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
Dec 20, 2024 • 19min
What Musk's money could do for Reform UK
George Eaton, Senior Editor at The New Statesman, and Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor, delve into Elon Musk's potential influence on Reform UK. They explore the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, highlighting the critical need for tracking missing and homeschooled children to enhance safety. Additionally, they discuss how super donors like Musk may shape UK electoral strategies and the complex political landscape influenced by fluctuating party support and accountability in public services.
Dec 19, 2024 • 28min
Emily Thornberry: I won't be on the welcome committee for Trump
Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, shares insights on Labour's foreign policy goals and her perspective on controversial leaders. She critiques Donald Trump’s impact on UK relations, emphasizing the need for pragmatism. Thornberry also discusses challenges facing the Labour Party, including media scrutiny and internal tensions, alongside the implications of Prince Andrew's ties to a Chinese spy. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between domestic politics and global challenges.
6 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 35min
Torsten Bell: Is Britain's decline reversible?
Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West and former chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, joins business editor Will Dunn to delve into Britain's economic landscape. They discuss the alarming rise in inequality and stagnant wages, emphasizing the urgent need for effective policy changes. Bell also highlights the impact of declining interest rates on asset prices and ownership trends, drawing parallels with Victorian Britain. They critically examine taxation complexities and the feasibility of introducing a wealth tax, pushing for more progressive reforms to address systemic challenges.
Dec 16, 2024 • 30min
How Paddington became the spokesbear for Britain
Amelia Tait, a New Statesman contributor who explored Paddington Bear's commercial success, joins Jon Foster, a screenwriter with over a decade of experience in the iconic franchise. They discuss how Paddington has evolved into a symbol of British identity, uniting various social and political themes. The duo delves into the nostalgic allure of his character, his role in modern branding, and how he helps navigate cultural complexities. They also touch on the timeless charm of Paddington and the delightful whimsy he brings to British politeness.
17 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 17min
France's centre has collapsed, is the UK's next?
The discussion centers on the shifting political landscape in France and its potential impact on the UK. It delves into Heidi Alexander's cabinet role amid Labour's internal struggles. The rise of the populist right and the challenges faced by centrist politics are also examined. Additionally, the podcast highlights political fragmentation in both countries and the emergence of reform parties, stressing the need for Labour to address public discontent related to fiscal strength and national security.
Dec 12, 2024 • 17min
Will Starmer engage with HTS?
The conversation delves into the implications of Bashar al-Assad's downfall and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, raising questions for the UK Labour government. The complexities surrounding Syrian asylum claims amidst ongoing human rights abuses highlight broader security concerns. The discussion critically examines the precarious state of UK-EU relations and the skepticism surrounding diplomatic efforts. Additionally, the impact of political instability in Europe adds another layer of complexity to British politics.
9 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 32min
What happens when a tyrant flees
Rajan Menon, a senior research scholar with expertise in Middle Eastern politics, Marcel Dirsus, author of 'How Tyrants Fall,' and John Jenkins, a former British ambassador to the region, dive into the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad. They discuss the immediate chaos and celebrations following his departure, the rise of new power figures, and the complexities of governance in a post-Assad Syria. The guests also analyze the geopolitical shifts in the region and the implications for international diplomacy amid the changing dynamics.
Dec 9, 2024 • 35min
The politics of faith: Britain's changing relationship with Christianity
Pippa Bailey, editor and writer at The New Statesman, David Sexton, the publication's film critic, and Madeleine Davies, senior writer at The Church Times, explore Britain's evolving relationship with Christianity. They discuss the Church's existential crisis, the implications of recent scandals, and the groundbreaking possibility of a female archbishop. The conversation dives into cultural Christianity's rise, the decline in traditional church attendance, and how films like 'Conclave' reflect these shifting dynamics in faith and power.
Dec 6, 2024 • 30min
Hunter Biden and South Korea: What's going on in the world?
Will Dunn, the Business editor for the New Statesman, and Katie Stallard, the International editor, dive deep into urgent global issues. They analyze President Biden's unexpected pardon of his son Hunter, dissecting its political and familial implications. The discussion takes a dramatic turn as they unpack the declaration of martial law in South Korea, exploring the government's motivations and citizen reactions. Their insights shed light on the intersection of economics and international affairs, making for a riveting conversation.
Dec 5, 2024 • 30min
Labour’s swamp: Keir Starmer resets
Peter Hyman, a former Labour strategist and advisor to Keir Starmer, joins Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor for the New Statesman. They dive into the challenges facing Labour as Starmer unveils his ambitious 'plan for change.' Hyman critiques Whitehall's resistance to innovation, emphasizing a culture of risk aversion among civil servants. The duo discusses the balancing act between NHS targets and broader healthcare needs, while highlighting the importance of accountability amid rising populism. It's a candid look at Labour's path forward.
