
Politics At Sam and Anne's
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy with what you need to know about the day ahead in British politics. All in under 20 minutes and in your feed around 7.30am.They're across the key interviews, the main stories and what the parties are saying.
Latest episodes

Mar 10, 2025 • 22min
Farage gets tough
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. With Zelensky heading to Saudi Arabia to join US sponsored peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Sam and Anne assess the UK’s response to any concessions Ukraine might be made to make to Russia. And with Mark Carney waiting in the wings to take over from Prime Minister Trudeau in Canada, how will his premiership differ and how will he respond to Trump’s threat of tariffs? Domestically, Labour’s wish for economic growth is well known, but do their planning reforms go far enough to get it? And speaking of Reform - as their internal rows rumble on, Anne and Sam discuss what the latest intervention from an unnamed KC means for the party. WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Mar 6, 2025 • 19min
Fire alarm in the classroom
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. As Matt Wrack, a former hard-left firefighter is endorsed as the the next leader of one of the two main teaching unions Sam and Anne discuss the fall out for the government. Mr Wrack who is the preferred candidate for the NASWT is a former general secretary of the fire brigade's union, but he has no professional educational background. They also discuss the ongoing conversations about defence spending and how Europe will protect itself as both Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer spend their day on defence visits. Plus are there plans to remove President Zelensky from office? Anne has been speaking to members of the Ukrainian government. WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Mar 5, 2025 • 20min
The plan to save Rachel Reeves
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. The domestic agenda is key today with some hints starting to emerge about what Chancellor Rachel Reeves is planning in her Spring statement in three weeks' time. Sam reveals details of a four-point plan to get big government announcements out there before the statement itself. Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, may or may not help her preparations when he appears before the Treasury select committee today. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Mar 4, 2025 • 19min
Trump tanks Starmer’s plan
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. President Donald Trump has just pulled the plug on US military aid to Ukraine, leaving Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders scrambling to respond. Just yesterday, the prime minister was praised in the House of Commons for his diplomatic efforts, will he now be forced to rethink his approach?In today's episode, Sam and Anne unpack the decision, the ripple effects on European defence, and whether Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron can convince Trump to reverse course.Plus, new polling shows Labour are back in the lead, but is Sir Keir losing focus on the domestic agenda?You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Mar 3, 2025 • 20min
The case for and against Keir Starmer’s intervention
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. After an extraordinary 96 hours on the world stage, Sir Keir Starmer faces his next challenge: a grilling from MPs in the Commons. In today's episode, Sam and Anne break down how the prime minister positioned himself at the heart of the Ukraine crisis, seizing the moment as mediator between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, hosting a major European summit, and shaping the "coalition of the willing".But how does Starmer's performance play outside Britain? Anne reports from Berlin on how he is viewed in Europe, while Sam lays out the key questions MPs will throw at him today.Plus, Sam and Anne outline what to expect from the rest of the week, from defence spending to farmers' protests and yet another leasehold reform plan.You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 27, 2025 • 21min
Starmer to walk Trump tightrope
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Tim Ross have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. Keir Starmer is in Washington today to meet Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine and Europe’s long-term security. Tim and Sam assess what Keir’s approach might be and what he might actually be able to do. Will he - can he - take Macron’s recent approach of flattery and charm, or will he take a firmer line? Also, ahead of European leaders meeting at Lancaster House on Sunday, Sam and Tim discuss Britain’s increased importance on the European stage as America takes a step back. Plus, Sam and Tim outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 26, 2025 • 21min
New slogan, same Starmer?
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Poltico’s Anne McElvoy hold their hands up on this episode – that they didn’t see Keir Starmer’s big defence announcement coming yesterday morning. The plan to shift defence spending to 3% of GDP (and a new Downing Street podium slogan) is a pivot for the PM. Sam and Anne discuss the reasons behind it - is this all about having enough to say to Donald Trump in Washington this week? Or is there a glimmer of the vision for Blue Labour Starmer showing through too? They also go over the reaction to the cuts to the international aid budget and whether the politics of that move could be easier for Labour than people might think. Elsewhere, NHS England needs a new boss – will that be the gateway for the reforms which Wes Streeting has talked about? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 25, 2025 • 23min
Kemi v Boris
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. It’s vibes versus facts on the Tuesday episode. Vibes – Downing Street seem happy with the Trump-Marcon meeting. Facts – didn't the US just side with Russia on UN resolutions on Ukraine? Also on this episode – is it the current Tory leader or a previous one getting the most attention at the moment Kemi Badenoch gives a speech on foreign policy today – but has it been overshadowed by Boris Johnson’s comments that “complete untruths” are being said about Ukraine by the Trump administration? And, will today’s speech offer a reset moment for the Tory leader? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 24, 2025 • 23min
Trump makes Starmer’s life harder
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics. On the third anniversary of Ukraine’s invasion, Sam and Anne take stock on the milestone’s significance for global politics. With transatlantic tensions remaining, from a controversial UN vote to high stakes talks at the White House, they break down the fresh wave of sanctions and domestic drama. How will Starmer manage Trump when he visits later this week? And conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz received the highest vote share in the German elections over the weekend, securing his place as the country’s next Chancellor. What impact will he have on Europe's political landscape? Plus, Sam and Anne outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 17, 2025 • 20min
Can Starmer save Ukraine?
Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.Although it's recess, Sam and Anne explain why this week could be a major moment in British politics as they discuss whether the Transatlantic alliance has collapsed. Anne shares her insider analysis from the Munich Security Conference where Ukraine was top of the agenda, and Sam breaks down what the implications from the dramatic conference are for Britain. Plus, they outline what to expect from the rest of the week. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk
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