Political Fix

Exploring humanity's ambitious goal of reaching Mars, the discussion delves into motivations for interplanetary settlement. Key players like the U.S., China, and Elon Musk are highlighted as they strive to make this a reality. The feasibility of long-term habitation on the red planet is examined, weighing its potential as a species-level aspiration. Incremental launch strategies are analyzed, showcasing how each mission builds towards a larger vision of sending families to Mars. The quest to become an interplanetary species is more thrilling than ever!

This week, the Political Fix team comes to you from Liverpool — with all the news from the annual Labour Party Conference. Sir Keir Starmer struck a patriotic tone to the Labour faithful, promising to fight Nigel Farage’s “politics of grievance” and build a renewed, healthy Britain “with the flag waving in our hands” — flags he was keen to reclaim from his opponents on the nationalist right.And that confident tone had also been struck by his chancellor, the day before. Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the need for economic responsibility and a willingness to take tough decisions, whilst taking pot-shots at the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, in the wake of his thinly veiled bid for the Labour leadership last week.The prime minister arrived in Liverpool with widespread discontent over his leadership, speculation that he could face a challenge and a calamitous -54 poll approval rating. So did Starmer do enough to salvage his floundering premiership? Host George Parker is joined by Jim Pickard, Anna Gross and Stephen Bush to unpack what the annual conference might mean for the future of the Labour party — and the nation. Follow George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social and Anna on X @AnnaSophieGrossWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  Want more? Free links:     Starmer urges Labour to launch ‘patriotic’ fight against ReformRachel Reeves signals Budget tax rises, saying ‘world has changed’ Reeves will struggle to sell growth case to UK fiscal watchdog, economists warnLabour’s unpopularity problem ‘Lost the plot’: Tony Blair’s role prompts incredulity —– and some hopeSign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOfferPresented 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 episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, guests Miranda Green, FT deputy opinion editor; Stephen Bush, FT politics columnist; and Jennifer Williams, FT northern correspondent, dissect Andy Burnham's recent media push for Labour leadership. They evaluate his bold economic proposals and what they mean for his political viability. The panel explores the potential impact of Burnham's ambitions on Sir Keir Starmer's position, as well as the significance of the upcoming party conference. Key themes include Burnham's balancing act and the future of the Northern Powerhouse.

Joining the discussion are Robert Shrimsley, an FT political commentator; David Sheppard, an energy policy expert; and Jim Pickard, a senior political correspondent. They dissect the spectacle of Trump’s state visit, questioning whether it represents true diplomacy or mere pageantry. The talk dives into the significance of the £150bn tech and energy deals, and Trump's provocative stances on migration, Ukraine, and the UK’s foreign policy. They also touch on the upcoming Liberal Democrat conference and its implications for the political landscape.

The podcast dives into the political chaos following Lord Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about accountability and leadership. Sir Keir Starmer faces scrutiny over his judgment as Labour MPs express doubts about his direction. The discussion also spotlights the upcoming deputy Labour leadership contest, with contenders Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell vying for the role. Additionally, it examines Kemi Badenoch's rising profile within the Conservative party and the shifting dynamics in UK politics.

US President Donald Trump is coming to the UK next week. What can we expect from his visit? And where do things stand between the US and the UK? In this special bonus episode, our two FT political chat shows, Political Fix and Swamp Notes, team up to unpack relations between the two longtime allies. Marc Filippino, host of the Swamp Notes podcast, and US managing editor Brooke Masters are joined by Political Fix’s George Parker and Lucy Fisher to discuss. This episode was recorded on September 6 in front of a live audience at the FT Weekend Festival in London. Listen to the Swamp Notes podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to the Political Fix podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. The executive producer for Political Fix is Flo Phillips. This episode was mixed by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-heads of audio are Topher Forhecz and Manuela Saragosa. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn’t the start to the new parliamentary term that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped for. His insistence that his focus is now on “delivery, delivery, delivery” was eclipsed by the furore surrounding the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, over her tax affairs. To discuss where her precarious position leaves Starmer, plus his attempts to get the economic agenda back on track, host George Parker is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, FT columnist and author of the daily Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush, and FT economics commentator Chris Giles. Plus, as the party conference season kicks off, the team looks at what’s on the menu for Reform UK supporters at their first ever conference.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb; Anna @AnnaSophieGross and Chris @chrisgiles_Going to the FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House Gardens in London on Saturday September 6? George and Lucy Fisher will be hosting a breakfast event, talking politics and podcasts, in the Experience Tent from 9.45am. FT Live has a 10% discount for all FT podcast listeners with the promo code FTPodcasts. Find a registration link to use with the discount hereSend a question, ideally as a voicenote, to our email address: politicalfix@ft.comSign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free here Want more?The UK is a Fiscal Saint not a SinnerReform UK ‘going to the next stage’, says deputy leaderKeir Starmer seeks to get a grip on UK economy with new hiresThis episode of Political Fix was presented by George Parker, and produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela SaragosaRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining host George Parker are Robert Shrimsley, the FT’s chief political commentator, and Stephen Bush, FT columnist and Inside Politics author. They delve into Sir Keir Starmer's leadership shake-up and its potential impact as conference season looms. The discussion touches on Tony Blair's surprise role in the U.S., the looming influence of Nigel Farage on the UK’s immigration narrative, and the implications of recent political moves at Number 10. The landscape of Labour's comeback strategy and Farage's political tactics are critically assessed.

Sarah Neville, Global Health Editor at the Financial Times, Miranda Green, Deputy Opinion Editor at the Financial Times, and Chris Giles, Economics Commentator at the FT, dive into the pressing woes of the NHS. They dissect the government's ten-year plan and whether it's a lifeboat or just a band-aid. The trio sheds light on the alarming rise in patient wait times and the looming specter of a two-tier health system. Plus, they explore innovative solutions like using comedy for mental health treatments. Buckle up for an insightful discussion on the future of healthcare in Britain!

Maga arrived in Chipping Norton this week, heralding an intense round of British diplomacy ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. Ukraine is top of the agenda and both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy have been doing their bit liaising between US vice-president JD Vance and President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders. In this week’s episode, host George Parker is joined by Europe editor Ben Hall and Whitehall editor David Sheppard to discuss how the UK is playing its hand on the global stage and the role of soft power in its negotiations. The FT Weekend Festival returns for our 10th edition on Saturday September 6 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. Get details and tickets hereFollow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Ben Hall @hallbenjamin and David Sheppard @OilSheppardWant to get in touch? Email politicalfix@ft.com  Want more? Free links:   Putin hails Trump’s ‘energetic and sincere’ efforts to end Ukraine warZelenskyy faces his ‘moment of maximum pressure’JD Vance to meet Reform’s Nigel Farage after talks with Tory MP Robert JenrickGeorge Osborne arranged Cotswolds holiday for JD VanceHow the Bayeux Tapestry became a tool of soft powerSign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. CLIPS: Manchester Evening NewsPresented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.