Political Fix

Robert Shrimsley, chief political commentator for the Financial Times, joins Miranda Green, Deputy Opinion Editor, and Jim Pickard, Deputy Political Editor. They dive into Keir Starmer's defense of Labour's Budget amidst skepticism about fiscal misrepresentation. The panel discusses Nigel Farage's prediction of a Tory-Reform UK deal, bolstered by a significant donation, and the potential impacts on upcoming elections. Additionally, they explore rising mental health diagnoses and the implications of Labour's welfare strategies as the political landscape evolves.

Join Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, expert Stuart Kirk, and economics writer Tej Parikh as they decode the latest UK Budget. They dive into the mechanics of salary sacrifice and its impact on childcare benefits. Stuart shares his shift to cash amid market volatility. The panel debates whether tax changes might hinder or help UK growth and discusses potential winners in the market, like small-caps and life sciences. Plus, they tackle the complexities of reforms and implications for pension savings. Tune in for sharp insights!

Sam Fleming, Economics editor at the Financial Times, analyzes the chaos surrounding Rachel Reeves' Budget announcement. Katie Martin, Markets columnist, discusses how the markets reacted to unexpected fiscal news, while Stephen Bush, Politics columnist, delves into Labour's strategy and the political fallout. They explore unprecedented tax rises, winners and losers of the Budget, and the risks tied to political decisions. The team also tackles the implications for public finances and assesses whether Reeves can maintain her political credibility in a tumultuous landscape.

Innovations in longevity present intriguing possibilities, with investors pouring billions into treatments that claim to extend life. The hosts delve into a potential nighttime pill that could reverse cell aging while you sleep. They explore the origins of society's fixation on longevity, highlighting the wealthy's fear of death. Ethical concerns arise over dubious practices in this burgeoning market. Will science truly unlock the secret to eternal youth, or is it just a Silicon Valley fantasy?

Join Stephen Bush, a political columnist known for his insightful analysis, Miranda Green, the Deputy Opinion Editor at the Financial Times focusing on political language, and David Sheppard, a Whitehall correspondent with an eye on budget politics. They delve into Shabana Mahmood's tough new immigration policies and their reception within a divided Labour Party. David evaluates the influence of Reform UK, while Stephen highlights historical parallels and questions the effectiveness of government claims. The discussion also touches on the upcoming Budget, tax U-turns, and the political ramifications of these decisions.

Join Jim Pickard, Anna Gross, and Stephen Bush as they dissect the leadership turmoil surrounding Keir Starmer. Pickard reveals intriguing details about selective briefings that hint at internal cabinet struggles. Gross and Bush assess the potential backlash from the looming budget and the odds of an early coup. The conversation touches on Wes Streeting's rising status and how factional politics and member dynamics could impact electability. They also explore the BBC crisis and speculate on future leadership candidates from both Labour and the broadcaster.

In this discussion, Jim Pickard, Deputy Political Editor at the Financial Times, examines the impact of Rachel Reeves' recent speech on tax expectations. Sam Fleming, Economics Editor, weighs the pros and cons of potential tax increases versus varied fiscal measures, highlighting risks to government credibility. Katie Martin shares insights on bond market responses and the implications for the UK economy. The trio also debates labor’s past fiscal choices, the potential for fiscal consolidation, and investor sentiments regarding future leadership.

Join Stephen Bush, a keen political analyst, Robert Shrimsley, chief commentator for the FT, and Sam Fleming, economics editor, as they dive into Rachel Reeves' challenge to find £30bn before the Budget. They discuss the pressure on Labour's manifesto tax pledges and the potential fallout from the OBR's troubling productivity downgrade. The panel debates the implications of breaking tax promises, explores trade-offs between national insurance and income tax, and speculates on the long-term strategy leading to the next election.

Join Jim Pickard, Deputy Political Editor at the Financial Times; Robert Shrimsley, UK chief political commentator; and Jennifer Williams, Northern England correspondent, as they unpack the week's political highlights. They'll discuss how falling inflation offers a reprieve for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Labour's struggles after a shocking by-election loss in Caerphilly, and chaotic failures within the Home Office. Plus, hear their take on fresh revelations regarding Prince Andrew's ties and the ongoing grooming gangs inquiry.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Bush, a political columnist known for his insights on party politics, joins Miranda Green, a deputy opinion editor at the Financial Times, and Chris Giles, the FT's economics commentator. They tackle Chancellor Rachel Reeves' challenging Autumn Budget and the £22 billion shortfall. The trio explores blame for Britain's economic woes, the impact of Brexit, and the intersection of politics and economics amidst the China spy case. Insights on voter awareness and welfare spending add depth to their analysis.