Bloomberg UK Politics

The dramatic revelation of a massive and expensive data breach has blindsided Westminster. It's the first time that a superinjunction, which stops media reporting, has been used by the government. We talk to Sean Humber, from law firm Leigh Day, who specialises in privacy breach compensation claims and is organising a class action in the case. We ask if the government is getting worse at handling data, and how much it might eventually cost. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keir Starmer secured a “one in, one out” migrant-return deal with Emmanuel Macron at the end of the first state visit from a French leader in more than 15 years. The Prime Minister is hoping he can prove his self-styled methodical, pragmatic approach works and can fix an issue which looms large in British politics. But there is much more to this visit. We discuss with our foreign policy and defence correspondent Ellen Milligan and Bloomberg Opinion Columnist in Paris, Lionel Laurent. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation and author, evaluates the Labour government's first year in power. He highlights a significant U-turn on welfare plans and mixed performance metrics, raising questions about future challenges. The conversation delves into tax reform complexities and the need for clear government communication. Sriskandarajah also emphasizes the importance of electoral reforms as disillusionment grows among voters, advocating for a more participatory democracy.

Join John Stepek, writer of Bloomberg's Money Distilled newsletter, as he discusses Keir Starmer's recent policy U-turn on disability entitlements. The decision comes amidst mounting pressure from the left of Labour and threats from Reform UK on the right. Stepek dives into how these dynamics affect government stability and the upcoming fiscal challenges. The conversation highlights the complexities within UK politics, including internal divisions and the transition toward centrist policies while coping with public sentiment.

Ellen Milligan, a UK foreign policy reporter at Bloomberg, dives into Britain’s complex stance on Iran amidst escalating tensions. She discusses the UK's diplomatic balancing act in response to recent US air strikes and explores public opinion regarding military support. The podcast also examines historical echoes of the Iraq War, analyzing how past conflicts shape current policies. Additionally, Milligan weighs Iran's potential responses, from retaliation to capitulation, highlighting the risks for regional stability and NATO’s evolving challenges.

A key architect of the tax crackdown argues the immediate 40% inheritance tax on non-doms was a mistake, suggesting a gradual approach could have kept the super-rich from leaving the UK. The discussion highlights the tensions between attracting wealth and ensuring tax contributions, reflecting on historical reforms. Experts analyze the broader impact of these tax policies on foreign investment and the real estate market, questioning whether current strategies are undermining economic growth and stability.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, sits down with Mishal Husain to tackle pressing global issues. They discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, stressing the need for balance between self-defense and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Starmer shares insights on the UK-US trade relationship and how defense spending ties into broader geopolitical tensions, particularly amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the UK’s economic recovery and initiatives to attract investment.

Ellen Milligan, a Political Correspondent at Bloomberg, and Dan Hanson, Chief UK Economist, dive into the UK's military revival. They discuss the urgent need to overcome years of underinvestment and recruitment struggles in the face of escalating global tensions. With European allies boosting their defense budgets, the UK is under pressure to enhance its military capabilities. Milligan and Hanson analyze the implications of increased defense spending, the challenges of fulfilling NATO commitments, and the public’s demand for a stronger military presence in turbulent times.

Dan Hanson, Chief UK Economist at Bloomberg, joins Zia Yusef, Chairman of Reform UK, to unpack the party's rising popularity and its bold economic proposals. They discuss the implications of ambitious tax cuts and the risks associated with significant public sector cuts, especially in the NHS. The conversation delves into the potential impacts on productivity, the Bank of England's monetary policy, and the challenges posed by modern economic issues like cryptocurrency and AI. Listeners will gain insights into whether Reform UK's agenda is viable in today's economic climate.

Rosalind Mathieson, EMEA News Director at Bloomberg, discusses Keir Starmer's evolving stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The conversation highlights his shift from strong support for Israel to acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reflecting growing discontent among Israel’s allies. Topics include the pressure on Western leaders to adopt more critical viewpoints and the importance of regional powers in seeking solutions. They explore the delicate balancing act Starmer faces amid rising tensions and international reactions.