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
Jul 30, 2025 • 19min
Starmer's threat to recognise Palestine | Politics with Megan Gibson
Join political minds George Eaton, senior editor at New Statesman, and Megan Kenyon, political correspondent, as they dissect Keir Starmer's significant shift towards recognizing Palestinian statehood. They explore the pressures from Labour MPs for more decisive action regarding Israel, the complex ramifications for UK-Israel relations, and the mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. The discussion also touches on the potential influence of Donald Trump on UK politics and how it complicates Labour's strategy moving forward.
Jul 29, 2025 • 28min
Why can't Trump shake Epstein? | US politics with Katie Stallard and Freddie Hayward
Freddie Hayward, the US Editor at the New Statesman, joins Katie Stallard to delve into Donald Trump's complicated ties to Jeffrey Epstein. They explore why Trump struggles to distance himself from Epstein's legacy, causing friction with his supporters. The discussion also touches on the dissonance within the MAGA base regarding these revelations and how it impacts congressional politics. Additionally, they analyze Trump's shifting stance on humanitarian issues, particularly regarding Gaza, suggesting a significant political evolution.
10 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 28min
All hail Emperor Trump | Politics with Tom McTague
In this engaging discussion, Megan Gibson, the International Editor at The New Statesman, delves into Donald Trump's recent Scotland visit and his meetings with global leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Keir Starmer. They explore Trump's 'bully-boy' tactics in trade negotiations and the mixed responses from European leaders. The conversation highlights the fractured unity among allies, Canada’s ambitions for EU ties, and the implications of Trump's unique brand of transactional diplomacy on worldwide alliances.
Jul 26, 2025 • 51min
Tax Netflix now! | Peter Kosminsky interview
Peter Kosminsky, an acclaimed director and writer known for the BBC's adaptation of Wolf Hall, shares his insights on the troubled state of British television. He passionately argues for government support of public broadcasting amidst fierce competition from streaming giants. Kosminsky emphasizes the importance of storytelling in addressing societal issues and discusses the challenges of maintaining high-quality content. He also critiques the pressures on the BBC's independence and calls for a 'streamer's levy' to ensure investment in local programming.
Jul 25, 2025 • 38min
If you care about Gaza, why vote Labour? - Listener questions episode
The podcast dives into the Labour Party's controversial stance on Gaza, questioning why voters should still support them. As dissatisfaction with public services rises, discussions about a potential new political movement emerge, aiming to address pressing issues like poverty. The impact of current events on voter behavior is explored, alongside concerns about rising water bills and inadequate infrastructure. The decline in public investment over recent decades highlights the struggles of the UK government in effectively managing resources and communicating its priorities.
7 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 20min
The fraying of the social fabric | Politics with Rachel Cunliffe
The Deputy Prime Minister highlights immigration, economic insecurity, and digital influence as triggers for social unrest in the UK, tied to recent events like the Southport attacks. Discussions reveal a rift between government responses and public sentiment. The Labour Party faces challenges under Keir Starmer, blending humor with serious issues as Rachel Reeves navigates fiscal concerns. Experts raise alarms about the UK's financial stability amid government cuts, weighing gradual reforms against the need for bold action.
Jul 23, 2025 • 41min
Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague
Will Lloyd, a writer for the New Statesman known for his incisive political profiles, delves into the rise and fall of Kemi Badenoch, a once-celebrated Conservative leader. He discusses the factors leading to her decline, including internal party dynamics and public perception. The conversation explores racism's role in her treatment and the evolving challenges within the Conservative Party versus the emerging Reform opposition. Lloyd also highlights the rivalry between Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, contrasting their approaches in today’s political landscape.
11 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 40min
The Trump, Epstein and MAGA saga
Freddie Hayward, the US Correspondent for the New Statesman, navigates the intriguing ties between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. He discusses whether Trump's recent comments could alienate his MAGA base. The conversation delves into conspiracy theories entwined with MAGA's identity and examines the shifting alliances within the Republican Party amidst the Epstein scandal. Hayward also touches on Trump's upcoming Scottish visit and the political ramifications of free speech debates in the UK, underscoring the complexities of US-UK relations.
Jul 21, 2025 • 21min
Now, re-nationalise water | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Megan Kenyon, a writer for New Statesman, attended the pivotal announcement regarding the future of the UK water industry, while George Eaton offers insights from his analysis of the independent review. They discuss the abolition of the regulator Ofwat and the urgent need for a radical overhaul to combat sewage pollution. The duo also delves into the debate over privatization and the calls for re-nationalisation, reflecting on public sentiment towards escalating water costs and leadership challenges within the Labour Party in a digital age.
Jul 20, 2025 • 27min
What does "Blue Labour" really mean? - Morgan Jones interview
Morgan Jones, an expert on Labour Party politics and co-editor of Renewal, dives into the intriguing world of 'Blue Labour.' She discusses how this movement aims to reconnect mainstream Labour with everyday people, exploring its ambitions for a moral political discourse. Jones highlights its surprising ideological intersections with the Corbynite left and even the Conservative Party. The conversation also tackles the internal dynamics and popularity of Blue Labour, emphasizing the role of media branding in shaping political identities.
