Politics Weekly UK

This discussion features Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a Labour MP from Clapham and Brixton Hill, who criticizes Keir Starmer's controversial immigration rhetoric as troubling. Kiran Stacey, a political correspondent for The Guardian, sheds light on the strategic motivations behind Starmer's speech. Meanwhile, columnist Gaby Hinsliff shares her dismay at the potential consequences of such divisive language, warning of its historical echoes. Together, they explore the complexities of immigration narratives and the impact of political messaging on public perception.

Discussion centers on the government's ambitious plans to cut net migration and whether these will resonate with the public. Labour faces its own immigration policy dilemmas amidst rising public concerns and competition from other parties. The podcast also highlights Keir Starmer's strategic navigation of immigration issues in a post-Brexit context, revealing contrasting performances on international versus domestic stages. Additionally, emotional dynamics within the Labour Party, particularly between Starmer and Rayner, add depth to the policy debate.

Gaby Hinsliff and Polly Toynbee, insightful Guardian columnists, dive into the seismic shifts in UK politics following the rise of Reform UK. They discuss how traditional party support is crumbling, particularly for the Tories and Labour, while exploring the drivers behind voter dissatisfaction. The conversation highlights the pressing need for politicians to connect with public concerns, especially around housing and immigration, and the call for more relatable political narratives. Optimism for reform emerges amid these changing dynamics.

After Reform UK stormed to victory at local elections, has its leader reshaped politics for ever? And how will Labour and the Conservatives respond? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey go through the results and unpick what they mean. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Before this week’s local elections, John Harris is on the road in Doncaster – which could prove to be a canary in the coalmine for the government. Labour has been in power here for decades but this time Nigel Farage’s Reform UK fancies its chances. So why are people turning away from Labour? Why are they so disillusioned with politics in general? And what would a Reform-run city actually be like?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss whether Nigel Farage can translate Reform UK’s rise in the polls into success at the ballot box as local elections take place this week. And, how will the two major parties fare in the first big electoral test for both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch since the general election?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The government began to roll out its free breakfast club scheme this week as part of plans to help struggling families. But with predictions that child poverty could increase by the end of this parliament, how serious is Labour about tackling the problem? John Harris hears from a headteacher, and speaks to our political editor, Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris speaks to the Today in Focus podcast about how music helped him connect with his autistic son, James. He tells Helen Pidd what he’s learned about the way some autistic people experience music, and how songs opened up the world for James. Plus, they discuss the challenges and stereotypes autistic people still face.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The future of the steelworks in Scunthorpe has been hanging in the balance after the government stepped in to try and save it from collapse. So what happens next for the UK steel industry and the people of Scunthorpe? And why does it matter for our national security? Kiran Stacey speaks to Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, a national officer for the GMB union in Scunthorpe, and the Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As fears of a global recession continue in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs, Keir Starmer insists the UK should keep a cool head. But with markets in turmoil and a looming economic crisis, does the prime minister need to be bolder? John Harris asks the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. Plus, he speaks to Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, about whether people should ‘buy British’ to combat the tariffs. -- Listen to John discuss how music helped him connect with his autistic son on the Today in Focus podcast here: https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/apr/04/how-the-beatles-helped-my-autistic-son-find-his-voice-podcast --. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod