The UK economy unexpectedly shrank in January, adding to the government's gloom. Bloomberg has some exclusive analysis on how far Labour is delivering on its key economic policies and pledges, and the tough choices faced at the top of government. Our Chief UK Economist, Dan Hanson and Government and Economy Editor, Julian Harris join to discuss. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt says if the UK and Europe fail on military spending and rearmament now "we will face war".Mordaunt tells Bloomberg Radio anchor Caroline Hepker that there is a logic to President Trump's drive for peace in Ukraine but the pressure is now on him to deliver a ceasefire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister has returned from a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump, with a string of successes. Trump heaped praise on Starmer, hinted at a reprieve from tariffs, and sided with the Labour leader on the issue of the Chagos Islands. But crucially, the US administration still hasn't shifted on its stance towards Ukraine. Our Managing Editor for UK Government and Economy, Brendan Scott, joins to discuss if Starmer has passed this key test of his premiership. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Yuan Potts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, discusses the crucial role of elite institutions in boosting the UK’s economy. She highlights the challenges of dwindling PhD funding and its potential impact on attracting global talent. Cambridge's expansion is explored, revealing issues like local housing affordability. Prentice also addresses the balance between investing in established universities versus supporting underdeveloped areas, emphasizing the importance of diversity initiatives in attracting talent from varied backgrounds.

This week figures from the across political right including Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson and former Republican Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy descended on London's ExCel centre for the 'Alliance for Responsible Citizenship' (ARC) conference. The organisers say they're working on 're-laying the foundations of our civilisation' but how do their ideas relate to current affairs? We discuss with Bloomberg's Daniel Zuidijk who attended the gathering. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Lizzy Burden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keir Starmer has said the UK can play a "unique role" in helping Europe and America work together to achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia. This as Donald Trump's administration pressures European leaders to shoulder more responsibility for their security, and suggests they could take a backseat in negotiations. How can the UK proceed now? We discuss with our Europe correspondent-at-large Alberto Nardelli. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Palasciano, Bloomberg's European security reporter, provides insights from the NATO meeting in Brussels. The conversation highlights U.S. President Biden's surprising move to negotiate with Putin, leaving European allies feeling excluded. Tensions rise as NATO members grapple with the implications of being sidelined in pivotal discussions. The financial burden on Europe for supporting Ukraine is staggering, estimated at $3.1 trillion. The episode explores the shifts in U.S. foreign policy and their potential long-term effects on NATO and European security.

Benjamin Caswell, Senior Economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, dives into the UK's economic outlook. He contrasts a bleak forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility with his more optimistic projections. The discussion highlights the importance of fiscal stimulus, especially for the NHS, and the anticipated 1.5% growth rate. Caswell emphasizes the potential for recovery, urging patience and strategic reforms to unlock growth despite rising costs and fiscal hurdles.

Kevin Whitelaw, Bloomberg's Brussels Bureau Chief, dives into the UK's trade strategies post-Brexit, highlighting their distinct approach compared to the EU's plans for retaliatory tariffs. He discusses the UK’s optimism for a tariff-free agreement with the US, especially regarding steel and aluminum, amid potential EU countermeasures. The conversation covers the complexities of maintaining strong diplomatic relations while navigating the impacts of past US trade policies under Trump, all while emphasizing the UK's vision for a balanced trade future.

Alex Wickham, Bloomberg's UK Political Editor, shares insights on recent controversies within the Labour Party, including the sacking of junior health minister Andrew Gwynne over unacceptable WhatsApp messages. The discussion highlights the challenges of maintaining integrity amidst public scandals and the party's historical struggles with anti-Semitism. They also touch on the dangers of private messaging in politics, especially during sensitive times, and the importance of coherent policies to prevent factional disputes within Labour.