Politics Weekly UK

Jonathan Freedland, a keen observer of US politics and host of Politics Weekly America, joins to dissect Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK. They delve into the lavish pageantry surrounding the trip and discuss potential political repercussions for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Freedland highlights the risks associated with media scrutiny and the implications of rising populism. The conversation sheds light on critical issues like tech agreements and the challenges facing Labour amid Trump's high-profile visit.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey delve into the political chaos surrounding Keir Starmer's handling of Peter Mandelson's Epstein ties. They explore whether Trump’s upcoming UK visit may provide a needed distraction for the beleaguered government. The duo also discusses the internal tensions within Starmer’s leadership and the scrutiny from fellow Labour MPs. With global issues like Ukraine and Gaza looming, they highlight the complex dynamics at play in British politics.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour MP for Tilvain and Minister for EU Relations, shares his insights on the aftermath of Brexit and the UK's evolving relationship with the European Union. He discusses Labour's strategic approach to EU ties and the importance of youth initiatives in rekindling connections. The conversation also delves into the challenges facing Labour, particularly with the Welsh elections and the party's leadership under Keir Starmer, highlighting the urgency for meaningful changes to win back public trust.

Louise Haigh, Labour MP for Sheffield Healy and former Transport Secretary, dives deep into the Labour Party's current turmoil following Angela Rayner's resignation. She discusses the burgeoning tensions as the race for deputy leadership unfolds. The conversation also touches on Keir Starmer’s strategies for overcoming public skepticism and political challenges. Additionally, the podcast scrutinizes the ethical controversies surrounding former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the impact of austerity policies on Labour’s future and public trust.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and Keir Starmer’s subsequent cabinet reshuffle. Why has Rayner’s departure raised concerns among union leaders? Who could become the next deputy Labour leader? And, what does the reshuffle tell us about the direction of travel for the government? Plus, Pippa and Kiran reflect on Reform UK’s conference and the challenges ahead for Nigel Farage. -- Send your questions and thoughts to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris is at the Reform UK conference, asking how this once insurgent party came to dominate the political mainstream. And he speaks to people in Birmingham to find out what the rise of Nigel Farage’s party tells us about the state of the country Send your questions and thoughts to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

In this discussion, Kiran Stacey, the Guardian's policy editor, and Gaby Hinsliff, a political columnist, dive into Labour's shaky return after summer recess. They analyze the controversy surrounding Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's tax situation and its implications for the party. The duo also talks about Labour's challenges with identity politics, the impact of rising populism, and the meaning behind the surge of British flags in the public sphere. Their insights reveal the complex relationship between patriotism and public trust in governance today.

As MPs return to Westminster, the government grapples with pressing challenges, especially around the asylum crisis and small boat crossings. Political narratives are shifting, amplifying scrutiny on unresolved issues, while key changes in the Prime Minister's Office signal new strategies under economic pressure. Controversies over asylum accommodations, like the Bell Hotel situation, stir community unrest. Amid fiscal struggles and international crises, the political landscape remains tense with discussions involving potential tax reforms and foreign relations.

In this engaging discussion, Jessica Elgot, deputy political editor for The Guardian, provides insightful analysis of Nigel Farage's explosive immigration plans, which propose the deportation of hundreds of thousands of migrants. The conversation tackles the normalization of incendiary rhetoric surrounding immigration and its political implications. Elgot unpacks Farage's proposals, assessing potential human rights violations and the responses from Labour and other political leaders amid rising public sentiment on asylum issues.

Harry Shukman, a journalist with Hope Not Hate and author of 'Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right', shares gripping insights from his undercover work within the far-right. He discusses the unsettling human connections formed with extremists, the chilling overlap between these ideologies and mainstream politics, and uncovers the shocking realities of a far-right conference. Shukman highlights the risks of normalization of hate and reveals the alarming financial backing for radical movements, posing critical questions for society.