Daily Politics from the New Statesman
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics – 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 Daily Politics, 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.--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--Hosts:Anoosh ChakelianOli DugmoreRegular 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 MareAssistant producer: Biba KangExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 11, 2025 • 15min
Labour students revolt over Gaza | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
In this engaging discussion, journalist Hattie Simpson, who covers the Labour students' revolt, shares insights into the dramatic drop in youth membership within the Labour Party, plummeting from 100,000 to just 30,000. Tensions rise as students voice frustrations over the party's stance on Palestine amid accusations of silencing. Hattie delves into how young activists face pressure and intimidation from leadership, raising concerns about a growing disconnect that threatens the party's future. The conversation highlights the urgent need for Labour to reconnect with its youth.
Aug 9, 2025 • 50min
WASP movie | Whit Stillman interview
Whit Stillman, a cult film director renowned for his works like Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco, chats with culture editor Tanjil Rashid. They discuss the flourishing revival of Stillman's films among younger audiences, alongside the importance of youth and identity in storytelling. They explore the vibrant New York debutante scene's reflection in his work, the nostalgic essence of communal dance from past decades, and the influence of literature and music on his films. It's a captivating dive into cinema's role in cultural dialogue.
Aug 8, 2025 • 19min
Are the Tories more back-stabbing than Labour? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Anoosh Chakelian chats with Rachel Cunliffe, a political analyst and colleague at the New Statesman. They dive into the fierce rivalry between the Conservatives and Labour, highlighting the Tories' internal conflicts. The discussion touches on Keir Starmer's controversial engagement with Donald Trump, exploring foreign policy nuances. They also bring a humorous lens to what politicians do during recess, balancing their public duties with much-needed relaxation. It's a lively mix of serious politics and lighthearted observations!
Aug 7, 2025 • 22min
Starmer is now less popular than Trump | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Ben Walker, a senior data journalist at The New Statesman, discusses the dramatic decline in Keir Starmer's popularity, revealing he's now less favored than Donald Trump. The conversation dives into Starmer's initial triumph, recent approval rating drops, and the disconnect with traditional Labour voters. Walker highlights voter alienation, especially among progressive activists and socially conservative segments, while exploring the rise of alternative parties like the Greens. He also touches on the evolving support for Palestinian statehood and its implications for Labour's identity.
Aug 6, 2025 • 17min
Eurostarmer | Politics with George Eaton
George Eaton, Senior Editor at The New Statesman, dives into the Labour Party's transformation nearly a decade post-Brexit. He discusses how the dream of 'Singapore-on-Thames' has faded, replaced by a government favoring higher taxes and enhanced workers' rights. Eaton analyzes the shift towards a more European model and scrutinizes the implications of new employment legislation. He also navigates the challenges the Labour Party faces as it seeks to redefine its identity and policies amidst evolving political dynamics.
Aug 5, 2025 • 23min
Divided and dormant Democrats | US politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Freddie Hayward, the US correspondent for the New Statesman, discusses the struggling Democratic Party as it grapples with the influence of Trump and the MAGA movement. He explores the internal divisions within the party, debating whether to treat Trump as a fleeting challenge or a serious threat to democracy. The conversation digs into dwindling civic engagement among liberals and the rising acceptance of radical ideas. Hayward also highlights potential strategies for revival, including economic populism, and assesses the future of Trump's political legacy.
9 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 22min
Nigel Farage won't take a day off | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor at the New Statesman, and George Eaton, Senior Editor at the New Statesman, delve into Nigel Farage's relentless campaign during Parliament's recess. They discuss his 'Lawless Britain' agenda, marked by provocative discussions around crime and migration. The duo analyzes the implications of Farage's evolving policies, including controversial proposals like outsourcing prisoners. They also consider challenges in maintaining political momentum and public sentiment toward reform as the UK edges closer to a pivotal general election.
12 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 43min
Who really owns Britain's houses? | Susan J. Smith interview
In this discussion, Susan J. Smith, the President of the British Academy and Honorary Professor at Cambridge, dives into Britain's housing crisis. She highlights rising prices and the shrinking home ownership among younger people, driven by corporate investors. The conversation unveils the social costs for middle and lower-income groups and critiques the role of government intervention. Smith also touches on the necessity of reforming housing taxation to promote equity while balancing the needs of homeowners and renters alike.
Aug 1, 2025 • 22min
Do politicians understand the internet? | Politics with Rachel Cunliffe
The podcast delves into the Online Safety Act, highlighting its shortcomings and politicians' misunderstandings of the internet. It explores the disconnect between legislative efforts and youth engagement, revealing the challenges of appealing to younger voters. The discussion also spans economic disparities, comparing the UK and Greece. Additionally, the potential for new political alliances, particularly between Labour and the Liberal Democrats, is examined against the backdrop of changing voter dynamics and the growing role of the Commonwealth.
Jul 31, 2025 • 25min
Britain's summer of discontent | Cover Story with Anoosh Chakelian
Anoosh Chakelian, a New Statesman writer who reported from sites of asylum protests, joins fellow contributor George Eaton to analyze Britain's current turmoil. They discuss escalating protests linked to housing asylum seekers and the impact on local communities. The conversation shifts to the Labour government's struggles with NHS strikes and economic distress. Both guests address how public discontent might steer voters toward more radical choices, highlighting the deepening ideological divides within British politics.
