
Bloomberg UK Politics
Bloomberg's Caroline Hepker, Stephen Carroll, Yuan Potts and Lizzy Burden have your daily guide to British politics. We'll tell you what's happening and explain why it matters.
Latest episodes

Feb 3, 2025 • 13min
Tug Of War: UK Dodges Trump's Tariffs, For Now
Alex Wickham, Bloomberg's UK political editor, analyzes Keir Starmer's visit to Brussels amidst looming tariffs from Trump. Trump is currently friendly towards the UK, avoiding direct tariffs for now. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of UK diplomacy with both the EU and the US post-Brexit. Starmer faces the challenge of navigating defense spending and foreign relations while managing international expectations. The impact of political dynamics and royal influence on these relations is also explored.

Jan 30, 2025 • 13min
Does the Chancellor Mean Business? Evaluating Reeves' Growth Plans
The Chancellor outlines ambitious growth plans and seeks results amid rising business costs. Business leaders share mixed reactions, with some expressing optimism while others are skeptical about labor market challenges. Discussions include major projects like the Heathrow expansion and new policies like payroll tax, highlighting the need for collaboration between government and industry. With upcoming statements holding the key, participants focus on navigating economic uncertainty while exploring tech investment opportunities.

Jan 29, 2025 • 16min
Ready for Takeoff: Rachel Reeves' Runway For Growth
The Chancellor launched an ambitious plan to revive Britain's economy, highlighting a proposed third runway at Heathrow. The discussion dives into the balance between economic benefits and environmental concerns. Infrastructure initiatives like improved rail links and housing developments aim to foster growth. Potential welfare reforms and global trade strategies are also examined. Analysts express cautious optimism about boosting productivity in the UK, yet acknowledge the challenges ahead in achieving long-term economic success.

Jan 28, 2025 • 13min
Growth, Growth, Growth: Keir Starmer Talks Business At Bloomberg
The Prime Minister presents his vision for economic growth to business leaders in London, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation. Industry insights reveal concerns over national insurance hikes and rising borrowing costs. Cathy Wood discusses the UK tech landscape's investment potential and regulatory advantages. Challenges in translating policies into results are examined, alongside the impact of economic conditions like low consumer confidence. A crucial Chancellor's speech approaches, aimed at steering the UK towards a prosperous future.

Jan 27, 2025 • 13min
Look Who's Talking: Keir Starmer Walks Trump's Tightrope
Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, provides insight into the evolving UK-US trade landscape. The discussion delves into Keir Starmer’s delicate balance between strengthening ties with the US and maintaining solid relations with the EU. Forgione highlights the potential challenges posed by Trump's aggressive trade policies and their implications for the UK economy. Additionally, they explore the post-Brexit trade dynamics and the pressing need for strategies to optimize UK trade relations amid global tensions.

Jan 23, 2025 • 13min
Net Zero Sums: Why Trump's Climate Pullback Could Hit UK Ambitions
The Trump administration is reversing much of America's green policies, accelerating moves already underway in the financial sector. Bloomberg's green finance & ESG investing reporter Alastair Marsh tells how financial firms on both sides of the Atlantic are shifting their approach to sustainable investing, and how that could affect the UK government's drive to grow the economy. Hosted by Tiwa Adebayo and Stephen Carroll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 2025 • 26min
Saying Yes: Rachel Reeves on Britain's Habit of Saying 'No' To Infrastructure
Today, we're bringing you a special conversation with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. They spoke to Bloomberg's Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait at Bloomberg House in Davos about the government's fiscal challenges, and how they plan to convince business leaders of their strategy to grow the economy. Hosted by Yuan Potts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 2025 • 12min
Inquiring For Change: Starmer Launches Southport Investigation
The UK will start a public inquiry into how the state failed to prevent the murders of three young girls last year. The probe will look into what Keir Starmer has called the 'new threat' of changing terrorism. But can yet another public assessment lead to lasting change? We discuss with Bloomberg's politics and economics reporter Lucy White. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 20, 2025 • 13min
Inauguration Invitations: What Trump's Guest List Says About UK-US Relations
Nigel Farage is a guest of Donald Trump as he's sworn in as US President for the second time today. Does it matter that the Prime Minister, like most other European leaders, wasn't invited? Other right-wing British political figures have also travelled to Washington for the event. Is the guest list an indicator of what's to come in UK-US relations? We discuss with Bloomberg's UK political editor Alex Wickham. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 32min
The Nigel Farage Interview: Reform UK Leader Speaks to Bloomberg
Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party and a key architect of Brexit, joins hosts Caroline Hepker and Will Shaw. He discusses his recent political achievements and what they mean for the party's future. The conversation dives into the impacts of his close ties with Donald Trump, trade negotiations post-Brexit, and the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk on democracy. Farage also critiques current immigration policies and emphasizes the need for coherent economic strategies to address public discontent.
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