Political Fix

Lord Waheed Alli, a prominent Labour donor recently caught in controversy, discusses how his donations may cloud the government's image. Meanwhile, Michael O'Dwyer, chief business correspondent, warns about the ramifications of the UK government's tax policies on private investment. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding political gifts, the implications of Sue Gray's high salary amidst pay cuts, and the challenges posed to Labour's electoral strategy. The panel blends serious political analysis with light banter about quirky investment ideas.

Lucy Fisher, a political journalist, leads an insightful discussion featuring Robert Shrimsley, George Parker, and Sarah Neville, who examine a government report declaring the NHS in critical condition. They explore whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer can successfully reform the health service amidst looming political challenges. The conversation also delves into younger generations' shifting views on healthcare sustainability and the urgent need to boost NHS staff morale, emphasizing the political ramifications and economic impacts of health policy in the UK.

Join Lucy Fisher, a savvy Financial Times journalist, alongside her colleagues Miranda Green and Jim Pickard, as they dissect Labour's shifting stance towards businesses amidst impending employment law reforms. They explore the challenging balance between worker rights and business interests, especially in the wake of stricter regulations. Meanwhile, Andrew England delves into the UK's controversial policy changes regarding Israel, including halted arms exports and renewed aid for Palestinians, revealing the complexities of political decision-making in a turbulent landscape.

Sam Fleming, the FT economics editor, shares insights into Labour's challenges as the party grapples with a projected £22 billion deficit. He highlights the difficult balance of increasing taxes while maintaining voter support. The discussion delves into the political climate, revealing struggles within party leadership and the urgency of effective governance. They also touch on the Tory leadership race and the need for Labour to communicate its vision of hope amidst the gloom, examining the broader implications for UK economic and diplomatic relations.

Kamala Harris, the newly-nominated Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President, joins Financial Times' Lauren Fedor and Derek Brower to dive into the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. They discuss the party's vibrant atmosphere, the significance of Harris’s acceptance speech, and the internal challenges of uniting diverse ideologies. The trio also contrasts the Democratic and Republican campaign strategies, focusing on critical issues like economic policy and abortion rights. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a cohesive vision to face upcoming elections.

George Parker, political editor for the Financial Times, leads a discussion with Miranda Green, Stephen Bush, Anna Gross, and Rachel Reeves. They dive into Elon Musk's controversial statements about the UK government and the implications for social media governance. The panel debates the balance between free speech and online safety, examining the UK's approach amid Musk's ownership of X. They also ponder the financial strategies for growth in the UK and the importance of holidays for politicians in maintaining performance while navigating public scrutiny.

Sir Keir Starmer has told police to stay on ‘high alert’ for more disorder, as rafts of rioters receive lengthy jail sentences in Britain’s courts. Has the unrest petered out, or could it yet flare up again? And how will the government get a grip on the longer-term challenges the recent violence has thrown up – from illegal immigration to community cohesion? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams and UK correspondent William Wallis to assess the fallout. Plus Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, a think-tank specialising in integration, joins with his analysis of how Starmer should start to heal the ‘fractious, divided and anxious country’.Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher, Jen @JenWilliamsMEN, William @WWFTUK, Sunder @sundersaysWant more?  Keir Starmer tells police to stay on ‘high alert’ as UK rioters jailedFar-right riots centred on England’s deprivation hotspotsThe volatile far right on UK streets is becoming more difficult to labelHuge UK anti-racist rallies held as far-right protests fail to materialiseTo take part in an audience survey, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Sign 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://ft.com/insidepoliticsofferPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Leah Quinn and Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity and original music by Breen Turner. Studio engineers: Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. 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.

Lucy Fisher, a political commentator, leads an insightful discussion with Miranda Green, a political contributor, Camilla Cavendish, a trend analyst, journalist Anna Gross, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. They delve into the recent violent unrest in the UK, sparked by tragic events, and the Labour Party's responses, including a new policing unit. The group also tackles the government’s financial controversies, scrutinizing overspending accusations and Labour’s strategies surrounding tax and pension policies amid rising public concerns.

Rachel Reeves, the UK's chancellor, discusses the daunting £20 billion financial shortfall that may lead to tax increases. George Parker, political editor at the Financial Times, along with Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley, analyze government options amid this uncertainty. Gill Plimmer highlights the controversial cancellation of the HS2 rail link and its far-reaching implications for transportation and regional economies. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and public expectations.

Sir Keir Starmer discusses devolution plans with metro mayors. The podcast covers potential 'bin fires' including prisons crisis, public sector pay disputes, cash-strapped universities, and Thames Water collapse. Insightful discussion on Labour's economic growth strategies and Sue Gray's risk register challenges.