Bloomberg UK Politics

Thames Water now says it needs to spend nearly £20 billion by 2030 on fixing the water and sewage system, but the company appears to have little prospect of being able to raise the money. Our energy and environment reporter Jess Shankleman and distressed debt reporter Lucca de Paoli unpack the latest turn in the water firm's crisis. Plus, Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Matthew Brooker joins us to discuss the questions raised about Britain's relationship with privatization. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having helped to repel Iran's attack on Israel last weekend, we discuss the UK's initial reaction to Israel's retaliation overnight with Bloomberg's EMEA News Director Rosalind Mathieson. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says no one wants escalation, but after six months of a war in Gaza, is the conflict destined to grow? Plus, can being cool rub off? We speak to Timothy Paul, one of social media influencers who interviewed Sunak recently about why he did it and the role of TikTok in an election year. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UN data shows 3.2% of the global population are international migrants and in a year of global elections it's a hot political issue. Bloomberg's Senior Economy and Government Editor Alan Crawford joins us to talk through what's at stake. In the UK, much of the debate centres on the government's controversial Rwanda bill. We discuss the legislation with Jenny Jones, a Green party member of the House of Lords, and award-winning journalist Sally Hayden. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Hunt tells Bloomberg that interest rate cuts and an improved economic situation will help lift voters' moods ahead of a general election, adding to speculation about an autumn vote. We bring you our interview with the Chancellor, as well as the first Prime Minister's Questions after the Easter recess. Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer traded barbs over Liz Truss's book, and the Conservative party's tax-cutting plans. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest UK Jobs data saw unemployment jump to a six month high. Bloomberg's economics reporter Irina Anghel joins us to talk through the figures.Plus, the government has announced legislation to criminalise the creation of deepfake images and videos as part of plans to tackle violence against women. We speak to Women and Equalities Select Committee Chair, Caroline Nokes MP and feminist campaigner Patsy Stevenson about the news. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK jets helped Israel to fend off Iran's first-ever direct attack over the weekend, but Foreign Secretary David Cameron is now urging restraint from the Israeli government in its response. We discuss the foreign policy challenges with Bloomberg Managing Editor Adam Blenford, and Julie Norman, Senior Middle East Fellow at RUSI. Any escalation in the Middle East could drive up oil prices and add to inflation here. Energy market expert Bill Farren-Price from the the Oxford Institute of Energy Studies gives us his analysis. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several banks have started offering the opportunity to bet against Thames Water's debt. It's the latest sign of an impending crisis at the UK's biggest water supplier, after it was labelled 'uninvestable' by its own shareholders. We talk through the company's options and what they could mean for customers and the government, with Bloomberg's Tasos Vossos and restructuring expert Linton Bloomberg from Reed Smith. Hosted By Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The local election campaign is in full swing, but Rishi Sunak can't escape his own splintered party, with Boris Johnson grabbing the headlines with a speech in Canada. We ask Bloomberg UK Government Reporter Ellen Milligan how it's going for the PM. Labour meanwhile are determined to stick resolutely to their message of 'no complacency'. But what would prove the polls right and be a good election result for Labour on the morning of May 3rd? We get the inside scoop on the party's thinking from Labour Together's Director of Research and polling guru, Christabel Cooper. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta's Nick Clegg told an event in London the social media giant isn't seeing artificial intelligence being used a on a "systemic basis" to disrupt elections arguing that the technology can be a 'sword and shield' against harmful content. We discuss the risks posted by AI and social media with our technology reporter Mark Bergen, and Keegan McBride from the Oxford Internet Institute. Plus, James Woolcock reviews Rishi Sunak's appearance on a phone-in radio show. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's Foreign Secretary is in America to lobby for more funding for Ukraine. Our Managing Editor Brendan Scott explains Britain's changing role on the world stage and speculates how Cameron's meeting went with former president Donald Trump. Back at home, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also trying to raise some cash by tightening up non-dom rules. Founder of Tax Research, Richard Murphy, tells us Labour should go after small businesses and sole traders not paying their fair share. Plus, how does the economy change if the next generation are still living with their parents? Bloomberg's economy reporter Tom Rees explains. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Lizzy Burden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.