Bloomberg UK Politics

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.

The UK is hugely dependent on overseas workers in the social-care sector, supporting the elderly, vulnerable and disabled. After a year-long investigation, Bloomberg has uncovered how potential migrants are being conned out of millions of pounds. Our trade and migration correspondent Lucy White explains how the system is being abused and what it means for a Labour government trying to cut immigration. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.Read the full investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, has made headlines by signing the Mansion House Accord, aimed at boosting domestic investment through pension funds. In this discussion, she details how 17 pension funds will now channel at least 10% into private markets by the end of the decade. Reeves also addresses the balance between maximizing pensions and supporting economic growth, while navigating past challenges in infrastructure investment. The conversation touches on economic stability, wealth retention concerns, and shifting political narratives around tax and immigration.

Crawford Falconer, the former UK's Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser, shares his insights on Keir Starmer's recent trade deals with India and the US. He discusses how these agreements steer the UK's post-Brexit narrative and their potential economic impacts. Falconer delves into tariff reductions in the auto sector and the intricacies of navigating future negotiations. The conversation also highlights the UK's revitalized role in global trade and its implications for relationships with the EU and China.

In this discussion, UK Political Editor Alex Wickham shares insights on the rise of Reform UK after their significant by-election win. He dives into how this victory reshapes the political landscape, presenting new challenges for both Labour and Conservative parties. The conversation touches on the shifting voter sentiments, especially concerning leadership and key issues like immigration and crime. Wickham emphasizes the potential for a multi-party system as political fragmentation takes hold in the UK.

Therese Raphael, a member of Bloomberg's editorial board, delves into Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent efforts in Washington to promote Britain's stability and free trade. The discussion sheds light on Reeves' acknowledgment of Donald Trump's critiques on the global trade system. Raphael analyzes the UK's economic outlook amid global challenges and the need for strategic balancing between ties with the US and EU. The podcast also highlights critical upcoming discussions on defense cooperation between the UK and EU in light of ongoing security concerns.

Dani Payne, a senior researcher at the Social Market Foundation, dives into the UK’s educational landscape amidst political turmoil. She discusses the challenges teachers face due to evolving government policies and funding constraints, as well as ongoing disparities in educational attainment. The conversation spotlights the impacts of VAT on state schools and examines the urgency for sustainable teacher agreements. Dani also links current curriculum reviews to broader societal issues, emphasizing the need for educational reform in a charged political environment.

Ellen Milligan, a UK government reporter at Bloomberg, joins to delve into the shifting dynamics in UK-EU relations influenced by Donald Trump's policies. They discuss the optimism surrounding a potential deal to reset post-Brexit ties, emphasizing calls for cooperation amid the Ukraine conflict. The conversation navigates the complexities of trade negotiations and how various European nations' priorities are evolving. Additionally, they explore the implications of these developments on travel and security in Europe, highlighting NATO's role in these changing circumstances.