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
May 12, 2025 • 38min
Turner at 250: why Britain's most influential artist still matters
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.
6 snips
May 9, 2025 • 23min
Do the Greens need a more charismatic leader?
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.
10 snips
May 8, 2025 • 33min
The Labour party is turning in on itself
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.
May 7, 2025 • 29min
A year undercover on the far right
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.
May 5, 2025 • 50min
100 years of The Great Gatsby
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.
10 snips
May 2, 2025 • 24min
Reform wins: dire for Labour, existential for Tories
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.
May 1, 2025 • 23min
Trump finally invests in Ukraine
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.
Apr 30, 2025 • 35min
Trump's 100 day fight with democracy
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.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.
Apr 25, 2025 • 17min
Do billionaires truly benefit the country?
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.
10 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 24min
Ukraine peace talks crumble
Rachel Cunliffe, a writer at New Statesman, delves into the recent breakdown of peace talks in Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of US-Russia negotiations and the challenges they face. The discussion moves to the rising popularity of Reform UK, as it gains traction ahead of local elections, posing a significant threat to traditional party dominance. Cunliffe analyzes the political landscape, touching on the controversies surrounding candidate vetting and Labour's struggles to maintain voter support in key regions.
