Politics Weekly UK

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland and author of 'Frankly,' shares candid insights about her resignation and the personal fallout from her ex-husband's arrest. She discusses the complexities of gender recognition and feminism. Catherine Ashton, former EU commissioner, reflects on her experiences as a woman in leadership, touching on international politics and the media savvy of Donald Trump. Ashton also speculates on Trump's potential dynamics with UK leaders, particularly Keir Starmer, offering a fascinating view on global leadership.

Reflecting on the chaos of 2025, the hosts dive into Keir Starmer's surprising Oval Office moment with Trump and the implications for Ukraine diplomacy. They highlight the dramatic Commons rebellion over welfare cuts, revealing cracks in government unity. The discussion also touches on summer protests, Farage's tactics, and Starmer's efforts to mend ties within his party. A light-hearted quiz showcases the year's viral moments, while entertaining anecdotes from Westminster add a humorous touch. Finally, they make predictions for 2026.

John Crace, the Guardian's sharp-tongued political sketch writer, dives into his latest book, a witty compilation tracking the chaos of recent UK politics. He shares the fun behind crafting memorable nicknames like the 'Maybot' and highlights how sketchwriting serves as a political conscience, spotlighting the stories often ignored. John also reflects on Rishi Sunak’s speech blunders and the dynamics of Labour under Keir Starmer, revealing the drama of the Commons and potential challengers like Andy Burnham. A comedic yet critical take on the current political landscape!

In this riveting discussion, Nicole Garrison, a maternal patient from New Jersey, shares her harrowing experience with the Free Birth Society. She describes the allure of their ideology which led her to undertake a free birth, only to face a near-fatal postnatal hemorrhage. Nicole reveals the pressures and affirmations she encountered that discouraged seeking medical help. This eye-opening conversation unveils the stark contrast between FBS messaging and the realities of medical care, challenging the dangerous narratives around childbirth.

Yinka Bankole, a former pupil of Dulwich College and Guardian contributor, shares harrowing childhood experiences of alleged racism involving Nigel Farage. He details instances of being told to 'go back to Africa' and discusses the lasting trauma from those encounters. The conversation explores how these revelations may unsettle Reform UK supporters and the potential political fallout for Farage, including the risks of his connections to controversial figures like Trump. Bankole's decision to go public now adds a powerful personal dimension to the ongoing dialogue on race and politics.

Keir Starmer hosts Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London, sparking discussions about a new peace plan amid evolving international dynamics. The hosts explore Labour's changing stance on the EU, debating the practicality of a customs union and its strategic timing. Pressure mounts on Nigel Farage as scrutiny increases over his past and campaign finances, potentially stalling Reform UK's momentum. The conversation also touches on leadership speculation surrounding Starmer and the significant role of Angela Rayner in the political landscape.

In a surprising turn, Nigel Farage received a £9m donation, hinting at a potential merger with the Conservatives. Discussions unfold about the implications for Reform UK and what this means for future alliances. They also tackle David Lammy's controversial plan to limit jury trials for lesser offenses and the resulting political backlash. With a focus on public opinion, they explore how taxation strategies affect wealth distribution and respond to listener questions about political labels and priorities. The episode is a deep dive into the changing landscape of UK politics.

The discussion kicks off with the implications of budget allegations against Rachel Reeves and the OBR leak. Key insights explore Reeves' U-turn on income tax and the market's rapid reaction. Keir Starmer's defense of Reeves is scrutinized, alongside the government's efforts towards cost-of-living relief. The chaos at Your Party's conference reveals deep internal conflicts between factions, raising questions about the party's future. With rising interest in leftist alternatives like the Green Party, the political landscape in the UK looks increasingly fractured.

The panel dives into the chaos surrounding the recent budget leak, highlighting Rachel Reeves' high-stakes challenge to please MPs, markets, and the public. Discussions on tax freezes and perceived hikes reveal mixed reactions among Labour MPs. There's a focus on the financial strategies behind increased welfare spending and the political messaging failures regarding child poverty. The talk also addresses potential cuts in special educational needs funding and Labour's narrative of avoiding austerity while appeasing the market.

Budget week brings high stakes as Rachel Reeves prepares for a pivotal moment. Kiran recounts behind-the-scenes insights from his Johannesburg trip, revealing details about a leaked Ukraine peace plan and international reactions. The duo dissects Keir Starmer's growing rapport with world leaders and the optics of a recent health scare. They predict tax measures and the implications of potential welfare cuts, all while outlining the government's messaging priorities to navigate a politically charged landscape.