Politics Weekly UK

Aletha Adu, a political correspondent, shares her insights from traveling with Keir Starmer, focusing on the backlash from his ‘frockgate’ controversy and his controversial dealings with Italy's Giorgia Meloni. Jon Henley, a Europe correspondent, discusses the rise of far-right politics in Europe, linking it to economic crises and migration issues. Together, they analyze the implications of Starmer's actions, the challenges within the Labour Party, and the ethical dilemmas posed by aligning with hard-right policies while addressing pressing humanitarian concerns.

Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy and a key figure in the far-right, joins the discussion on Keir Starmer's significant visit to Rome. They delve into the pressing issue of migrant boat crossings and explore how Italy's immigration policies might influence Britain. Pippa Crerar also shares insights from the energetic Lib Dem conference in Brighton, highlighting their recent successes and the party's evolving identity amid political challenges. The conversation uncovers the complex dynamics of European politics and migration.

Caroline Abrahams from Age UK sheds light on the serious implications of the winter fuel allowance cuts for 2.5 million vulnerable seniors, discussing health risks and financial instability. Rafael Behr analyzes internal tensions within the Labour Party, questioning whether leaders are straying from party ideals. The conversation touches on the disconnect between political strategies, voter priorities, and the rising frustrations that could lead to populism. Together, they explore how these issues unfold amid the government's challenging narrative on policy.

The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk about Labour’s first big test in parliament over their winter fuel payments policy. Plus, will Keir Starmer’s trip to Washington be awkward after his decision on arms licences to Israel?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

The 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London was the result of ‘decades of failure’ by central government, the public inquiry into the catastrophe has found. The Guardian’s John Harris looks at the findings of the report with the social affairs leader writer Susanna Rustin. And, as Labour continues to warn ‘things will get worse before they get better’, we are joined by the economists James Meadway and Ann Pettifor to discuss whether a painful period of austerity-lite is the only way through the storm. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Pippa Crerar, a seasoned political journalist known for her sharp analysis, joins Kiran Stacey, an expert in political affairs and elections, to discuss Labour's dire messaging challenges. They delve into the party's need to shift from a bleak outlook to a message of hope. The duo also explores the dynamics of the Tory leadership contest, including the potential impact of various candidates. Plus, they reflect on the importance of breaks for politicians to recharge after intense campaigns, fostering better communication strategies moving forward.

Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and MP for Bristol Central, shares her insights after the party's historic win of four parliamentary seats. She discusses the challenges of navigating Westminster's traditions while pushing for urgent climate action. The conversation highlights the tensions within the party, particularly around trans rights, and the varying approaches to climate activism. Denyer also reflects on community-driven policies and the optimism surrounding future electoral representation in addressing the climate crisis.

Politics Weekly UK is taking a break for the summer. John Harris will be back on Thursday 29 August, and in the meantime you can listen to our previous episodes here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

John Harris, a prominent journalist and commentator for The Guardian, shares a curated list of must-read books, captivating albums, and eye-opening documentaries from 2024. He dives into the complexities of the British Empire's legacy, urging listeners to confront their past. Harris also highlights the fragility of global supply chains and discusses the dark side of human exploitation. The conversation touches on the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. while celebrating music that tackles social issues and honors historical events like the miners' strike.

Jessica Elgot, deputy political editor at the Guardian, and Nazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor for the north-west of England, tackle urgent issues surrounding far-right violence in the UK. They discuss the government's response to the recent unrest and the challenges in addressing the root causes of aggression. The conversation also highlights the delicate balance between policing protests and protecting free speech, along with the complexities of online hate speech regulation. Their insights shed light on the emotional impact on minority communities and the need for informed dialogue.