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We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2019: Navigating the roadblocks into Britain gets ever more difficult and expensive, as government hostility leaks into every transaction. By Maya Goodfellow. Read by Lucy Scott. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
Labour has overtaken Reform UK this week for the first time since March last year, according to polls. The ‘Burnham bounce' comes two weeks into Andy Burnham's tenure in No 10, during which he has made major announcements on the cost of living and localised education to reduce youth unemployment, and an announcement on social care is expected soon. Is this a turning point for the beleaguered Labour government – or simply a honeymoon for the new PM? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker. Watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
In the wake of the new PM's bold pledge, Helen Pidd heads to a village for homeless people in Greater Manchester, where the former mayor first promised to take action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The investigative journalist Lucas Amin reports on how the tech company Palantir won a £330m contract with the NHS … and what happened once its software was introduced. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Millionaires including former footballer Gary Lineker are asking Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more. More than 100 wealthy Brits have signed an open letter to the prime minister, saying: ‘We want you to tax us. We can afford it.' So should the government introduce a wealth tax? And why is the idea getting more popular? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to columnist and senior economics commentator Aditya Chakrabortty – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Senior political correspondent Peter Walker and former No 10 press secretary Paul Harrison analyse Andy Burnham's first day as PM. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Senior political correspondent Peter Walker and former No 10 press secretary Paul Harrison analyse Andy Burnham's first day as PM
Andy Burnham has become the sixth UK prime minister in a decade after a transfer of power from his predecessor Keir Starmer. In his first address outside Downing Street, he said his arrival in power would be a ‘circuit breaker' moment for Britain and that his government would bring the ‘biggest changes in 40 years'. Lucy Hough speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Tim Burrows goes back to Epping in Essex one year after protesters from across the country descended on the small town to demonstrate against asylum seekers being housed at the Bell hotel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The new prime minister has promised a ‘circuit breaker' moment for the country, as he becomes the UK's seventh leader since 2016. But will he be able to make the changes that are desperately needed? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how he will try to do things differently and who will be helping him in the cabinet. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
England have again suffered World Cup heartache, conceding two late goals that gave Argentina a dramatic 2-1 comeback win and a place in the final against Spain on Sunday. Many have blamed manager Thomas Tuchel's substitution decisions for the defeat. So did his tactics ultimately backfire? Annie Kelly speaks to sports columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Today in Focus hears from friends, colleagues and mentors of Andy Burnham to find out more about the man soon to be prime minister. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Andy Burnham will become prime minister of the UK on Monday. But he has yet to reveal any cabinet picks, and rumours suggest he still hasn't chosen a chancellor. What do we actually know about his plans for governing? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey chat about the new PM's options and the likely issues on the top of his in-tray. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds face an overnight social media curfew in an extension of the government's social media ban for under-16s. Under the plan, aimed at reducing online harms, certain apps would be blocked by default from midnight to 6am. But the curfew will not be mandatory and teenagers can opt out, so will it achieve anything? Annie Kelly speaks to social affairs correspondent Jessica Murray – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Sperm counts are in decline worldwide, and testosterone levels are said to be plunging, but male infertility still carries a stigma. Prof Michael Carroll on what every man should know. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, in light of ‘new information and evidence'. A 28-year old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
After Ann Widdecombe's murder, Reform UK has criticised the Commons speaker, Lindsay Hoyle and suggested its MPs are not given enough security. Pippa Crerar tells Kiran Stacey what Hoyle's team have been telling her. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Political correspondent Ben Quinn talks about the forthcoming byelection in Clacton after all Reform's serious rivals declined to take part. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour's slow response in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In an exclusive interview with Pippa Crerar, he says that more pressure should be put on the Israeli government, including a ban on trade in goods with illegal settlements. Burnham also says that there is increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed, but that international courts must determine this, not politicians. Plus Pippa and Kiran discuss the fallout from Nigel Farage's shock resignation on Tuesday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as the MP for Clacton, triggering a byelection in which he intends to stand as a candidate. The Reform UK leader is under scrutiny over his finances, with two investigations by the parliamentary standards watchdog over undeclared gifts. During a 15-minute press conference, he accused the media of a ‘pile-on' over his personal finances, and harassment of his family. He said his decision was part of ‘sticking two fingers up at the establishment' and would prove the public want him to stay on as an MP. Lucy Hough speaks to policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
As Nigel Farage awaits the findings of a standards watchdog investigation into a £5m gift he received from the cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, fresh allegations about his finances have emerged related to benefits received from the crypto entrepreneur George Cottrell, who has previously been convicted of fraud. The Reform UK leader says he is the victim of an ‘establishment hit job' and that he has ‘done no wrongdoing'. Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Nigel Farage claimed he was the victim of an ‘establishment hit job' after it was revealed he accepted money from his friend, the convicted felon George Cottrell. The parliamentary standards commissioner is currently investigating whether Farage broke the rules previously, in relation to an undisclosed gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage has always said the money was for personal use, and denied breaking any rules. But where does this leave him and the future of Reform UK?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
The NHS will divert billions of pounds from essential services to pay for new medicines, under the terms of the US-UK trade deal agreed in December, which could lead to more than 200,000 excess deaths, analysis has found. Ministers have defended the deal as a way of helping British drug exports avoid US tariffs and giving patients access to vital medication, but critics accuse the Labour party of caving into pressure from Donald Trump. Lucy Hough speaks to columnist Aditya Chakrabortty – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The community leader and mother of two Annabel Rook was murdered by her partner. Annie Kelly talks to Annabel's best friend and parents after the conclusion of the trial. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Keir Starmer has been accused of leaving Andy Burnham with a £4.7bn black hole in defence funding. The government announced on Tuesday the defence investment plan, complete with a £15bn boost – but nearly £5bn would have to be found by a future chancellor. Allies of Burnham have called the announcement an ‘unexploded bomb', so what options does the PM-in-waiting have? Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot discuss the political fallout. Plus Kiran and Jess answer your questions on Labour, No 10 North and Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Andy Burnham has set out his economic plans for Britain. Neal Lawson, from the Burnham-aligned group Mainstream, explains the thinking behind it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The number of young people in the UK not in work, education or training is spiralling. How much damage could it do to their long-term prospects – and the country? Sammy Gecsoyler reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The prime minister has unveiled his long-delayed defence investment plan, promising an extra £15bn in defence spending over the next four years. The funding, which will be spent on drones, nuclear projects and RAF fighter jets, has been made available through cuts to energy, transport and housing projects. Keir Starmer urged his likely successor, the Labour MP Andy Burnham, not to borrow more money to pay for it. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why are so many luxury homes in London lying empty? Sam Wollaston reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Andy Burnham has set out his vision for the UK in his first big policy speech since launching a bid to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. The Makerfield MP confirmed he would set up ‘No 10 North' and pledged to ‘bring about the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen'. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's north of England editor, Josh Halliday – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Andy Burnham, the prime minister-in-waiting, has made his first major speech since becoming the MP for Makerfield. Speaking in Manchester, he said the Westminster system was ‘broken' and that a ‘more of the same' attitude would not work. He promised a ‘No 10 North' as part of his proposals for devolution, the biggest council housebuilding programme since the post-war period, and ‘good growth in every postcode'. Pippa and Kiran look at what the speech tells us about Burnham's ambitions for the economy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
King Charles has become the first monarch in modern times to reveal how much tax he pays on his private income: £24.6m over the last two years. The move comes after years of calls for the monarch to be more open with the public about the royal finances. Some are heralding this as a new era of transparency – but just how open has the revelation been? Lucy Hough speaks to our European financial affairs editor, Juliette Garside – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
When the academic Sarah Steele was assaulted in England, she had no idea her case would end up in front of a US military court. Harry Davies explains why military judges and juries are ruling on crimes committed in the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
This week marked 10 years since the UK chose to leave the EU. In a series of interviews with key players from both sides, Kiran Stacey looks back on the Brexit vote that changed the country forever. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
As Andy Burnham looks set to go unchallenged in his leadership bid, Labour MPs are now jostling for a position in his cabinet. Who will have his ear, and what does that tell us about his leadership?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
A shocking report into the biggest ever maternity care scandal in the NHS has revealed more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed as a result of inadequate care in Nottingham. The review, led by the senior midwife Donna Ockenden, found there had been a dismissive attitude to women's concerns, failures in maternity care, staff shortages, a toxic culture and racism at Nottingham University hospitals NHS trust. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's UK health and inequalities correspondent Tobi Thomas – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The situation in the United Kingdom continues to degrade as mass immigration takes its toll on the country. The ruling class can only become more tyrannical in the hopes of quelling the tensions that its immigration policy has caused. Even this effort has been of little help as Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation to the unpopular nature of his leadership. U.K. commentor News Fist joins me to discuss whether a political solution remains for the British. Check out News Fist: https://www.youtube.com/@news_fist Follow on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-auron-macintyre-show/id1657770114 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S6z4LBs8Fi7COupy7YYuM?si=4d9662cb34d148af Substack: https://auronmacintyre.substack.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuronMacintyre Gab: https://gab.com/AuronMacIntyre YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/AuronMacIntyre Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-390155 Odysee: https://odysee.com/@AuronMacIntyre:f Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auronmacintyre/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Europe is dealing with a debilitating heatwave, with schools closed, trains cancelled and France holding an emergency meeting after heat-related deaths. António Guterres, the UN secretary general, is urging the world to act on fossil fuels as the continent braces for record-breaking heat. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The UK has lost its sixth prime minister in a decade. How did Keir Starmer go from landslide victory to resigning in two years?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Met Office forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for England, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C (104F) in some places. Europe is also dealing with a debilitating heatwave, with schools closed, trains cancelled and France even restricting the consumption of alcohol outdoors to take pressure off the emergency services. The high temperatures coincide with the coming El Niño, which some scientists have nicknamed Godzilla for its predicted strength. To find out whether the two are linked, Ian Sample hears from our Europe climate correspondent, Ajit Niranjan. He explains why it's so hot, why we could be in for even worse and how we can keep as cool as possible. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
Guardian news editor David Batty spent years longing to meet his birth mother. But his reunion with the woman who had been forced to give him up was far from the fairytale he had imagined. He explains why the legacy of forced adoption continues to cast such a long shadow. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following Andy Burnham's byelection victory in Makerfield. Wes Streeting has ruled himself out of the running, so will it be a coronation for the ‘king of the north' or could another candidate emerge? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
An emotional Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister and Labour leader on Monday morning, less than two years after he won a huge majority at the general election. The question now is who will replace him: will Andy Burnham sweep into No 10 uncontested? And can he make a difference where Starmer failed?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
STARMER GONE! BURNHAM CORONATION ? GENERAL ELECTION NOW! #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #Live #KeirStarmer #AndyBurnham #LabourLeadership #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #ReformUK #NigelFarage Keir Starmer has gone. But does that mean the British people should simply accept Andy Burnham being handed the keys to Number 10? Jon Gaunt asks the question many voters are already asking: where is the democracy in all of this? Millions voted in a General Election based on Labour's manifesto and Keir Starmer's promises. If Labour now chooses a new leader with a completely different agenda, should the country simply accept it? Should Andy Burnham automatically become Prime Minister without a public vote? Or is it time for a fresh General Election so the British people can decide who governs the country? We'll discuss: ✅ Starmer's departure ✅ The prospect of a Burnham leadership ✅ Whether Labour still has a mandate ✅ Reform UK's chances ✅ Nigel Farage's next move ✅ The future of Britain Join Jon Gaunt and tell us what YOU think. Should Britain get a General Election NOW? Jon Gaunt, JonGauntTV, Live, Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, Labour Party, Labour Leadership, General Election, UK Politics, Reform UK, Nigel Farage, Prime Minister, British Politics, Democracy, Westminster, Political Commentary, Starmer Resignation, Burnham Coronation, UK News, Live Debate #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #Live #KeirStarmer #AndyBurnham #LabourParty #LabourLeadership #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #ReformUK #NigelFarage #PrimeMinister #BritishPolitics #Democracy #Westminster #PoliticalCommentary #StarmerResignation #BurnhamCoronation #UKNews #LiveDebate This is political blogging and hard-hitting social commentary from Triple Sony Gold Award-winning talk radio legend, Jon Gaunt — former host on BBC, Talk Radio, and Sky News. On Jon Gaunt TV, we cut through the noise and say what others won't. No political correctness. No censorship. Just real conversations that matter.
Andy Burnham's resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping UK politics – live updates Andy Burnham wins by huge majority. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Keir Starmer has called the firing of warning shots by a Russian warship at a British yacht sailing across the Channel on Tuesday ‘deeply concerning and reckless'. Russia's defence ministry said the yacht was on a ‘dangerous course' and several attempts were made to contact it – a claim disputed by the retired couple onboard the 40ft yacht. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Governments around the world want to keep under-16s off YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Australia has introduced a ban and now the UK is doing the same. Stephen Byrne and Chris Stokel-Walker report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Helen Pidd goes to Makerfield where the Labour candidate and would-be prime minister Andy Burnham faces Reform UK in a crucial byelection. With reporting from Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman on the anti-immigrant rioting in Northern Ireland and the residents afraid for their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
John Healey has resigned as defence secretary over the government's military spending plans, in another significant blow for Keir Starmer. In a scathing letter to the prime minister, Healey said the long-awaited defence investment plan “falls well short of what is required for defence” and that he would have had to take decisions that “could make Britain less safe”. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's policy editor, Kiran Stacey Healey quits in row with Starmer over military spending. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus