Politics Weekly UK

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, addresses the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the stark gap between political statements and meaningful action from governments. She emphasizes the resilience of the Palestinian people despite the dire conditions. Peter Walker, senior political correspondent for The Guardian, discusses the recent Tory reshuffle and its potential effects on populist figures like Nigel Farage, delving into how the Conservative Party is navigating rising political challenges.

Kiran Stacey, The Guardian’s political correspondent, joins Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to discuss a concealed data breach impacting Afghan resettlement and its political ramifications. They tackle the implications of government secrecy and the role of super injunctions in democracy. Miliband sheds light on the cultural battles surrounding climate action, revealing public sentiment about net zero goals and wealth taxation as a potential funding solutions, blending urgent climate discussions with political realities.

The podcast dives into the UK government's ambitious plans to revamp the water industry and tackle serious sewage pollution. It discusses potential nationalization of water companies and its implications for the environment and consumer bills. The hosts also address Keir Starmer's strategies to rebuild public trust in politics while examining the ethics of current government practices. Plus, there’s a fun peek at the communication skills of MPs and the rise of fresh political talent ready to shape future debates.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how Rachel Reeves will try to reassure her party and the country about the state of the economy in a major speech this week. Also, how does the government plan to convince the public – and other MPs – to embrace net zero measures? Plus, as details of Donald Trump’s second state visit are confirmed, why won’t he be addressing the UK parliament?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Kate Cox, a dedicated advocate and parent of two children with special needs, shares her insights on the UK government's controversial plans affecting the special education system. She discusses the struggles parents face in securing Education Health and Care Plans, highlighting systemic injustices and funding cuts. The conversation also touches on the implications of upcoming NHS doctors’ strikes and broader political challenges related to immigration policies and Labour's leadership dynamics as they navigate these turbulent times.

Backbenchers and campaigners are gearing up for a new fight over support for children with special needs. Proposed changes to Education Health and Care Plans could lead to school exclusions and more challenges for families. Financial pressures are mounting on local councils, adding to the worries of MPs and parents. Meanwhile, Labour faces potential threats from a newly forming left-wing party as internal rivalries intensify. The landscape of British politics seems increasingly fragmented, driven by a demand for economic fairness.

One year on from Keir Starmer’s election victory and Labour are well behind Reform in the polls, while the government is already having to bend to the will of its backbenchers. So how can Starmer recover? Kiran Stacey talks to Jonathan Ashworth, the chief executive of Labour Together and former MP for Leicester South, and Marie Tidball, the Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, about the party’s first year in government, live at the Crossed Wires podcast festival in Sheffield. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

This week marks one year since Keir Starmer came to power after a landslide election victory. But with questions over the Chancellor’s future, historically low popularity and a series of U-turns, Labour has not had the honeymoon period some might have wished for. So how did we get here? John Harris is joined by Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey to talk through the first year of Starmer’s government and what might come next ---- Get tickets to the Politics Weekly live event here: crossedwires.live/podcast/guardian-politics-weekly ---- Get tickets to One year of Labour with Pippa Crerar here: theguardian.com/1yearoflabour. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss how the government was forced into backtracking on its plans to cut disability payments. Will changes to the welfare bill be enough to win over rebels? And how damaging is another U-turn for Keir Starmer and his team?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Keir Starmer is vowing to push ahead with plans to cut disability payments. But with more than 100 Labour MPs threatening to rebel, could he be forced into another U-turn? Kiran Stacey asks Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey and the Guardian’s Heather Stewart. Plus, in the age of Trump, does the UK still matter on the world stage? Labour peer and former EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton joins Kiran to discuss the conflict in the Middle East and how much influence Britain really has. -- Get tickets to the Politics Weekly live event here: crossedwires.live/podcast/guardian-politics-weekly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod