The New Statesman: politics and culture
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics, culture and world affairs – every weekday.Anoosh Chakelian, Oli Dugmore 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:⭐️ Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New Statesman. Subscribe today at newstatesman.com/xmaspod25 --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
Nov 18, 2025 • 32min
Labour has given up on integration
Anoush Chakelian, a political journalist focusing on immigration policy, and Rachel Cunliffe, a political commentator on migration impacts, join the discussion. They explore Labour's bold reforms to asylum laws and the implications for integration. Anoush highlights how these changes could alienate newcomers, fostering a two-tier society. Rachel discusses the government's contradictory stance on deterring arrivals while promoting integration. They also tackle the harsh realities faced by families, financial penalties, and the legacy of a hostile environment in Britain.
Nov 17, 2025 • 26min
Shabana Mahmood's asylum plans split Labour
Political journalist Ethan Croft joins to dissect Shabana Mahmood's controversial asylum proposals, including 20-year settlement waits and asset seizure. They explore Labour's divided response, with backlash from MPs and the implications of tightening Articles 3 and 8. Croft highlights the influence of tabloid sensationalism on public opinion and reflects on the internal Labour factions that support tougher measures. As they analyze Mahmood's rhetoric and cross-party reactions, the political landscape reveals a complex push and pull on immigration policy.
9 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 22min
Booker winner: Keir Starmer should read 'Flesh'
In a thought-provoking chat, David Szalay, the 2025 Booker Prize-winning novelist, dives into his latest work, Flesh. He challenges the notion that his novel solely examines modern masculinity, highlighting broader themes like power dynamics and identity. Szalay discusses his spare prose style, shaped by radio-writing discipline, and reflects on male emotional expression within his narrative. He also touches on the importance of reading for politicians like Keir Starmer and shares insights on therapy's nuanced role in the lives of men.
Nov 15, 2025 • 19min
What Wes Streeting should do next
Ailbhe Ray, a political editor adept in Labour Party dynamics, and Luke O'Reilly, a news editor with deep Westminster insights, join to dissect strategies for Labour rebels aiming to challenge Keir Starmer. They debate whether rebels should wait until May elections to build alliances and consider personalities like Ed Miliband as contenders. The discussion covers the role of the party chair, contrasting Labour and Tory mechanics, and cautions against political chaos, emphasizing the need for stable governance amid ongoing speculation.
Nov 14, 2025 • 28min
Why is Rachel Reeves U-turning on income tax?
Ailbhe Rea, a savvy political editor and policy commentator, joins sketchwriter Will Dunn for a lively discussion about Labour's sudden U-turn on income tax. They delve into how this shift aims to avoid backlash from MPs and voters during tough polling times. The pair explore the implications of breaking manifesto promises, political trust, and potential stealth tax strategies. They also contemplate whether Labour should tackle unpopular decisions and assess if the current financial predicament is self-inflicted or a result of external pressures.
8 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 34min
There’s no “fundamental institutional bias” at the BBC | Lewis Goodall interview
Lewis Goodall, an author and political journalist known for his work on BBC Newsnight, shares fascinating insights on the recent chaos within the BBC following Tim Davie's resignation. He discusses the question of institutional bias, asserting that editorial choices reflect establishment consensus rather than a straightforward left-right divide. Goodall also analyzes the implications of the Panorama Trump edit and stresses the need for the BBC to adapt in today's media landscape. Beyond the BBC, he provides keen commentary on Labour's leadership challenges, urging a bold response to criticism.
Nov 12, 2025 • 35min
Mutiny in the Labour Party
Ailbhe Rea, the new political editor at the New Statesman, dives into the turmoil within the Labour Party. With polling hitting a historic low of 17%, she discusses the brewing leadership crisis, drawing parallels to Boris Johnson’s fall. MPs express growing discontent with Keir Starmer, fueled by policy missteps and internal briefings that spotlight potential challengers like Wes Streeting. Rea explores how these dynamics are reshaping the political landscape, hinting at an impending leadership shuffle.
Nov 11, 2025 • 37min
Will world leaders ever fix climate change?
Rachel Kyte, the UK's Special Climate Envoy, and Christiana Figueres, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, dive into the pressing climate crisis. They discuss the grim reality that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is now seen as 'virtually impossible.' Kyte highlights the consequences of U.S. absence in climate talks and the importance of renewables. Figueres emphasizes the need for real-world evidence to drive action, warning of devastating outcomes for vulnerable islands and the historical significance of COP30 in shaping future climate strategies.
6 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 29min
Crisis at the BBC
Hannah Barnes, a former BBC journalist with 15 years of experience, sheds light on the recent leadership resignations at the BBC, sparked by controversies surrounding a misleadingly edited Panorama documentary about Donald Trump. She discusses the BBC's public-service mission, the critical role of its World Service, and the implications of the Prescott memo on bias and journalistic integrity. Barnes explains how centralization efforts contributed to editorial failures and analyzes whether the new leadership can restore public trust.
Nov 8, 2025 • 26min
Has Labour let down millennials?
Did Labour fail millennials? The hosts dive into how Labour's policies might have misread public needs and the challenges of taxation. They explore potential tax hikes, including income tax versus national insurance. With alternative revenue ideas on the table, they discuss what Labour's actual offerings are for younger voters, like renters' rights. The conversation takes a dramatic turn when they ponder what would happen to the Commonwealth if Britain cut ties with the monarchy, including possible options for a new head of state.
