijing is ready to develop a long-term strategic partnership. Since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on most imports, countries around the world have been scrambling to sign new trade deals. Plus, as South Africa has been grappling with 30% U.S. tariffs, farmers there are also looking to China.

Part 1: UK-based political bettors William Kedjanyi, Paul Krishnamurty, and Pip Moss debate how long  Starmer can last as prime minister. Part 2: Chougule announces Polymarket sponsorship of DC Forecasting and Prediction Markets meetup. Timestamps 0:00: Chougule introduces UK segment 0:39: Polymarket markets on UK politics 1:35: Intro ends 3:36: UK segment begins 6:02: What has gone wrong for Starmer? 11:10: Starmer's communication problem 11:31: Perceptions of Starmer as a liar 11:41: Starmer is hated 17:40: Free speech 24:36: Market odds on Starmer's departure 25:23: Policy challenges 26:46: Housing 28:10: Local elections 32:50: Policy decisions 37:12: Immigration 39:30: Process After May Elections 42:14: May election odds 52:27: How Labour would remove Starmer 54:29: Blair-Brown rivalry 56:06: Trade unions 56:26: Soft left faction 1:05:52: Starmer U-turns 1:07:51: Challengers to Starmers 1:09:15: Reaction to Labour losses in May elections 1:12:30: UK segment ends 1:12:45: DC Forecasting and Prediction Markets Meetup Follow Star Spangled Gamblers on Twitter/X @ssgamblers  Bet on UK politics at Polymarket.com, the world's largest prediction market. The next DC Forecasting & Prediction Markets Meetup will be on Thursday, January 29 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at The Flying Mexican in Washington DC. ​ All 2026 DC meetups are sponsored by Polymarket! ​ Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market, allowing you to stay informed on future events across various topics. Polymarket's markets reflect accurate, unbiased, and real-time probabilities for the events that matter most to you. Markets seek truth. Learn more at Polymarket.com. ​ Thanks to Polymarket, food and drinks will be provided to all attendees of this month's meetup. Open to all ages. ​ Last-minute/onsite walk-in RSVPs here on this Luma event page are welcomed! https://luma.com/dld19288?tk=XIracE ​ Who are we? We are prediction market traders on prediction markets like Polymarket, Manifold, PredictIt, and Kalshi, forecasters (e.g. on Metaculus and Good Judgment Open), sports bettors (e.g. on FanDuel, DraftKings, and other sportsbooks), consumers of forecasting (or related) content (e.g. Star Spangled Gamblers, Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin, Scott Alexander's Astral Codex Ten), effective altruists, rationalists, futurists, and data scientists. ​ This meetup is hosted by the Forecasting Meetup Network. Get notified whenever a new meetup is scheduled and learn more about the Forecasting Meetup Network here: https://bit.ly/forecastingmeetupnetwork ​ Join our Discord to connect with others in the community between monthly meetups: https://discord.com/invite/hFn3yukSwv

Keir Starmer held talks with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week and proclaimed Britain should have a more ‘sophisticated' relationship with China. Pippa Crerar, who was with the prime minister on the trip, tells Kiran Stacey what all this means. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Listen to Daily Global #News from Grecian Echoes WNTN 1550 AM - Trump weighs Iran strikes to inspire renewed protests -Starmer and Xi have strategic trade agreement - ICE officers in Minnesota directed not to interact with 'agitators' - Meta shines while MSFT stumbles & Tesla moves to robots

What links Japan's new prime minister with Liz Truss and Margaret Thatcher? Can Keir Starmer balance relations with Beijing without jeopardising ties to Washington? And why are Steph and Robert so worried about the future of hairdressing? Steph and Robert assess the $7 trillion upheaval in Japan's bond market and discuss the risks and rewards of Starmer's visit to China. They also examine the UK's most overtaxed high-street industry, asking why hairdressers are being hit harder than anyone else - and whether rising business rates could wipe out apprenticeships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Europeans have been sharply critical of President Trump for his insistence that U.S. security requires actual ownership of Greenland. Formerly Great Britain is, however, giving everyone an object lesson on why that's so. The UK's hard-left Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently in Beijing negotiating a new “strategic partnership” with Communist China. Simultaneously, he's seeking parliamentary approval to surrender British sovereignty over – and, inevitably, U.S. use of – Diego Garcia, a strategically vital base in the Indian Ocean.  The Chinese would be the principal beneficiary of such a betrayal, and probably ultimately the inheritors of that base, as they were Afghanistan's Bagram. The President has rightly called Starmer's sellout on Diego Garcia an act of “great stupidity.” He must now inform the Brits that the United States formally rejects the deal and will take ownership of the island if they relinquish it.  This is Frank Gaffney.

It's been a whirlwind start to the year. In just three weeks, tensions between Donald Trump and Iran have escalated, the U.S. captured Venezuela's President Maduro, while British politics has been rocked by defections and leadership challenges. And we're still only in January. To help cut through the chaos, we're taking a moment to answer your biggest questions about what's been happening.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Manveen Rana & Luke JonesProducer: Sophie McNultyFurther listening:Everything you need to know about the Iran protestsHas ICE become the US president's ‘private army'?Starmer v the ‘King of the North' - who really won?Photo: Getty Images.This 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.

The Prime Minister gathers the nation's Premiers in Ottawa for crucial talks on U.S. tariffs, interprovincial trade, and tensions over Canadian separatism.Also: Ottawa's push to change the country's divorce laws, and why children may get a bigger voice.And: Getting canned. How consumer habits are putting the squeeze on frozen concentrate juice in Canada.Plus: Pierre Poilievre's big leadership test, U.S. Border Czar in Minneapolis, U.K.'s Starmer in China, E.U. designates Iranian Revolutionary Guard as terrorist entity, and more.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on warming relations between China and the UK as Britain's prime minister visits Beijing.

Keir Starmer is in Beijing meeting Xi Jinping, as Britain looks to reset ties with China. Is this a glimpse of a new world order - one where America's traditional allies start to look elsewhere? For some, it's an inevitable response to the breakdown of the US-led order that could usher in a more balanced world that reflects growing power outside of the West. For others, it's a dangerous shift accelerated by President Trump, that increases the risk of great-power war.To discuss, I'm joined by Robert Kagan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and Washington foreign-policy insider whose ideas have shaped US strategy for decades, author and scholar Amitav Acharya, who has long criticised the US-led world order, and Nathalie Tocc, professor of practice at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Europe, and a senior fellow at Bocconi University's Institute for European Policymaking.

Mary Kissel on Starmer giving away the Chagos Islands to no discernible purpose, surrendering strategic Britishterritory in the Indian Ocean without extracting meaningful concessions or advancing national interests.1942 NYC STORK CLUB

Keir Starmer has landed in China to meet Xi Jinping, in the first trip to the country by a British prime minister in eight years. But Starmer is facing myriad issues, including pressure to try to secure the release of Jimmy Lai, the jailed former media tycoon and one of Hong Kong's most significant pro-democracy voices, as well as raising other human rights concerns. On top of that he has the difficult task of trying to boost trade with China without triggering the fury of Donald Trump. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's political editor, Pippa Crerar, who joins from Beijing – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

You can watch this episode of Planet Normal on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4f7eZbkA91QIt's been a week of defections, rejections and tantrums in the world of politics, and your co pilots are here to wade through the madness. After the Telegraph published an article outlining the role Starmer took in prosecuting soldiers your co-pilots speak to General Sir Peter Wall to delve deeper into the scandal.Allison thinks Starmer ‘isn't for Britain' and his human right activism undermines the important role the British Army plays in the defence of our Country.Liam thinks as China starts to overtake the US economically the West will have to deal with them, but at what cost will this be to British business and values?Planet Normal Live! You can purchase your ticket here: telegraph.co.uk/planetnormalliveSign 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 ‘Suella Braverman has been vilified for telling the truth' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/27/suella-braverman-has-been-vilified-for-telling-the-truth/ |Read Allison ‘Never again' feels like an increasingly hollow promise': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/28/holocaust-survivors-anti-semitism/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ | Read Liam ‘Peace may be coming but Ukraine has changed the world forever': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/01/25/peace-may-be-coming-but-ukraine-changed-the-world-forever/ |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.

To hear this week's podcast in full, search 'Quite right!' wherever you are listening now. This week: Michael and Maddie ask whether Keir Starmer's grip on the Labour party is beginning to slip. After the party machine moved to block Andy Burnham from returning to Westminster, is Starmer governing from a position of strength – or fear? Does the decision expose a deeper crisis of authority at the top of the Labour party, and are we entering the early stages of a succession battle over who comes next?Then: Suella Braverman's long-anticipated defection to Reform UK. Was her exit inevitable, and what does it mean for the balance of forces on the right? As Reform continues to lure Conservative figures across, is it consolidating as a serious insurgent party – or accelerating a destructive fragmentation that could leave the Conservative party locked out of power for a generation?Produced by Oscar Edmondson.To submit your urgent questions to Michael and Maddie, visit spectator.co.uk/quiteright. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

preview for later. Guest: Mary Kissel, former Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State Summary: Kissel critiques Prime Minister Starmer's plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, arguing the nation is heavily influenced by China. She highlights President Trump's opposition to the deal, emphasizing that the U.S. requires the Diego Garcia military base to project power across the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific.1901 OLD HOUSE

Today, the chancellor has announced a package of support for pubs and music venues after the government was forced to U-turn on their plans to bump up business rates. BBC Business editor Simon Jack joins Adam to explain the measures, whilst political correspondent Joe Pike drops by to unpack the government's other big announcement of the day - capping ground rents at £250 a year for leaseholders.Plus, the PM is on his way to Beijing. Ahead of his visit, Starmer said the UK cannot afford to ignore the economic opportunities presented by working with China. His visit comes after one of the country's top generals was purged by the government. Our China correspondent Laura Bicker gives Adam a rundown of what to expect.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 producers were Dave O'Neill and. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The prime minister may have seen off the challenge for the moment – but what will be the cost to his leadership? Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer lands in China tonight as he becomes the first British Prime Minister to visit since Theresa May in 2018. Sam Hogg from the Oxford China Policy Lab and James Heale join Patrick Gibbons to assess the UK-China relationship right now, what Labour is hoping to get from the visit and whether there are risks for Starmer as well as rewards. Is the tight rope Starmer is walking between the UK & China a sign of weakness, or an extension of a pragmatic 'Starmerite' foreign policy?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.