Politics Weekly UK

The UK needs to shift its ‘anti-maths mindset’, according to Rishi Sunak. But while the prime minister wants everyone to learn maths until the age of 18, do the sums add up against a recruitment crisis in teaching? The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to Gill Burbridge, headteacher of Leyton sixth form college, and Guardian columnists Rafael Behr and Gaby Hinsliff. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Boris Johnson won an 80-seat majority in 2019, redrawing the electoral map and threatening Labour with another decade in opposition. Less than four years later, the Conservatives are on their third leader in 12 months and are trailing in the polls. So how did the UK get here? The Guardian’s John Harris asks Prof Tim Bale, whose new book, The Conservative Party After Brexit, looks at what went wrong for the Tories. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Who does Labour need to win over – or win back – to form a government at the next election? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by columnist Gaby Hinsliff, former Ed Miliband speechwriter Marc Stears and Josh Simons from Labour Together to discuss how the party can target these voters. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Humza Yousaf has become new leader of the SNP. But with Scotland’s path to independence looking further away than ever, can Nicola Sturgeon’s replacement reignite the party and the debate? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Scotland correspondent Libby Brooks, columnist Gaby Hinsliff and former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

With the former prime minister having been questioned by MPs on the privileges select committee, the Guardian’s John Harris is joined by political editor Pippa Crerar to discuss Johnson’s fight to save his career, and speaks to those who worked on the frontline of the pandemic. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Next week marks 20 years since the UK joined US and coalition forces in the invasion of Iraq. The Guardian’s John Harris looks back on the war’s troubled legacy and its impact on politics today, with the journalist Audrey Gillan, who reported from Iraq, and the columnist Jonathan Freedland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Jeremy Hunt has set out his first budget as chancellor. With plans to boost childcare and help people get back to work, can it provide the much-needed growth the economy needs? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by former Conservative minister David Gauke and Miatta Fahnbulleh from the New Economics Foundation to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Another plan has been announced to crack down on so-called small boats arriving illegally in the UK. The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to immigration specialist Zoe Gardner and former Conservative special advisor Luke Tryl, and discusses the history of immigration rhetoric with Guardian political editor Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

After years of tensions, Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen this week unveiled their new Brexit deal to virtually universal praise. But is there a catch? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll, columnist Rafael Behr and former No 10 chief of staff and Conservative peer Gavin Barwell to discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

This week marks one year since Russia sent its troops into Ukraine. The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh, and the Ukrainian MP, Kira Rudik, to look at how the war has changed world politics. And, what the future may look like for Ukraine and Russia.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod