Jon Henley, the Guardian's Europe correspondent, discusses the EU's ambitious new defense initiatives in light of escalating threats from Russia. He delves into transformative shifts in European defense policy and financial commitments among EU nations. The conversation reveals the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with collective security, especially amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Henley also highlights the dilemmas faced by nationalist parties in supporting Ukraine and the future of European defense cooperation in a waning US influence.

Aletha Adu, a political correspondent, shares her insights from traveling with Keir Starmer, focusing on the backlash from his ‘frockgate’ controversy and his controversial dealings with Italy's Giorgia Meloni. Jon Henley, a Europe correspondent, discusses the rise of far-right politics in Europe, linking it to economic crises and migration issues. Together, they analyze the implications of Starmer's actions, the challenges within the Labour Party, and the ethical dilemmas posed by aligning with hard-right policies while addressing pressing humanitarian concerns.