Bloomberg UK Politics

Lucy White, Bloomberg's politics and economics reporter, shares her insights on the UK's trade challenges following Trump's 10% tariff on British goods. The discussion unveils Keir Starmer's vision for a 'new era' in trade, emphasizing the UK’s need to adapt its negotiation strategies. Lucy explores the intricate diplomatic landscape, including potential offerings like a digital sales tax, and highlights the historical context impacting UK-US relations. The balancing act between U.S. priorities and European alliances takes center stage in this thought-provoking conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Rosa Prince, a savvy Bloomberg Opinion columnist, analyzes the tumultuous week facing Chancellor Rachel Reeves and her government. She unpacks mixed economic signals and internal strife within the Labour Party. Welfare cutbacks and housing policy struggles add to the complexity of their situation. The conversation navigates the impact of U.S. trade negotiations and political tensions ahead of upcoming elections, revealing the delicate balance Reeves must maintain amid public discontent and economic challenges.

In The City: UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement, and Bloomberg Chief UK Economist Dan Hanson and senior reporter Phil Aldrick join host Allegra Stratton to share their assessment. Aldrick posits that it wasn't "quite the horror show that some people were fearing" because restoring Britain's fiscal headroom didn't require severe public service and welfare cuts. But Hanson notes that even so, she's left herself little room to manoeuvre for the unexpected. For more episodes like this get the In The City podcast, available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast dives into the latest economic forecasts, revealing a significant downgrade in expected growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces fiscal dilemmas with proposed spending cuts aimed at restoring financial stability. Market reactions to these announcements are dissected, shedding light on complex interactions between fiscal policy and the economy. Listeners also explore the tension between welfare cuts and defense spending, alongside the challenges of translating budget plans into tangible outcomes.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Hanson, Chief UK Economist at Bloomberg, delves into the fiscal hurdles facing Rachel Reeves as the Chancellor prepares for the Spring Statement. He highlights the alarming £20 billion overshoot in borrowing forecasts, unpacking the implications for public finances. The conversation touches on the Labour party's reluctance to raise taxes and the pressures for spending cuts. Listeners gain a clear view of how these financial challenges could shape economic strategies and governmental stability moving forward.

Dan Hanson, Chief UK Economist at Bloomberg, and Julian Harris, Editor focusing on Britain's government and economy, dive into Labour's economic report card. They discuss the unexpected contraction of the UK economy and its implications for Labour's fiscal strategies. The duo highlights internal discord over welfare cuts and the government’s struggle with productivity issues. Despite rising costs and tax challenges, they find a silver lining in significant wage increases for low-wage workers, sparking hope amidst economic turmoil.

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.

Brendan Scott, Managing Editor for UK Government and Economy, joins the discussion to analyze Keir Starmer's recent diplomatic engagement with President Trump. The conversation reveals Starmer's successes, including praise from Trump and potential tariff relief. They delve into the nuances of U.S.-U.K. relations, how free speech concerns affect trade dialogues, and the strategic implications of Starmer's centrist approach. With shifting narratives in the media, this moment could define Starmer's leadership as he navigates complex international dynamics.

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.