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
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.
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.
