Political Fix

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.

In this engaging discussion, FT correspondents Robert Shrimsley and Anna Gross tackle the UK Supreme Court's defining ruling on the legal definition of a woman, emphasizing its implications for gender identity and political dynamics. They delve into how this decision affects single-sex spaces and the Labour Party's challenges around trans rights. Additionally, they analyze the government's intervention in British Steel, exploring financial struggles and broader geopolitical ramifications. Both guests provide keen insights into the ever-evolving political landscape.

Katie Martin, a renowned markets columnist at the Financial Times, joins a discussion on the recent market chaos triggered by Donald Trump’s tariff announcements. The conversation delves into the ripple effects on U.S. stock prices and government bonds, as well as the complexities facing the UK in trade relations amid a global trade war. Additionally, the panel navigates the evolving political landscape, touching on the Tory party's internal struggles and the influence of rising right-wing parties, all while assessing the shifting focus towards UK and European markets.

Joining host Lucy Fisher are Robert Shrimsley, a British politics expert from the FT, Jim Pickard, seasoned in economic affairs, and Peter Foster, who specializes in trade and tariffs. They dive into the ramifications of Trump's new 10% tariffs on UK exports, spotlighting the looming threat to Britain's economy. The group discusses the response from Sir Keir Starmer, and debates whether the government's growth strategies, like expanding Luton airport, are genuine solutions or mere distractions from deeper issues.

Lucy Fisher chats with Stephen Bush, an insightful political correspondent, George Parker, a British politics expert, and Chris Giles, an economics commentator. They analyze Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, revealing deep cuts to welfare spending that risk pushing 250,000 people into poverty, including many children. The trio discusses looming fiscal challenges, the potential fallout from Trump's trade war on the UK economy, and the tumultuous relationship between the Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility in navigating these issues.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces tough challenges with downgraded growth forecasts and potential austerity measures in the UK. The discussion dives into controversial welfare reforms impacting vulnerable populations and the backlash they’ve ignited. European defense dynamics are also on the table, especially in light of NATO's role amid tensions in Ukraine. Additionally, the debate over age limits in the House of Lords and smartphone use in schools raises critical questions about influence and policy in modern society.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley, and Anna Gross delve into Keir Starmer’s ambitious 'Project Chainsaw,' aimed at reforming the NHS amidst a backdrop of political tension. They dissect the controversial abolition of NHS England and its implications for public services. The trio also explores the brewing Labour rebellion over welfare cuts and the pressures mounting from within the party. With insights into the challenges of welfare reform and the complexities of navigating public sentiment, this conversation is packed with crucial political analysis.

Miranda Green, a Political Fix regular and Financial Times contributor, along with Robert Shrimsley, another FT columnist, and Felicia Schwartz, a U.S. foreign affairs correspondent, discuss the balancing act of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer amid Trump's influence. They analyze Starmer's diplomatic strategies regarding Ukraine, contrasting them with Macron's approach. The trio also tackles the complexities of post-Brexit diplomacy, the political fallout from military alliance statements, and the ongoing tensions between populism and patriotism in today's political climate.