The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Madoc Cairns, a writer known for his obituary of Pope Francis, joins Finn McRedmond, a keen Vatican observer, to discuss the historic election of the first American pope, Leo XIV. They examine the complexities Leo faces as he navigates the legacy of his predecessor and the cultural shifts within the Church. The conversation highlights challenges like the sexual abuse crisis, balancing liberal and conservative factions, and how social media can modernize the Church's outreach. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of faith in a contemporary context.

Michael Prodger, the art critic for the New Statesman, delves into the life and work of J.M.W. Turner, Britain's most renowned landscape painter. With 2025 marking Turner's 250th anniversary, Prodger highlights how Turner's exploration of nature, technology, and national identity remains relevant. They discuss Turner's artistic evolution from watercolours to oils, his philosophical ties to Romantic ideals, and the eccentricities that shaped his art during turbulent times. Turner's legacy continues to influence modern perceptions of landscape painting.

Ben Walker, a Senior data journalist, and Megan Kenyon, Associate policy editor, dive into the Green party's quest for charisma and how it impacts their visibility in the electoral landscape. They discuss the Reform party's unexpected gains in local councils and the potential risks it poses for overall polling. The duo also tackles a quirky listener question about the surprising vegan habits of Liberal Democrat supporters compared to Labour, shedding light on the cultural divides within UK politics.

Tom McTague, the incoming editor of The New Statesman and former political correspondent, joins Andrew Marr to explore the Labour Party's internal turmoil and the implications of recent electoral losses. They discuss the intricacies of trade deals with the US and India, and how these tie into Labour's broader education policies. Misconceptions about the 'Red Wall' areas are examined, alongside the need for progressive journalism to hold politicians accountable. McTague also shares his vision for journalism's role in shaping political narratives.

Harry Shukman, a journalist and researcher at HOPE not hate, shares his gripping account of going undercover in the British far right. He reveals the unsettling rise of groups like the Basket Weavers, their ideologies, and cult-like dynamics. Shukman discusses the alarming connections between far-right extremism and mainstream politics, shedding light on their influence, organization, and troubling funding. His experiences expose the disturbing conversations happening behind closed doors, illuminating a hidden threat to society.

Sarah Churchwell, Professor of American Literature, and Erica Wagner, an insightful critic and editor, dive into the enduring relevance of The Great Gatsby. They explore how Fitzgerald's novel reflects the complexities of the American dream and social classes. With a focus on the Roaring Twenties, they discuss how the historical context shaped Gatsby's narrative. Their analysis reveals the interplay between realism and symbolism, drawing parallels between Gatsby's ambitions and modern political figures. This conversation highlights why this classic still captivates readers today.

Join Ben Walker, a senior data journalist specializing in election trends, and George Eaton, a senior editor with sharp insights into UK politics, as they dive into the seismic shifts in British political dynamics following recent elections. They explore how Nigel Farage's Reform Party is shaking up the landscape, revealing vulnerabilities in the Labour Party and potential ramifications for Conservative fortunes. The discussion spotlights unexpected mayoral successes, Labour's declining appeal, and the struggles that political leaders face in maintaining control amidst these changes.

Megan Gibson, the international editor at the New Statesman, brings her insights on a groundbreaking minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S., shedding light on its potential to deter Russian aggression. She discusses the evolving dynamics of support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The conversation also touches on Canada's changing political landscape, highlighting the rise of the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre and how international issues influence domestic politics, particularly in the context of Trump’s legacy.

In the short period which has elapsed since Donald Trump took office (again) in January, he has slashed public health funding, gone after education, attacked media freedom, and challenged the authority of the legal system of the courts.Some of this seems outright reckless, but some of the actions taken by this Trump administration mirror the political trajectories of countries like Hungary, el Salvador, Turkey, and Russia. Countries where democracy has crumbled and autocracy has taken hold.Katie Stallard is joined by Kim Lane Scheppele, a scholar of law and politics at Princeton University and Lucan Way, distinguished professor of democracy at the University of Toronto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast dives into the controversial topic of billionaires and their impact on society. The hosts debate whether their wealth truly benefits the nation or exacerbates inequality. They also tackle pressing issues like council tax reform and the political struggle to engage diverse voters. Furthermore, the rise of new political movements in response to Labour's recent actions is discussed, highlighting the shifting dynamics in UK politics. With insights on philanthropy and economic contributions, they explore the dual nature of billionaire influence.