Daily Politics from the New Statesman Where are Britain’s communist parties?
Nov 21, 2025
Tom McTague, Editor at the New Statesman and a seasoned political commentator, dives into the often-overlooked landscape of Britain's communist parties. He shares insights on the splintering of leftist factions and how Marxist ideas are manifesting in modern activism. The conversation also touches on political briefings in Westminster, the significance of sourcing in journalism, and the potential for Labour's resurgence amidst polarization. From electoral strategies to the challenges of proportional representation, McTague's expertise sheds light on the evolving dynamics of British politics.
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How Political Briefings Work
- Briefings are the lobby's lifeblood and often come non-attributably from officials or Number 10.
- UK journalism uses layered sourcing like on the record, on background and off the record, which creates murky accountability.
Sourcing Standards Differ Between UK And US
- US journalism enforces sourcing rules more strictly than UK outlets, where 'off the record' is often treated loosely.
- Journalists must judge source seniority carefully because labels like 'senior official' hide big differences.
Value Leaked Documents Highly
- Prioritize documentary or leaked written evidence because it serves as the gold standard for credibility.
- Use documents to move stories from interpretation to verifiable fact that readers can judge themselves.