Political Currency

The podcast dives into the ramifications of the U.S. potentially defaulting on its debts to China, with stark warnings of economic fallout. It introduces 'patrimonalism,' linking it to Trump's style of governance, and examines how personal loyalties shape political power. By reflecting on the lives and legacies of former British Prime Ministers, the hosts explore who managed to adapt post-office and who didn’t. Humorous anecdotes and real listener stories add a lively touch to the discussion on infrastructure lobbying and political influence.

The podcast dives deep into Donald Trump's dramatic tariff U-turn, exploring the chaos it unleashed in the bond market and potential economic crisis. Discussions highlight the signs of Republican dissent and the geopolitical impact of U.S. trade policies. The conversation shifts to the UK, examining Prime Minister Keir Starmer's strategies to invigorate the economy post-Brexit. Also on the table are insights from 'Bidenomics' and the tumultuous relationship between trade dynamics and fiscal policies. Expect a blend of humor, market analysis, and political intrigue.

This week, Ed Balls and George Osborne mull museums and memes via bank holidays and pennies. With listeners telling us their locations of choice, funeral director Ross ranks highly with his admission that Ed and George are sometimes listened to in a hearse on the drive home. The pair consider: what are the merits of regulating the funeral industry?Should our cultural institutions be charging more for access?George calls upon his expertise as Chair of the British Museum to weigh it up. Meanwhile, Ed shares his own research into the economics of a bank holiday… do we really stand to lose billions if the government was to introduce another?Toxic masculinity and online safety are in the spotlight in the wake of Netflix’s hit show Adolescence, with research indicating that young people in the UK are particularly worried about these issues. Ed and George look at the role of government in addressing their concerns, before assessing whether the humble penny should remain a staple of British life. And a touch of nostalgia …  a listener reminds the economic duo of the ‘Budget Rap Battle’, put together by Sky News when the pair were on opposite sides of the dispatch box. Ed expresses scepticism that such memes can make a political difference, although both agree that Nick Clegg’s I’m Sorry remix was a damaging – albeit amusing – moment in the Lib Dem leader’s career…. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Or, join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency. Please note Kitchen Cabinet subscriptions are only available through Patreon.Technical Producer: Danny Pape Producers: Miriam Hall and Jarek ŻabaExecutive Producer: Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Ed Balls and George Osborne explore the economic chaos following Trump's 'Liberation Day' and the simplistic rationale behind his tariffs. They debate Keir Starmer's calm approach amid potential repercussions for UK industries like whiskey. Attention turns to the upcoming Australian federal election, where political dynamics shift as opposition leader Peter Dutton champions efficiency but risks alienating voters. The discussion intertwines international trade tensions and domestic strategies, revealing the fragile balance of politics in both the UK and Australia.

This week, the conversation heats up around the government’s economic strategies following the Spring Statement. Questions arise about Labour's ambitious fiscal rules and the implications of welfare reforms. Ed Balls and George Osborne debate the intricacies of fiscal policies amid global pressures. Tensions rise over Keir Starmer's provocative rhetoric as they examine its significance. The hosts also discuss the delicate relationship between living standards and political success, providing a thought-provoking look at the state's economic future.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces tough scrutiny over her Spring Statement, with critics questioning her gamble's efficacy. Ed Balls and George Osborne dissect her inflexible fiscal strategies and ponder the UK’s welfare reforms amid rising economic uncertainty. The duo reflects on unexpected global economic challenges, including the impact of new U.S. tariffs and the lingering Brexit fallout. Adding a twist, they delve into a bizarre security breach involving U.S. officials and highlight the rising importance of secure messaging platforms in political circles.

The discussion kicks off with amusing insights from a lunch with a fellow politician at ‘George and Vulture.’ The hosts dive into pension reforms and retirement planning, stressing the need for proactive strategies. They debate the controversial idea of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, unpacking legal complexities and implications. Historical awareness in politics takes center stage as they reflect on the appointment process for British Prime Ministers. Plus, they share humorous anecdotes about political transitions and invite listeners to engage with their favorite podcast activities.

The podcast dives into the unexpected alliance between Dominic Cummings and Nigel Farage, discussing the implications of their secret meeting amid political turmoil. There’s a spotlight on Labour’s plans for welfare reform, with Rachel Reeves under scrutiny for her upcoming Spring Statement. The hosts analyze leadership challenges faced by new Prime Minister Mark Carney and the risks of early elections, all while reflecting on Britain's political dynamics and the ongoing battle over economic policies. A compelling blend of politics and strategic maneuvers!

This week, Ed Balls and George Osborne complete the chancellor triptych with current shadow Chancellor Mel Stride ringing in to ask: how much space should a treasurer leave themselves against their fiscal target? And pressingly, does Rachel Reeves pass their test?They also consider if Nigel Farage will come to regret his close alignment with Donald Trump. Could the electorate turn against him if Trump continues on his rampage of tariffs and military aid halts against Ukraine? Speaking of, why has it taken three years for Europe to come together to back Ukraine against Russian aggression physically, as well as financially?And they turn to the all-important issue of golf, spilling the tee (get it?) on their ideal political partner for a four-hour round on a golf course. Which political golfing invite made David Cameron deeply nervous?You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free with a Political Currency Gold subscription! And not only that… you could have been in the room asking a question as a member of Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET, along with early and ad-free listening, and exclusive Political Currency merchSubscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency. Please note Kitchen Cabinet subscriptions are only available through Patreon.Technical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducer: Miriam Hall and Rosie StopherExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ceasefire in the Russian-Ukraine war is now on the table, with US and Ukrainian officials reaching a deal to stop the fighting. With US military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing now reinstated, the world is now turning to Putin’s next move. Will the Russian president agree to peace? George Osborne and Ed Balls consider the monumental shifts in the way the years-long conflict is now being viewed. And at what price? Meanwhile on both sides of the Atlantic, leaders are getting to grips with the trade war being waged by President Trump, with the latest to consider their approach being incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. After discussing Trump's dismissal of the stock markets, Ed and George discuss the merits of Carney's firebrand response to US tariffs, comparing it to Keir Starmer's more moderate approach. Back at home, Starmer’s government is already under fire as rumours spread over possible welfare reform ahead of the Spring Statement. Will this be the undoing of a party that has stood so squarely against very similar suggestions when in opposition?Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Or, join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency. Please note Kitchen Cabinet subscriptions are only available through Patreon.Producers: Miriam Hall, Jarek Zaba and Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Danny Pape Executive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.