Political Fix

This week marks a year of Keir Starmer’s government. But if Labour was expecting to celebrate the anniversary – it didn't pan out that way. Despite claiming a narrow victory with the contentious welfare bill, the government appeared to have one of its roughest weeks on record. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss how Labour got here, and where it can go next. To mark the occasion, they are also joined by a cut-price supermarket cake. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: How Keir Starmer fumbled his first year in power Why Starmer and Reeves got this one wrong Robert’s column: Crying for a lost Labour government Which UK taxes are expected to rise in the autumn budget? Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer faced a huge rebellion from within his own party this week after scores of MPs opposed changes to make it tougher to collect some disability benefits. This episode — recorded just before the prime minister’s concessions on welfare reform — unpacks why the rebellion took place, what it says about Starmer’s leadership and where next for Labour. Host Miranda Green is joined by Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard — check out their recent articles below for fresh analysis on the government climbdown. Plus, FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman on Starmer’s performance at the Nato summit and the impact on the UK of global uncertainty. Follow Miranda on Bluesky: @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen on Bluesky or X @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: How Starmer averted ‘civil war’ with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts Welfare U-turn permanently alters Labour’s playbook Morgan McSweeney: Labour’s election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion looms A defeat Keir Starmer cannot afford The latest episode of The Rachman Review: ‘Too soon to celebrate peace between Israel and Iran?’ To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering readers' questions on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Jean-Marc Ek. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will he? Won’t he? President Donald Trump has given little indication as to whether America will join in the conflict between Israel and Iran. So where does this leave the UK and its assets in the region? How does the prime minister play his hand with the president, and what does that mean for his relationship with his own party, especially given Labour's track record? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Middle East editor Andrew England, alongside regular guests Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green, to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's options. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Starmer puts UK cabinet on alert for potential US attack on Iran The implosion of Iran’s ‘no peace, no war’ strategy Europe set for Iran talks as Trump signals 2-week window to decide on attack Trump says he ‘may or may not’ strike Iran To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering reader questions about what's coming next on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s long-awaited spending review dropped this week. Rachel Reeves unveiled funding settlements for government departments – and a newly upbeat tone after the gloomy promise of hard times in her previous Commons set pieces. The NHS and defence were prioritised but other departments and services face a squeeze. Are dividing lines now clear as Labour fights for a second term in power? Why did even the experts call Reeves’ speech “baffling”? Will voters notice any benefit – and in time for an electoral dividend? Host Miranda Green is joined by regular panellists Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard, as well as the FT’s economics commentator Chris Giles, to discuss. Follow Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Chris @chrisgiles.ft.com‬, @ChrisGiles_ What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Rachel Reeves will be forced to raise taxes in autumn, economists predict Only a crisis will wean the west off debt England’s social housing funds ‘less generous’ than £39bn settlement suggests UK suffers worst monthly contraction since 2023 Labour has made its big play. Are you not convinced? Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. And here’s Chris Giles’ latest newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has had an action-packed week. She made a U-turn on winter fuel payments, announced plans to spend billions of pounds on new transport schemes and, following the prime minister’s latest announcement, she now has to find yet more money to fund a rise in defence spending. So where does this leave the chancellor ahead of the spending review next Wednesday? And who will be the winners and losers? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley, Sam Fleming and Jennifer Williams to discuss. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Sam Fleming @Sam1Fleming, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft, @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: ‘Accept it or you have to walk’: Labour’s UK spending review battles enter final stage Rachel Reeves to back Manchester-Liverpool rail link in transport spending boost Reeves can no longer outrun Labour’s early choices Rachel Reeves vows to reinstate some winter fuel payments this year Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf resigns from party Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer is Rod Fitzgerald. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discuss the economic events reshaping the world in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s election. Subscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episodes will also be available on the FT’s YouTube channel. If you’d like to get in touch and ask Martin and Paul a question, please email economics.show@ft.com Read Martin’s FT column here Subscribe to Paul’s substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage clashed on economic issues this week. Farage said his party was the champion of the working class, while Starmer warned Farage’s proposed spending rises amounted to “fantasy promises.” Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush, Chris Giles and Anna Gross to discuss Reform’s fiscal plans. Plus, Labour’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves has plenty of fiscal problems of her own. The panel discusses whether or not her economic arithmetic is adding up. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Chris @chrisgiles.ft.com‬, @ChrisGiles_; Anna @annasophiegross.bsky.social‬, @AnnaSophieGross What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Do Reform UK’s tax and spending plans add up? British politics is choice between Labour and Reform, says Starmer Will Rachel Reeves bend her fiscal rules to help balance the books? IMF gives Rachel Reeves political cover to ‘refine’ UK fiscal rules Clips from ITV News on YouTube; Reform UK on YouTube Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of best newsletter at the Future of Media Awards, 2023 and 2024 Presented by George Parker, and produced by Ethan Plotkin. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK and EU announced a historic deal to ‘reset’ their relationship this week. Keir Starmer called the deal a “win-win”, while a “gobsmacked” Kemi Badenoch labelled it a “surrender”. Who’s right? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Miranda Green, Peter Foster and Andrew Bounds who unpack the agreement and analyse who came out on top. Plus, the prime minister has handed over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, and it didn't come cheap. The panel discusses Starmer's negotiations on the world stage and how they are playing out for him, and his opponents, at home. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Peter @pmdfoster @pmdfoster.bsky.social, Andrew @andybounds.bsky.social, @AndyBounds What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: UK and EU agree post-Brexit reset at showpiece summit UK-EU post-Brexit reset: the key points Britain will be negotiating with Europe forever UK to pay £101mn a year to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been another turbulent week for Labour after Keir Starmer announced a crackdown on legal migration. The prime minister gave what has since become a controversial speech suggesting the UK is at risk of becoming an “island of strangers” – and home secretary Yvette Cooper announced an end to all social care visas, tighter rules for highly skilled visas, more rigorous English language tests, and more. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to dissect the policies, as well as the reaction to Starmer’s speech and where Labour’s position leaves the Tories on immigration. Plus, the panel delves into the Downing Street briefing about a whole host of new prison reforms set to drop next week. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Starmer rejects Enoch Powell parallel after ‘island of strangers’ speech Democracy’s downward spiral leaves Starmer no leeway on immigration Liz Truss regime’s ‘moron premium’ still looms over UK economy Badenoch pivots to economy in bid to fend off Reform threat Some prisoners in England who breach release terms face short jail sentences Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 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 acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our first Q&A special episode is finally here! You sent in questions, now our panel answers them. Is the UK-US trade deal worth the paper it’s signed on? Could the UK benefit from a brain drain from the US? Is there any chance of Keir Starmer being booted out by his party before the next election? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss a range of topics spanning politics, policy and foreign affairs. Plus, the team peels back the curtain on how we calculate our weekly stock picks. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Stephen @stephenkb, @stephenkb.bsky.social, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Email us at politicalfix@ft.com. Want more? Free links: Britain’s trade deal with Trump may not be good news for the world Win for UK cars will not cushion the probable blow to taxpayers Yvette Cooper’s shadow looms UK trade ambitions In tough times, good policy becomes even more important Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. 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 acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’ve seen Reform UK trounce Labour and the Conservatives across England in local elections. Nigel Farage’s party has secured a fifth MP, clinched two mayorships and seized control of at least seven councils. In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is vowing to go harder and faster with his reforms, while Kemi Badenoch’s leadership of the Conservative party is coming under scrutiny. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by podcast regulars George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to dissect what the results mean for the government, the opposition and traditional two-party politics in the UK. Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb and George Parker @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social Want more? Free links: Reform UK sweeps English councils in local election rout Nigel Farage shakes British politics with election surge Multi-party politics heightens danger for muddled Labour Reform wins first UK council in local election surge Plus: The final State of Britain newsletter from Political Fix regular Pete Foster reflecting on his five or more years as the FT’s public policy editor, covering Brexit and its impact on UK government and business. Post-Brexit UK: stuck between an unreliable US and a mercantilist EU Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of England’s local elections next week, the Political Fix team pick the races to watch and what’s at stake for the main parties, as voters head to the polls to elect 1,600-odd councillors, six mayors and one new MP. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by podcast regulars Miranda Green and Anna Gross, plus the FT’s Northern correspondent Jennifer Williams, to ask whether Reform UK will live up to high expectations, and just how far both Labour and the Tories could fall. They also examine Sir Keir Starmer’s pivot to patriotism and projection of a nostalgic vision of England, as he attempts to see off the threat from Nigel Farage. Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social @AnnaSophieGross, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, and Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social Want more? Free links: What to watch in the 2025 local elections Starmer plays up patriotic credentials as local elections loom Reform UK heads offshore to raise funds from world’s wealthy Unite divided: British trade union grapples with twin scandals Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Georgina Quach. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling this week about the legal definition of a woman in equality legislation. Judges ruled that a woman is someone who is born biologically female. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Anna Gross and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the political significance of this decision and the reaction of rival parties, as well as what it’s likely to mean in practice. Plus, FT industry correspondent Sylvia Pfeifer joins the panel to discuss the government’s seizing control of British Steel from its Chinese owner, and what that means for London-Beijing relations. Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social, @AnnaSophieGross, Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Sylvia @sylviapfiefer @sylviapfiefer.bsky.social Want more? Free links: Legal definition of a woman refers to ‘biological sex’, UK Supreme Court rules British Steel: how its Chinese owner’s plans unravelled British Steel’s Chinese owner says UK government must ‘respect’ its rights Reform UK targets Labour voters ahead of local elections Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner, with help this week from Fiona Symon. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The markets have gone haywire since Donald Trump’s announcement — and then pause— of a host of new US tariffs. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker and Miranda Green, plus FT markets columnist Katie Martin, to discuss the impact of this week’s turbulence and what it means for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the UK going forward. As parliament takes a break for Easter recess, the panel also discusses the political year so far. Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; George @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social and Katie @katie0martin.ft.com Want more? Free links: The hopeless search for Trump’s cunning plan Theresa May: ‘Keep calm and keep talking to Trump’ Government offers to buy British Steel as negotiations continue Listen to Katie’s on the Unhedged podcast here, or by searching ‘Unhedged’ where you listen. Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Fiona Symon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner, with help this week from Fiona Symon. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has shaken up the global economy with his seismic new tariffs this week. UK exports to the US will now face a 10 per cent levy – less than many other countries, but still a major headache for Britain’s fragile economy. Host Lucy Fisher and FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Peter Foster examine the pain this could inflict at home, and what Sir Keir Starmer can – and should – do in response. Plus, ministers have unleashed a raft of policies aimed at longer-term growth, including the expansion of Luton airport. Are these headline-grabbing gimmicks or sensible tactics? Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social, Robert: @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Peter: @pmdfoster @pmdfoster.bsky.social Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Want more? Free links: Britain avoids worst of Trump’s tariffs, but risks remain for Stamer UK will refocus quangos to clear ‘way for progress’, says minister UK treasury confident Sizewell C nuclear power investors will soon be ‘teed up’ Can Cambridge be a model for kick-starting the British economy? Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Fiona Symon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves was forced to slash spending to balance the books in her Spring Statement this week. Welfare spending will be cut more deeply than initially trailed, prompting warnings that 250,000 people — a fifth of them children — could be plunged into poverty. Economists also fear the chancellor will face further tough choices — more cuts or a fresh tax raid — in the autumn. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s George Parker and Stephen Bush, as well as economics commentator Chris Giles to discuss the winners and losers, and the main economic takeaways. The panel also examines the impact of Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war on Britain and the global economy. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb George Parker @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social, Chris Giles @chrisgiles.ft.com Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Want more? Free links: From miserable to mediocre: the Reeves challenge continues Spring Statement did not stem the fiscal doom loop Reeves’ repair job avoids tax increases – for now Ministers play down likely rise in poverty from UK welfare cuts, says charity Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s crunch time for chancellor Rachel Reeves next Wednesday, when she will present her Spring Statement to parliament. Downgraded growth forecasts and deep spending cuts to unprotected departments loom. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regulars Miranda Green, Jim Pickard, and the FT’s economics editor Sam Fleming to debate whether Labour is ushering in a new era of austerity. Plus, FT Brussels bureau chief Henry Foy joins the panel to discuss Europe’s mounting security crisis and how it’s affecting the UK’s reset with the EU. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social @PickardJE, Miranda Green @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Henry Foy @HenryJFoy, @henryjfoy.ft.com, Sam Fleming @Sam1Fleming Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Want more? Free links: What will be in Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement? Starmer is zigging where Blair zagged EU to exclude US, UK and Turkey from €150bn rearmament fund Europe is only half awake from its long sleep Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The world’s largest quango is scrapped” – that’s how the government framed the abolition of the NHS management body this week. It was the latest target in Sir Keir Starmer’s so-called ‘Project Chainsaw’, his plan to streamline the state. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Anna Gross to discuss the prime minister’s reforms and whether they will drive any improvement in public services. The team also discusses the Labour rebellion brewing over welfare cuts, plus the latest dramatic developments engulfing the Reform party. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb, Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, @robertshrimsley, Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social @AnnaSophieGross Want more? Free links: Starmer to abolish NHS England Starmer to target ‘cottage industry of blockers’ in overhaul of regulators Sir Keir Starmer suffers cabinet uprising over UK spending cuts Musk expresses support for rival to Reform UK as feud in Farage’s party intensifies Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has won plaudits from across the political spectrum for his handling of the rapidly growing rift between the US, Europe and Ukraine – but can the UK prime minister sustain this diplomatic balancing act? George Parker hosts a discussion that brings together US defence and foreign affairs correspondent, Felicia Schwartz, and Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Robert @robertshrimsley.bskyb.social @robertshrimsley, Felicia Schwartz @felschwartz Want more? Free links: British politics has yet to catch up with Trump’s new order Farage may have a Trump problem JD Vance criticised after comments on UK-France peacekeeping plan Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by George Parker and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Sound engineering by Joe Salcedo and Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump showered praise on Keir Starmer during the UK prime minister’s visit to the White House this week, describing him as ‘special’, a ‘beautiful man’ and a ‘tough negotiator’. Host Lucy Fisher speaks to George Parker — who was there in the Oval Office — plus fellow Political Fix regulars Miranda Green and Stephen Bush about the upshot of the visit, from a potential UK-US trade deal and tariffs exemption to the PM’s failure to clinch a watertight US ‘backstop’ in Ukraine. The team also discussed the government’s changing spending priorities, ahead of development minister Anneliese Dodds’ dramatic resignation on Friday. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, George @GeorgeWParker @georgewparker.bskyb.social Want more? Free links: Can Starmer rise to meet his Bismarck moment? After chiding US allies, Donald Trump lavishes praise on ‘special’ Keir Starmer What is at stake in the US-UK trade talks? Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.