

Politics At Sam and Anne's
Sky News
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. Whatever they're talking about, Westminster will be talking about today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Feb 13, 2025 • 22min
Happy Birthday Rachel Reeves
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves starts her birthday with good news – the economy grew slightly at the end of last year, according to the early showing of official figures. So where does the glimmer leave her big plan for growth? And what can we read into how the Tories are responding – and who’s responding for them? And, ahead of the Munich security conference, we discuss some of the UK reaction to Trump and Putin’s Ukraine phone call. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 12, 2025 • 19min
Heathrow’s long take-off
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Growth spends another day on the agenda – as Heathrow gets ready to announce multibillion pound expansion plan. How feasible are some of the proposals and the timescale for them? At the same time – there’s a warning to Rachel Reeves that her fiscal plans could mean a squeeze on spending. And who’s the person up for the borders watchdog job who's based in Finland? You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 11, 2025 • 20min
Starmer vs bats
Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics. Today they discuss the sudden major changes to the assisted dying bill from MP Kim Leadbeater which means cases would not need signing off by a High Court judge and whether this could change how MPs vote on the bill. Plus, Sam has been investigating whether Keir Starmer can really deliver his promises to end future bat tunnels. They also discuss the latest on Trump, and friend of the podcast, Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig, shares his exclusive story on a well-known bar in Westminster. You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk

Feb 10, 2025 • 18min
Trump, tariffs and Germany: Do populists rule the world?
Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy look at the day ahead in British politics.Overnight, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into America would come into affect "soon". Sam and Anne discuss what this could mean for the UK which imports 10% of its steel to the US and whether reverse tariffs could be on the cards.Meanwhile, as Kemi Badenoch celebrates 100 days as Conservative party leader, Sam shares what senior Conservative MPs make of her impact to date. Plus Anne and Sam ask if there are any lessons to be drawn from Germany as far-right chancellor candidates clash in a TV debate.You can send us a WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk