Emily Thornberry: I won't be on the welcome committee for Trump
Dec 19, 2024
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Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, shares insights on Labour's foreign policy goals and her perspective on controversial leaders. She critiques Donald Trump’s impact on UK relations, emphasizing the need for pragmatism. Thornberry also discusses challenges facing the Labour Party, including media scrutiny and internal tensions, alongside the implications of Prince Andrew's ties to a Chinese spy. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between domestic politics and global challenges.
The podcast highlights the WASPI women's campaign for pension equality, revealing Labour's struggle to reconcile opposition promises with the realities of governance.
Discussion of Prince Andrew's ties to an alleged Chinese spy illustrates the UK government's challenge in balancing national security and economic relations with China.
Deep dives
WASPI Women and Pension Inequality
The discussion centers on the plight of WASPI women, who are campaigning against state pension inequality due to the gradual increase of the state pension age from 60 to 66. A key finding from the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman indicated that there was maladministration in how these changes were communicated, suggesting that affected women may deserve compensation for lost pension earnings. However, the Labour Party rejected the notion of compensation, emphasizing its estimated cost of £10.5 billion and the unsustainability of burdening taxpayers. This situation highlights a historical frustration among campaigners, particularly given Labour's previous promises while in opposition to address the issue.
Labour's Political Dilemmas
The podcast delves into Labour's current political challenges, specifically regarding their handling of the WASPI women's campaign amidst criticism of expectation management. Personal anecdotes reveal the tension between historical commitments made by Labour when in opposition and the realities they face as the governing party now. As Labour leaders navigate public perceptions and voter resentments, they encounter backlash for not following through on compensation promises, which further complicates their political standing. The discussion underscores the implications of taking positions while in opposition, reflecting the disillusionment that can arise when parties fail to execute those promises in governance.
Intergenerational Inequality and Pension Misconceptions
The conversation also addresses intergenerational inequality, with heated debates about whether the WASPI women’s claims for compensation reflect a misunderstanding of how the state pension system operates. Critics argue that these women had sufficient warning about the pension changes and highlight that taxes paid contribute to the pensions of current retirees rather than establishing personal pension pots. Some of these women, having made life choices that favored household roles, now face challenges with financial management due to the pension age changes. This perception of entitlement brings to the forefront discussions on the responsibility of individuals to stay informed about their retirement options.
UK's Complex Relationship with China
The podcast shifts its focus to the UK's fraught relationship with China, particularly in light of scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew's associations with an alleged Chinese spy. This incident illustrates the balancing act that the UK government faces between national security and economic interests regarding investment and trade with China. Labour expresses a need for a pragmatic relationship with China, especially considering the importance of Chinese technology for future economic growth, amid pressures from both political opponents and the business community. As Labour leaders plan investment strategies for achieving economic goals, they must navigate the implications of maintaining a positive diplomatic stance while being perceived as tough on security issues.
The team discuss two big political stories of the week; WASPI women and Prince Andrew's friendship with the alleged Chinese spy. And the New Statesman's policy correspondent Harry Clarke-Ezzidio sits down with Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
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