Katy Balls, Political editor for The Spectator, and Paul Goodman, Senior fellow at Policy Exchange, dive into the unexpected pushback Keir Starmer faces from Health Secretary Wes Streeting on the proposed assisted dying bill. They unpack the implications this has for party unity and potential reshuffles. The discussion also reflects on John Prescott’s legacy within the Labour movement and how current political tensions mirror his time. Listeners gain insights into the challenges Starmer must navigate while maintaining government stability and addressing public concerns.
The internal conflict within the Labour Party over assisted dying legislation showcases significant challenges for Keir Starmer's leadership and party unity.
John Prescott's legacy highlights the importance of authenticity and determination in political leadership, balancing ideology with effective governance.
Deep dives
John Prescott's Legacy and Political Style
John Prescott, the former Labour Deputy Prime Minister, is remembered for his authenticity, loyalty, and effectiveness in politics. He played a critical role in unifying New Labour, balancing leftist ideals with practical governance, often outmaneuvering opponents in the House. His background as a manual worker and involvement in union activities instilled a fierce determination to push back against Tory policies, which made him a respected figure among peers. Prescott's pugilistic nature, highlighted by anecdotes from his boxing past, reflected his ability to use charisma and strength to connect with the electorate, showcasing a political style rooted in genuine engagement rather than mere theatrics.
The Complexity of Assisted Dying Legislation
The upcoming vote on assisted dying legislation highlights the divide within the Labour Party, where support for the concept exists but concerns over its execution linger. While Keir Starmer appears to support the bill conceptually, internal party dynamics complicate its passage, especially with conflicting views from notable figures like Wes Streeting, who has raised concerns about potential negative impacts on the NHS. The lack of a thorough impact assessment is seen as a significant gap, leading to hesitance among some MPs who would otherwise favor the legislation. This situation presents a potential challenge for the Labour leadership, with Streeting's stance drawing both criticism and potential leadership implications, reflecting broader tensions within the party.
Kemi Badenoch's Leadership Under Scrutiny
Kemi Badenoch's early days as Tory leader are characterized by mixed reviews regarding her progress leading up to critical May elections. Some party members urge her to act swiftly by forming a shadow cabinet and addressing pressing policy questions, while others defend her measured approach as sensible under the current circumstances. Recent polling suggests declining favorability, indicating challenges in making a strong first impression, yet many within the party remain supportive of her leadership style. The potential impact of local election outcomes could redefine her position, emphasizing the need for decisive action to secure credibility amid pressures from both the Reform party and the Liberal Democrats.
A vote on assisted dying was supposed to be one of the easiest reforms for Keir Starmer’s government. To many, including the Prime Minister himself, a law allowing terminally ill patients to choose to die would be a self-evidently progressive and historically significant change. But he has faced unexpected pushback from his Health Secretary, the very cabinet member who would have to enforce the legislation. Streeting has not only said that he will be voting against but that he is doing so because he fears the bill could harm existing health services. Where does Starmer go from here? Could we be looking at a reshuffle?
Also today we had the news of the sad passing of John Prescott, a titan of the Labour movement. How will he be remembered?
James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Paul Goodman, senior fellow at Policy Exchange.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode