Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
Labour loses its way on benefits reform – Politics Weekly UK
After months of speculation, the government will soon lay out plans to change the benefits system. Keir Starmer argues that the current system is ‘the worst of all worlds’. But with deep cuts to disability payments on the table, could the changes come at the expense of the most vulnerable?…
Ed Miliband on net zero in the age of Trump – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are joined by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, to discuss Labour’s plans to tackle the climate crisis, the third runway at Heathrow and how secure the path to a greener future looks in the age of Trump. Plus, are cuts to…
Is Trump’s America still an ally to the UK? – Politics Weekly UK
The news that the US had suspended military aid to Ukraine stunned world leaders and led to a rapid reassessment of how much we can really rely on our American ally. Is this the end of the western alliance? John Harris asks our diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, as the…
Will Starmer’s peace plan work after the Trump-Zelenskyy clash? – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey reflect on the momentous events of the last few days, after the jaw-dropping exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Keir Starmer takes on a pivotal role in lowering the temperature between the US and Ukraine, will his plan for a ‘coalition of the…
Special episode: Inside the room when Starmer met Trump – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey have a behind-the-scenes look at Keir Starmer’s trip to meet Donald Trump at the White House, after Pippa travelled with the prime minister to Washington DC. So, how was Starmer’s charm offensive received by the president? And has the trip moved the dial on Ukraine…
On the road in south Wales: why is Reform UK on the rise?
This week, Politics Weekly UK is on the road in south-east Wales, hearing from those in traditional Labour heartlands. But with people increasingly frustrated that public services are crumbling and that nothing seems to change, Nigel Farage’s party fancies its chances at next year’s Senedd elections. John Harris asks why…
Can Starmer stop Trump’s Ukraine sell-out? – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to a pivotal week of diplomacy for Keir Starmer as he prepares to visit the White House. With Donald Trump’s hostility towards Kyiv looming large over the three-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, can the prime minister persuade the US president…
What role could the UK play in ending the Ukraine war? – Politics Weekly
Donald Trump’s plans to end the war in Ukraine have taken centre stage this week. But, with Ukraine excluded from US-Russia talks, could they really accept what might be on offer? And what role will the UK and Europe play?John Harris hears from diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour and columnist Gaby…
Is the assisted dying bill doomed? – Politics Weekly UK
The spotlight was back on the assisted dying bill this week after it was revealed that the requirement for a high court judge to decide on cases was to be scrapped. Those in favour of assisted dying say the change will make it safer, but does it undermine trust in…
Can Kemi and Keir combat the rise of Reform UK? – Politics Weekly Westminster
As Reform UK creeps up the polls, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how the Conservatives and Labour are responding to the threat from Nigel Farage’s party. Plus, will the government’s efforts to show voters it is serious about tackling illegal migration cut through? Send your questions and feedback…
Special episode: Behind the scenes of David Lammy’s Ukraine trip
Almost three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, what is the situation like on the ground in Kyiv? And is there a path to peace? Pippa Crerar travelled to the war-ravaged country with the foreign secretary to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Starmer’s diplomatic dance with Trump and the EU – Politics Weekly UK
Keir Starmer is treading a fine line as he avoids picking sides between the EU and US. But with Donald Trump saying he wants to ‘take over’ Gaza and threatening to impose tariffs on the EU, can the prime minister really keep both on side? John Harris asks Prof Anand…
Jeremy Hunt on Trump and the Tories’ future - Politics Weekly Special
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey chat to the veteran Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt about how to handle Donald Trump’s trade wars, his new life in opposition, and what’s next for the Tories.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Back to Brexit – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Keir Starmer’s trip to Brussels this week, as he attempts a post-Brexit reset. But how risky is seeking closer ties with the EU when Donald Trump is threatening a trade war?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Fury over Reeves’ climate climbdown – Politics Weekly UK
In her big plan to get the economy growing again the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has prioritised growth over almost everything else. But at what cost? John Harris speaks to the Labour MP Clive Lewis about concerns that climate action is taking a back seat. Plus, the columnist Gaby Hinsliff talks…
Trump speaks with Starmer, and Reeves tries to reset – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk through what Keir Starmer’s first phone call with Donald Trump since the inauguration means for the ‘special relationship’. Also, as the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, prepares for a big speech on growth, does she have any new plans to boost the economy? And will they…
Could the Southport attack have been prevented? – Politics Weekly UK
The government has announced a public inquiry into why authorities failed to stop Axel Rudakubana before he killed three girls in Southport. But is it enough to stop another such attack? John Harris asks the counter-terrorism practitioner Rashad Ali. Plus, the Guardian political correspondent Kiran Stacey explores how Keir Starmer…
The return of President Trump – Politics Weekly Westminster
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at what Donald Trump’s second term in the White House might mean for the US, the UK and the world. And with the Gaza ceasefire in place, how close are we to lasting peace in the Middle East?. Help support our independent journalism at…
Can Labour fix the broken NHS? – Politics Weekly UK
With A&E departments at breaking point and the NHS on its knees, what is the government doing to repair the health service? Will it be enough? John Harris hears from an emergency medicine doctor about the dire situation on the ground, and speaks to our political correspondent Kiran Stacey about…
Could AI save the UK economy? – Politics Weekly Westminster podcast
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at just how serious warnings about the UK’s financial position really are, and what this means for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Plus, why the government is hoping AI could be the magic bullet that revives our economy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod