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
Sep 28, 2025 • 25min
Starmer has a lot to prove at Labour conference
Ethan Croft, a political correspondent for the New Statesman, and George Eaton, the senior editor, dive into the pressing trials ahead for Keir Starmer at the Labour conference. They discuss Starmer's unprecedented unpopularity and the internal fears surrounding his leadership. With Andy Burnham's potential challenge looming, Ethan analyzes his media presence and political threats. The duo also explores Labour's strategy against Reform UK, the controversial two-child benefit cap, and how to navigate conference tensions over sensitive topics.
Sep 27, 2025 • 43min
Who does the Tony Blair Institute really work for?
Investigative journalist Peter Geoghegan and reporter May Bulman delve into the substantial funding of the Tony Blair Institute by billionaire Larry Ellison, revealing how it reshaped the think tank’s focus and operations. They discuss Ellison's influence on TBI, the implications of pushing tech solutions in public services, and the potential conflicts arising from this funding. The conversation also touches on Blair's future role in Gaza and the broader political ramifications of Ellison's contributions.
Sep 26, 2025 • 27min
Liz Truss is still, in some sense, running the country
Three years on from her controversial mini-Budget, Liz Truss's legacy looms large over UK politics. The market chaos she incited is dissected, revealing fears of a 'Liz Truss moment' in future governance. Discussion turns to her claims about the Bank of England and how her downfall has tempered fiscal strategies of subsequent governments. Truss reflects on her controversial views and perceived conspiracies, pondering the role of economic officials in warning politicians. The conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of politics, economics, and personal accountability.
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 9min
Andy Burnham has a plan for Britain
Inside his Manchester kingdom, Labour’s prince across the water outlined his radical blueprint to the New Statesman's editor, Tom McTague.Tom McTague joins Will Lloyd to discuss the mayor's vision.LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every SaturdayJOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis with a print + digital subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 24, 2025 • 31min
Ed Davey attacks Trump, Trump attacks world
Freddie Hayward, US correspondent for the New Statesman, reports from the UN General Assembly, offering keen insights into Trump’s provocative speech. He highlights Trump's dismissal of climate change and controversial views on migration and Sharia law. The discussion also dives into Ed Davey's bold attacks on Trump at the Lib Dem conference, emphasizing the need to counter populism. Freddie outlines how Trump’s rhetoric threatens liberal internationalism and hints at his potential political maneuvers with Elon Musk, sparking discussions on the implications for democracy.
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
Britain recognises Palestinian statehood
Megan Kenyon, a political correspondent for the New Statesman, discusses the UK’s recent recognition of Palestine as an independent state. The conversation explores the implications of this decision amidst growing international recognition from countries like France and Canada. Kenyon highlights domestic political motivations behind the timing, critiques the effectiveness of recognition as diplomatic leverage, and examines the potential fallout from Israel's reaction. The podcast also addresses humanitarian concerns, questioning whether symbolic gestures can truly benefit the Palestinian people.
Sep 22, 2025 • 18min
Reform's deportations & Your Party's implosion
Ethan Croft, a political correspondent at the New Statesman, shares insights on Reform's controversial immigration policies. He discusses Nigel Farage's plan to abolish indefinite leave to remain and its potential impact on various communities. Joining him is Megan Kenyon, also from the New Statesman, who delves into the chaos within 'Your Party.' She highlights the recent tensions between Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn, exploring the challenges of leadership versus grassroots participation.
Sep 20, 2025 • 33min
Has history overlooked the enslaved who fought for freedom? | Sudhir Hazareesingh interview
Sudhir Hazareesingh, a historian and politics tutor at Oxford University, delves into the often-overlooked role of the enslaved in their own emancipation. He uncovers stories of resistance dating back to the 1500s, challenging the conventional narrative of abolition. Hazareesingh discusses spiritual arguments for freedom drawn from Christian, Islamic, and indigenous traditions. He contrasts ideas of individual rights with African concepts of collective autonomy, and explores the implications of these histories for modern discussions on reparations and unity in contemporary movements.
Sep 19, 2025 • 32min
The US has bought Britain
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Marr, a prominent broadcaster and political commentator, dives into the implications of a massive £150bn US investment in the UK. He explores the historical ties between the two nations and the potential cost of this growing dependency. The conversation highlights American tech's influence on British institutions and the pressures on local infrastructure, including job cuts and tax revenue losses. With insights on how investment may reshape Britain, Marr and his co-host Will Dunn leave listeners questioning the real impact of this American influx.
Sep 18, 2025 • 27min
Your Party meltdown
Ethan Croft, the new political correspondent at the New Statesman, joins to dissect the chaos surrounding 'Your Party'. He discusses the confusion over its membership launch, including claims of hacking and mixed messaging. The internal rift is highlighted, especially Zahra Sultana's 'boys club' accusation, revealing deep-seated tensions between personalities and policy. Croft also touches on grassroots dynamics and the potential for a split, all while forecasting the party's next moves leading up to their November conference.
