Political Fix

Emmanuel Macron made his state visit to the UK this week – the first EU leader to do so since Brexit. It heralded a reset between France and Britain, dubbed the ‘entente amicale’ by King Charles. Macron and Starmer announced a joint crackdown on migration with a ‘one-in one-out policy’ for asylum seekers and closer cooperation on defence. But it wasn't all hard talk, with much of the limelight focused on a soft-power push: the announcement that the Bayeux Tapestry will be returning to the UK for the first time in more than 900 years. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Anna Gross and the FT’s Europe editor Ben Hall to discuss what this ‘entente amicable’ might mean for the UK.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Anna @annasophiegross.bsky.social  What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  Want more? Free links:   Britain, France and the necessary relationship Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announce migrant returns dealHow the British Museum secured chance to host Bayeux Tapestry after 900 years  Small boat crossings to UK soar in first half of year Inside Politics: Jake Berry’s defection signals Tory party is in deep trouble Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks a year of Keir Starmer’s government. But if Labour was expecting to celebrate the anniversary – it didn't pan out that way. Despite claiming a narrow victory with the contentious welfare bill, the government appeared to have one of its roughest weeks on record. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss how Labour got here, and where it can go next. To mark the occasion, they are also joined by a cut-price supermarket cake.  Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  Want more? Free links:     How Keir Starmer fumbled his first year in powerWhy Starmer and Reeves got this one wrongRobert’s column: Crying for a lost Labour governmentWhich UK taxes are expected to rise in the autumn budget? Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer faced a huge rebellion from within his own party this week after scores of MPs opposed changes to make it tougher to collect some disability benefits. This episode — recorded just before the prime minister’s concessions on welfare reform — unpacks why the rebellion took place, what it says about Starmer’s leadership and where next for Labour. Host Miranda Green is joined by Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard — check out their recent articles below for fresh analysis on the government climbdown. Plus, FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman on Starmer’s performance at the Nato summit and the impact on the UK of global uncertainty.  Follow Miranda on Bluesky: @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen on Bluesky or X @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  Want more? Free links:    How Starmer averted ‘civil war’ with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts Welfare U-turn permanently alters Labour’s playbookMorgan McSweeney: Labour’s election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion loomsA defeat Keir Starmer cannot affordThe latest episode of The Rachman Review: ‘Too soon to celebrate peace between Israel and Iran?’  To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering readers' questions on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Jean-Marc Ek. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will he? Won’t he? President Donald Trump has given little indication as to whether America will join in the conflict between Israel and Iran. So where does this leave the UK and its assets in the region? How does the prime minister play his hand with the president, and what does that mean for his relationship with his own party, especially given Labour's track record? Host George Parker is joined by the FT’s Middle East editor Andrew England, alongside regular guests Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green, to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's options.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.socialWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  Want more? Free links:   Starmer puts UK cabinet on alert for potential US attack on IranThe implosion of Iran’s ‘no peace, no war’ strategy Europe set for Iran talks as Trump signals 2-week window to decide on attackTrump says he ‘may or may not’ strike IranTo mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering reader questions about what's coming next on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Giles, an economics commentator for the Financial Times, joins the discussion to dissect Labour's recent spending review and its implications. He highlights the optimistic tone of Rachel Reeves against the backdrop of grim economic data. The conversation explores funding priorities, particularly in the NHS and defense, and the perplexing details of housing budgets. They also delve into the challenges Labour faces regarding voter perception and potential tax increases, all while navigating the complexities of public finance and economic strategy.

This discussion features Robert Shrimsley, a correspondent for the Financial Times, Sam Fleming, the FT's economics editor, and Jennifer Williams, its northern correspondent. They dive into UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' pivotal decisions on winter fuel payments and massive transport funding. The guests dissect the implications of rising defense spending, imminent fiscal cuts, and the evolving role of the Conservative Party's reputation. They also highlight the urgent need for equitable investment in northern transport, calling for a renewed government commitment for public trust.

Join two renowned economists as they dive into the economic upheavals reshaping our world post-Trump election. They explore trade wars and the political landscape's influence on the economy. The discussion also highlights the impact of emerging technologies like AI on future developments. Expect sharp insights and lively debates that could reshape your understanding of today's economic challenges.

Join Chris Giles, an Economics commentator for the Financial Times, and Anna Gross, a Political correspondent for the Financial Times, as they dive into the fierce political clash between Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage. They dissect Farage's claims of championing the working class and critique the fiscal feasibility of his plans. The conversation also touches on Labour's economic arithmetic, public finance challenges, and the looming implications of a potential Farage-led government on the UK economy.

In this engaging discussion, FT correspondent Miranda Green and Peter Foster, the World Trade Editor, unravel the recent UK-EU Brexit deal hailed by Keir Starmer as a triumph, while met with skepticism from critics like Kemi Badenoch. They dissect the political fallout of Labour's strategic moves, including the contentious agreement over the Chagos Islands and its hefty price tag. The episode also dives into the delicate balance of trade negotiations, international relations, and the ongoing challenges Starmer faces as he navigates this complex landscape.

Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard, both FT correspondents, dive into Labour's recent immigration crackdown led by Keir Starmer. They dissect Starmer's controversial speech about the UK becoming an 'island of strangers' and the end of social care visas. The guests explore the party's internal divisions over immigration policy and the potential impact on their voter base. Additionally, they touch on the urgent reforms needed in the male prison system and the complex political landscape facing Labour amidst economic challenges.