Steph and Robert dive into the political unrest sweeping Europe, especially France, and its implications for the UK's economic landscape. They dissect Keir Starmer's balancing act between EU and US relations while highlighting lobbying efforts from Labour veterans. The discussion shifts to the impressive influence of major tech companies, such as NVIDIA and Google, on the global market. They also touch on the contentious links between UK fast fashion and China, rounding off with a light-hearted Bert and Ernie analogy.

The financial fallout of Brexit is laid bare, revealing staggering potential costs of up to £300 billion by 2035. Delve into the detrimental effects on businesses and trade with the EU since leaving the single market. The podcast also discusses the contrasting perspectives of global investors on post-Brexit UK and the urgent need for a national skills service to prepare workers for an AI-driven future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fair media representation in public decision-making processes on critical issues.

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, passionately advocates for workers' rights and fair labor practices. He dives into the complexities of the new Employment Rights Bill, balancing the needs of workers with business concerns. The discussion also addresses the urgent need to modernize job centers for better support, especially for neurodiverse individuals. Finally, Nowak explores the impact of AI on labor rights, stressing the importance of worker involvement in tech negotiations to combat income inequality and enhance job security.

Jim O’Neill, an influential economist known for coining the BRICS acronym, shares his insights on current global economic dynamics. He discusses the long-term significance of Reeves's budget and warns about Trump's potential threats to the dollar's reserve status. O’Neill also expresses concerns about the BRICS nations' cohesion and their evolving governance. The conversation touches on the impact of fiscal policy on the dollar, the challenges posed by political alliances, and the need for effective governance amid rising populism.

A captivating discussion unfolds as hosts reflect on their experiences at the G20 summit and a lunch with Hillary Clinton. They dive into the implications of rising inflation rates and the impact of Brexit on living standards in Britain. The conversation also tackles the evolving political landscape, particularly around gender equality in leadership. Lastly, they explore the complexities of foreign investments in the UK, highlighting the balance between attracting wealth and ensuring national security.

Dan Neidle, a tax lawyer and campaigner known for his insightful analysis, joins Steph and Robert to discuss the implications of recent tax hikes, particularly the increase in employer national insurance, which he argues harms employment and low-income workers. He critiques Labour's proposed VAT on private school fees and discusses the need for inheritance tax reforms, urging farmers to trust their heirs. Neidle also highlights the complexities of capital gains tax and advocates for fairer tax policies to ensure equitable treatment.

A lively discussion kicks off with the implications of Trump's economic policies and their potential effects on the UK. The hosts debate the love-hate relationship between businesses and Labour, questioning the viability of Starmer's ambitious clean energy goals by 2030. They delve into the challenges of appointing business leaders like Elon Musk to government and the impact of current economic policies on UK businesses. Plus, they tackle the daunting task of transforming the energy sector and meeting CO2 reduction commitments.

Tim Harford, an economist and author renowned for his insights on behavioral economics, joins Steph for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive into the implications of a taxless society and how it would function without government revenue. Harford explores the intriguing origins of butter mountains and wine lakes, shedding light on agricultural surpluses. They also assess how individual lifestyle choices can affect community health and happiness while linking personal passions to economic benefits. It's a captivating blend of economics and everyday life!

The discussion dives into Trump's radical economic reshaping plans, highlighting the unconventional Treasury Secretary candidates. Outsourcing and its adverse effects on local jobs are scrutinized, revealing the impact on communities. The conversation shifts to complex tax policies, especially around tipping in hospitality. It further explores the looming debt crisis and the ramifications of unfunded tax cuts. Lastly, the podcast contrasts the burgeoning U.S. crypto culture with Europe's skepticism, emphasizing crypto's rising political relevance.

Tim Harford, an acclaimed Financial Times columnist and behavioral economics expert, dives into the tangled world of taxation. He explores the implications of upcoming tax rises and how they could impact economic growth in the UK. Join him as he unpacks quirky historical taxes like those on beards and bachelors. The discussion also touches on the balance between equitable tax policies and revenue generation, highlighting the challenges faced by businesses and the importance of reform for a fairer tax system.