

Political Fix
Financial Times
The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 5, 2023 • 32min
Rishi Sunak’s ‘questionable radicalism’
Rishi Sunak's 'questionable radicalism.' Rishi Sunak's campaign strategy as the 'change' candidate in the next election. The cancellation of the northern leg of HS2 and the government's strategy for retaining northern voters. Analysis of the upcoming Labour conference and Keir Starmer's leadership. Speculations on Andy Street's future and Nigel Farage's potential involvement with the Conservative party.

Sep 29, 2023 • 37min
Sunak and Starmer flip-flop on policies
As the Tories waver over major elements of HS2 and Labour is forced to clarify its policy on private schools, Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to assess the political damage. And with the party conference season under way, the FT’s Anna Gross gives her impressions of her “weird” first visit to the Liberal Democrats’ gathering. Plus: what was Suella Braverman seeking to achieve this week with her most hard-nosed rhetoric to date on refugees?Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more? Liberal Democrats vow to knock down Tory ‘blue wall’ in the south of EnglandWhy the Lib Dem’s Ed Davy doesn’t use the B-wordGreater Manchester mayor proposes compromise on HS2 rail lineSuella Braverman questions UN treaty’s definition of refugee persecutionClips from BBCSign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Mix by Jake Fielding. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2023 • 32min
Is Rishi Sunak’s net zero U-turn a vote-winner?
Rishi Sunak sparked a fierce backlash from eco-minded Tories, as well as fury from industry, over his rowback on net zero policies. But will his gamble pay off with voters? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and George Parker to discuss how it plays in electoral terms. The FT’s Jim Pickard meanwhile delves into the details of the impact on electric vehicles and the auto sector. Plus, the gang examines Keir Starmer’s major intervention on relations with the EU.Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter : @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more? What Sunak’s net zero pivot means for UK climate goals and the next electionCarmakers in UK to face EV sales targets despite delay to petrol vehicle banKeir Starmer pledges to seek major rewrite of Brexit deal Clip from: BBCSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 2023 • 28min
Keir Starmer's small boats gamble
The Labour leader Keir Starmer is attempting to seize the initiative on dealing with clandestine immigration. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to examine his plan to strike a returns deal with the EU. Plus, political editor George Parker joins the pod to chew over his recent interview with Tony Blair, and the fallout from allegations of Chinese espionage in Westminster.Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter: @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more? Tories hit out at Labour plan for migration deal with the EURishi Sunak launched China reset despite alleged spy arrestLabour cannot fix UK through tax and spend, says Tony BlairSketchy Politics: Are all the pieces in place for Starmer?Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 2023 • 27min
The weight of the UK’s concrete crisis
The podcast discusses the government's handling of the crumbling concrete crisis in UK schools, the bankruptcy of the largest local authority, and Keir Starmer's reshuffle. It also explores the financial distress of UK councils with a focus on Birmingham and touches on stock picks and political analysis.

Sep 5, 2023 • 46min
Political Fix special: Live at the FT Weekend Festival
Panel discusses government policies on education, housing, environment and electoral prospects. Analysis of political developments, international events, and upcoming Parliament term. Suspension of Nutrient Neutrality Rules to boost house building. Impact of nutrient neutrality on urban sprawl and importance of green belt. Challenges of addressing climate change and transitioning to green economy. Recent appointments and their significance.

Sep 1, 2023 • 27min
PM rewards loyalists in mini-shuffle
Rishi Sunak has prepared for the new political term with a mini-shuffle, promoting his closest political ally Claire Coutinho to energy secretary and Grant Shapps to defence secretary. What do the limited changes say about the PM’s grip on his party? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political correspondent Anna Gross to analyse the shake-up. Plus, what, if anything, did James Cleverly’s visit to China achieve? And Lucy is also joined by the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster to examine how the UK government is coping with post-Brexit rule changes.Follow Lucy on Twitter: @LOS_FisherRead a transcript of this episode on FT.comWant more? ‘Safe pair of hands’ Grant Shapps appointed UK defence secretaryUK foreign secretary hits back at Tory critics of China policy UK government announces fifth delay to post-Brexit border controls on foodClips from: BBCSign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://www.ft.com/newsletter-signup/inside-politics Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 2023 • 36min
Could a reshuffle revitalise Sunak’s government?
In this episode, the podcast discusses the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle for Rishi Sunak's government. They also analyze the status of Donald Trump's political campaign and legal cases and the implications for the UK. The potential UK-India trade deal is explored, along with Trump's legal troubles and their impact on his campaign. The episode concludes with a discussion on potential government reshuffling and Nadine Dorries' plans.

Aug 18, 2023 • 37min
Britain’s intergenerational unfairness: reality or myth?
This podcast discusses the intergenerational unfairness in Britain, covering topics such as the economic data on state pension, A-Level results, healthcare challenges, exam grades, COVID-19 impact, data breaches in Northern Ireland, Scottish election predictions, and UK's relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Aug 11, 2023 • 32min
The Tories’ battle over asylum seekers
After months of delay and safety concerns, the first asylum seekers were marched up the gangplank of the Bibby Stockholm barge this week. If they don’t like the vessel, they can ‘f*** off back to France’, was the eyebrow-raising verdict of Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson. The senior Tory MP made a second startling statement: a public admission the government has ‘failed’ on migration. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to rake through the facts. They also consider the pitfalls of too much caution in politics. Plus, James Kynge, the FT’s global China editor, offers his take on claims the UK has been ‘weak’ over giving in to US pressure to cut back on dealings with Beijing. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links here:Starmer won’t give the Tories an opportunity – that’s their opportunity The great ‘Brexit’ and ‘coalition’ taboos are holding the Lib Dems backBibby Stockholm and the battle over asylum Rishi Sunak weighs following Biden on curbing tech investment in ChinaGet the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich and Lulu Smyth with Andrew Georgiades. Executive producer, Manuela Saragosa. Mix by Simon Panayi. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global 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.