Political Fix

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.

Listeners dive into pressing political questions, like the real value of the UK-US trade deal and its potential ramifications. The panel explores Labour Party dynamics and Keir Starmer's leadership amid rising left-wing alliances. They analyze the feasibility of military involvement in Ukraine, alongside the complexities of pension policies affecting vulnerable populations. Additionally, land tax reforms and their implications are debated, as well as the unpredictable nature of investment strategies that intertwine with political influences.

Recent local elections have seen Reform UK make significant gains, shaking up traditional politics in the UK. The rise of populist movements raises questions about the future of the two-party system. Analysts discuss the struggle of Labour and Conservatives to maintain voter loyalty amidst public disillusionment. Key figures like Kemi Badenoch face scrutiny as internal conflicts plague the Conservative Party. The conversation also highlights evolving political affiliations and strategies needed for future electoral success.

Ahead of England’s local elections next week, the Political Fix team pick the races to watch and what’s at stake for the main parties, as voters head to the polls to elect 1,600-odd councillors, six mayors and one new MP. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by podcast regulars Miranda Green and Anna Gross, plus the FT’s Northern correspondent Jennifer Williams, to ask whether Reform UK will live up to high expectations, and just how far both Labour and the Tories could fall. They also examine Sir Keir Starmer’s pivot to patriotism and projection of a nostalgic vision of England, as he attempts to see off the threat from Nigel Farage. Have a question for our panel? Drop us a line at politicalfix@ft.com. Record a voice note with your name and question, and email it to us. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Anna annasophiegross.bsky.social @AnnaSophieGross, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, and Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT @jenwilliamsft.bsky.socialWant more? Free links:   What to watch in the 2025 local elections Starmer plays up patriotic credentials as local elections loom Reform UK heads offshore to raise funds from world’s wealthy  Unite divided: British trade union grapples with twin scandals  Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth, with help from Georgina Quach. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.