The New Statesman: politics and culture
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics, culture and world affairs – every weekday.Anoosh Chakelian, Andrew Marr and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On the podcast, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.But the story doesn’t stop at Westminster. Each week we take you around the globe, covering world news and international current affairs — from the war in Ukraine and the leadership of Volodymyr Zelensky, to Russia under Vladimir Putin, to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, and the impact of Donald Trump on American and international politics. Our interviews bring leading thinkers and cultural figures into the conversation, while our Saturday episodes explore books, literature, film and wider culture.Whether you want to stay on top of UK news, understand the shifts in global politics, or dive into the ideas that drive our culture, the New Statesman podcast is your essential daily listen.--START HERE:▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?--LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download and subscribe in the New Statesman app to enjoy all our episodes without the ads.--MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday--JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis - and get our magazine delivered to your door every week - with a print + digital subscription--Host:Anoosh ChakelianRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefWill Lloyd, Deputy editorAndrew Marr, Political editorGeorge Eaton, Senior editor, politicsHannah Barnes, Associate editorRachel Cunliffe, Associate political editorWill Dunn, Business editorMegan Gibson, Foreign editorKatie Stallard, Global affairs editorTanjil Rashid, Culture editorKate Mossman, Senior writerProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesVideo producer: Rob Le MareExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 29, 2025 • 47min
Abolish the rotten monarchy
Will Lloyd, Deputy Editor at New Statesman and advocate for abolishing the monarchy, explores the need for change in British royalty. He discusses Prince Andrew's controversial past, linking it to wider institutional problems. Lloyd also analyzes the media's role in shaping royal narratives and the idea of 'Windsorism.' The conversation dives into the monarchy's political influence and the contradictions in royal personas, while laying out a compelling republican case based on equality and humanist values.
Oct 28, 2025 • 25min
Can Labour afford to raise taxes?
Steve Akehurst, a polling analyst and director of Persuasion UK, dives into public attitudes towards Labour's tax pledges. He reveals that voters prefer tax increases over failing public services, like those in the NHS and crime. Akehurst highlights the strong support for taxing the wealthy but expresses doubts about its sufficiency. He also discusses the importance of framing tax rises to link them to immediate relief. Ultimately, he cautions that breaking tax promises could further erode public trust in politics.
Oct 27, 2025 • 26min
Should Labour sack Starmer to beat Reform?
Harry Clarke-Eziddio, a political reporter who recently covered the Caerphilly by-election, joins the discussion on the surprising election results and their implications for Labour and Reform. He shares insights on local voter sentiment and the missteps of Reform's campaign. The podcast delves into whether Keir Starmer can lead Labour to overcome growing challenges, especially with the rise of Plaid Cymru. The conversation also touches on the significance of the new deputy leader, Lucy Powell, and her potential impact on Labour's strategy moving forward.
18 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 46min
Two decades later, Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai returns
Kiran Desai, the celebrated Booker Prize–winning novelist, discusses her long-awaited new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, after nearly two decades. She reflects on the intense pressure of literary prizes and the evolving landscape of South Asian writing. Desai delves into how migration and loneliness shape her characters and the weight of history in storytelling. She also examines the impact of political issues like Hindu nationalism on her work and the role of literature in fostering empathy, particularly in a culturally rich but complex India.
Oct 24, 2025 • 29min
The death of Welsh Labour
Dan Evans, a sociologist and author, explores the shifting landscape of Welsh politics following a surprising by-election upset in Caerphilly. He discusses Welsh Labour's historical fragility and its failure to connect with voters. The conversation touches on why Labour's current problems stem from national unpopularity and local campaign missteps. Evans also analyzes the rise of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, potential governance chaos ahead, and the growing sentiment for Welsh independence among younger audiences.
Oct 24, 2025 • 17min
Labour loses Caerphilly for first time in over 100 years
A historic win for Plaid Cymru in Caerphilly marks a significant shift in Welsh politics. Labour's collapse to just 11% sparks questions about their campaign failures and the rise of Reform. Unusual voter turnout patterns and tactical voting reshaped the landscape, highlighting Plaid's strategic appeal. The podcast dives into the implications of this result, discussing collapsing voter loyalty and the potential for new alliances. With candid reflections on campaign missteps, the hosts analyze a changing political dynamic in Wales and beyond.
10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 46min
Andrew Marr: Keir Starmer is failing Britain
In a thought-provoking discussion, Andrew Marr, a veteran political journalist, reflects on his misjudgment of Keir Starmer's Labour, admitting his early optimism was misplaced. He critiques both Starmer and Rishi Sunak as conservative administrators lacking the boldness to drive change. Marr discusses the rise of smaller parties like the Greens and Nigel Farage's adept media strategy, emphasizing the risk of a fragmented political landscape. He questions Starmer's capacity for radical reform, highlighting the necessity for more decisive political direction.
Oct 22, 2025 • 32min
Why the Trump-Putin summit fell apart
Freddie Hayward, a journalist focused on international affairs and a New Statesman contributor, dives into the recent cancellation of Trump's summit with Putin. He discusses Trump's strategic missteps, the Russian response, and the geopolitical implications. The conversation shifts to the tumultuous situation in Venezuela, examining the U.S. military buildup and the mixed motivations behind it. Hayward highlights the fragmented Republican stance on foreign policy and the potential risks of U.S. intervention sparking wider conflict in Latin America.
Oct 21, 2025 • 53min
Your Party and the UK's left crisis
James Schneider, a political organiser and former communications director for Jeremy Corbyn, discusses the challenges and hopes of establishing a new left party in the UK. He shares insights on the difficulties of party formation, the necessity of grassroots mobilization, and the importance of democratic structures. Schneider highlights core constituencies for a popular left majority and emphasizes learning from successful grassroots campaigns. He also addresses potential cooperation with the Green Party and the role of leaders like Corbyn in shaping a united progressive bloc.
12 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 26min
Andrew, duke no more
Rachel Cunliffe, a journalist specializing in the Royal Family, and Will Lloyd, a political commentator, dissect the implications of Prince Andrew relinquishing his Duke of York title. They explore the timing linked to Virginia Giuffre's memoir and the ongoing scandal's impact on public opinion about the monarchy. The duo also discusses Andrew's privilege, his persistent denials of allegations, and the broader debate on hereditary titles. With insights into the possible fallout for other royals, this conversation delves deep into the intersection of scandal and tradition.
