Novara Live

Labour MPs voice their discontent as unions urge Keir Starmer not to cut winter fuel payments. Plus: New plans to bring more bus services under the control of local councils; and a new report accuses the BBC of bias against Israel. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.

We speak to Zack Polanski as the Green Party conference kicks off. Plus: UK prisons hit record levels of overcrowding; and Jeremy Kyle gives evidence at the inquest into a guest’s death. With Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani.

Westminster responds to the Grenfell Inquiry’s damning results with varying degrees of compassion. Plus: Michel Barnier is appointed as the new Prime Minister of France; and a key supplier of arms to Israel sponsors a Labour conference event. With Moya Lothian-McLean and Ash Sarkar.

The Grenfell Inquiry’s final report lays the blame for the 2017 disaster at the feet of successive governments and unscrupulous private companies. Plus: Priti Patel is eliminated from the Tory leadership race; and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez trades blows with US Green Party leader Jill Stein. With Steven Methven and NoJusticeMTG.

Following the announcement of a partial ban on arms exports from the UK to Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the British government. Plus: At least twelve dead after a migrant boat capsizes in the channel; and shocking new figures on the UK’s food poverty crisis. With Aaron Bastani and Moya Lothian-McLean.

With Israel facing a nationwide strike in response to government actions in Gaza, political tensions rise. The UK suspends some arms licenses, stirring public protests and skepticism about U.S. diplomacy. Meanwhile, a significant far-right victory shakes German politics, reflecting shifting attitudes on migration. In the UK, conservative leaders are critiqued for their superficial handling of critical issues, while new alliances form amid debates on representation and inequality.

In her first major interview since becoming the presumptive nominee, Kamala Harris discusses her firm stance on not blocking arms to Israel. She dives into the complexities of navigating U.S. foreign policy and its electoral implications. The conversation also touches on her plans for the middle class and health policies aimed at child tax credits and prescription drug costs. Additionally, the hosts address pressing issues around labor rights, such as tenant struggles and proposals for a four-day workweek, highlighting the disconnect between political promises and reality.

Moya Lothian-McLean, a public policy analyst, and Micha Frazer-Carroll, a social issues commentator, dive deep into Keir Starmer's potential outdoor smoking ban in the UK. They discuss its public health implications and the political repercussions from Conservative opposition. The conversation also touches on Labour's reassessment of oil policies amidst climate challenges, the urgent need for renewable energy investments, and the concerning decline in happiness among UK teenagers, prompting calls for political action.

Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, visits Berlin to negotiate a new treaty with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aiming to strengthen UK-Germany ties post-Brexit. They unpack the challenges in trade and mobility, particularly regarding youth visas and public contracts. Rachel Reeves critiques the government’s handling of winter fuel allowances amid budget constraints. The podcast also highlights the urgent need for legal asylum routes in Europe, exploring the complex dynamics of migration and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Join Aaron Bastani, a keen political commentator, and Mike Bankole, a public policy expert, as they dissect Keir Starmer's recent warning of an impending autumn budget crisis. They delve into the UK's staggering £22 billion shortfall and the political accountability surrounding it, pointing fingers at past Tory policies. The talk takes a turn as they discuss troubling issues of accessibility for disabled individuals in public transport, showcasing personal stories that demand urgent action. A fascinating exploration of politics, budget woes, and social justice awaits!