Political Fix

Labour builds bridges with Trump

Jul 16, 2024

Political analyst Lucy Fisher discusses Labour's attempt to strengthen relations with Trump post-assassination attempt. They explore Trump's running mate choice, new defence review, and demoted Labour MPs seeking revenge. The panel delves into UK-China threats, Conservative survival, and harassment complaints by election candidates.

36:08

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Episode guests

Lucy Fisher

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Labour ministers are attempting to strengthen relations with Trump following an assassination attempt, despite years of criticism.

Labour government prioritizes expertise over loyalty, promoting new MPs and launching a strategic defence review.

Deep dives

The rebranding of the Labour administration

Under Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour government reorganizes its cabinet prioritizing expertise and skills over loyalty, breaking the convention by promoting new MPs to junior front bench roles. This move embodies a departure from traditional party norms, reminiscent of Harold Wilson's government in 1964. Notably, economist Mayata Fanbula is recognized as a rising star within the party.

Intro

2min

Labour Party's Shift in Defense Policy

5min

Analysis of government's potential favoritism towards British businesses and strategy for managing public expectations

2min

Parliamentary Labour Party Meeting and Defence Expenditure Roadmap

2min

Implications of the Trump Assassination Attempt and UK Relations

9min

Challenges and Power Dynamics in UK Politics

14min

Labour party restructuring under Stalmer's leadership and discussion on rising stars

3min

Sir Keir Starmer spoke for the first time with Donald Trump in the wake of the assassination attempt on the former US president at the weekend. After years of criticising him, Labour ministers are trying to strengthen relations ahead of Trump’s possible return to the White House. But does the Republican candidate’s appointment of JD Vance as his running mate throw a spanner in the works? Lucy Fisher considers the question with FT colleagues Anna Gross, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green. The panel also examines the new strategic defence review, and discusses the demoted Labour MPs who are licking their wounds – and plotting revenge.

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Free to read:

China poses ‘deadly’ threat to UK, says former Nato boss

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Ministers to examine complaints of harassment by UK election candidates

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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Edwin Lane with Leah Quinn. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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