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
Aug 28, 2025 • 40min
"The UK government is complicit in genocide" | Humza Yousaf interview
Humza Yousaf, former First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader, shares a deeply personal perspective on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as his family members are directly affected. He discusses the harrowing reality of famine impacting over half a million people and critiques the UK government's role, alleging complicity in what he describes as genocide. Yousaf emphasizes the urgent need for a reevaluation of UK foreign policy and highlights growing public support for the Palestinian cause, especially among younger generations.
Aug 27, 2025 • 25min
Inside the making of the Employment Rights Bill | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, discusses the recently introduced Employment Rights Bill, aiming to enhance workers’ protections in the UK. He delves into its ban on harmful practices like 'fire and rehire' and the abolition of exploitative zero-hours contracts. Clancy emphasizes the complex balance between ensuring flexibility for workers and maintaining clear rights. He also addresses the vital role of trade unions in this dialogue, particularly in light of Brexit's impact on workforce needs and the economy.
Aug 26, 2025 • 26min
What the Treasury reshuffle reveals about the budget | Politics with Will Dunn
A recent reshuffle in the Treasury raises questions about the upcoming budget. The discussion highlights how this shake-up could affect tax policies and investment strategies. Political dynamics and low approval ratings complicate the government's budgeting approach. The role of local tax reforms, like council tax, adds another layer to the challenges they face. Finally, the importance of budget forecasts in shaping market responses is emphasized, as Labour seeks to navigate a critical political landscape.
8 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 25min
The Manosphere: Red pills, incels and a misogyny epidemic | James Bloodworth interview
Join journalist James Bloodworth, author of 'Lost Boys: A Personal Journey Through the Manosphere', as he explores the alarming rise of misogyny in UK schools. He dives into the darker realms of the Manosphere, contrasting its evolution from pickup artists to toxic masculinity driven by social media. Bloodworth shares his insights on how men's identities are shaped by fragile narratives, with figures like Andrew Tate amplifying these issues. He emphasizes the urgent need for constructive dialogues and systemic change to combat these growing concerns.
Aug 22, 2025 • 21min
Can the UK solve the plummeting birthrate dilemma? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Rachel Cunliffe, a keen observer of UK politics and a colleague of Anoosh Chakelian, dives into the pressing issue of declining birth rates. The discussion uncovers the interplay between societal challenges—like the 'relationship recession'—and economic factors affecting family planning. They question whether current government policies truly support parents. Cunliffe also analyzes Labour's strategic dilemmas, as progressive voters seek more robust representation amid a shifting political landscape.
Aug 21, 2025 • 21min
Andy Burnham: the next Prime Minister? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
George Eaton, a writer for the New Statesman, and Rachel Cunliffe, a UK politics commentator, unpack Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's rising star status as a potential Prime Minister. They discuss Burnham's magnetic appeal among voters and his unique position as a metro mayor. The duo also navigates the shifting dynamics within the Labour Party, pointing out the challenges facing popular leaders. Plus, the political landscape is heating up, with a potential showdown in 2029 between Burnham and Nigel Farage representing starkly different visions for Britain's future.
Aug 20, 2025 • 33min
Why are people talking about an English civil war? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Phil Tinline, an author and journalist, dives into the historical fears of civil war in Britain amid current political turmoil. He reveals how past predictions of civil conflict often stemmed from economic struggles and societal unrest, yet never materialized. The discussion highlights the dangers of civil war rhetoric in today's politics, driven by sensationalism. Tinline emphasizes the importance of community empowerment to address social disconnection and critiques policies that exacerbate disenfranchisement. A timely reflection on navigating contemporary crises!
9 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 27min
Trump meets Zelenskyy: hope for peace in Ukraine? | Geopolitics with Katie Stallard
Katie Stallard, a New Statesman writer in Washington, shares her insights on recent high-stakes diplomacy involving Ukraine. She discusses President Zelensky’s strategic choice of attire for his meeting with Trump, suggesting it was a move to project strength. The chat dives into the tense dynamics of Trump’s meeting with Putin and the intricate networks of European leaders navigating this geopolitical landscape. Can Trump's reliability be trusted? Stallard examines the potential for security guarantees and the challenges of achieving peace in Ukraine.
Aug 18, 2025 • 35min
Palestine Action arrests "will bring the law into disrepute" | Jonathan Dimbleby interview
Jonathan Dimbleby, a veteran broadcaster and journalist known for his insightful coverage of the Palestinian conflict, discusses the republishing of his 1978 book, 'The Palestinians'. He dives into the evolving Palestinian identity and critiques the UK government's response, calling for a more assertive stance and highlighting the issues surrounding arms trade. The conversation also touches on the classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, exploring its societal implications and emphasizing the importance of human stories in understanding the ongoing conflict.
10 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 39min
The New Statesman’s ultimate beach reads
Tanjil Rashid, culture editor, and Finn McRedmond, staff writer, delve into summer's must-read books. They discuss the evolving portrayal of Britain's white working class, linking societal narratives to personal anecdotes. Unique beach reads like Suetonius' 'The Lives of the Caesars' are highlighted, alongside a cheeky take on Prince Andrew's biography. The duo navigates classic literature, exploring Wharton's societal themes and Hemingway's expatriate disillusionment, while also touching on the darker introspections found in 'The Dwarf' and its reflections on morality.
