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.

This week George Osborne and Ed Balls are taking questions in person, with a select few Kitchen Cabinet members joining the first ever live audience recording of the show. Is Fredreich Merz right to worry that the European Union will face a financial crisis thanks to government debt? Is AI data management the way forward for driving significant savings in both welfare and healthcare? And is Trumpian rhetoric having an adverse effect on centre-right campaigning? Plus, they turn their minds to an area of true expertise: how to manage life after a career in politics. How do you keep bitterness at bay and forge a new, meaningful career? Is a comparison to a retired top-level footballer too much? George doesn’t think so… 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: Danny PapeProducer: 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.

It’s been a week of political whiplash, including that infamous explosive meeting in the Oval office and renewed commitment from European leaders to back Ukraine. George Osborne and Ed Balls consider who - if anyone - has fared well in this wild week. Is Trump himself as the deft negotiator he claims to be?And with a rush to bolster arms on this side of the Atlantic, what is the fallout for Rachel Reeves? As the Spring Statement approaches, what choices does she have to limit the damage that may or may not be forecast by the OBR? And doesn’t this all feel just a little bit like one of those second annual fiscal events she swore she wouldn’t hold?Finally, Ed and George turn to the outcry around the government’s artificial Intelligence and copyright consultation, from artists including Annie Lennox, Damon Abarn and Kate Bush. Is there a way for this government to balance championing and regulating big tech? 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 and Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Danny PapeExecutive 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.

Baroness Gabby Bertin discusses strategies to ensure important government findings don't fade away, including a call to ban degrading pornography. The dynamics between the Prime Minister and Chancellor are explored, alongside Keir Starmer's unexpected defense announcement. The conversation shifts to the future of heckling in Parliament, questioning its toughness in modern politics. Finally, the hosts reflect on their early political education and what a modern A-Level course should include, weaving humor and personal anecdotes throughout.

Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump, sparking discussions on Europe's reliance on US military power. The podcast dives into Starmer's controversial decision to boost defense spending while cutting foreign aid, reshaping Britain's global stance. Tensions surrounding transatlantic relations are at the forefront, especially regarding defense investments amidst economic strain. Additionally, the hosts explore gold's rising significance in politics, triggered by Musk's conspiracy theories and Trump's remarks about US reserves.

Ex-ministers reflect on their rebellious political moments, discussing the risks of defying party loyalty. They uncover the brutal realities of cabinet reshuffles and reveal who often gets the inside scoop on changes. The conversation shifts to the challenges of foreign aid in a nationalism-driven climate and why it remains essential. Additionally, they address strategic decision-making for critical projects like nuclear power, highlighting the intersection of politics, energy policy, and international relations.

This discussion dives into the ramifications of potentially deploying British troops to Ukraine, weighing national interests and international duties. The chaotic influence of Donald Trump on global politics, especially concerning US-Russia relations, raises questions about alliances. Meanwhile, Canada experiences a political shift with Mark Carney emerging as a contender against conservative leadership. Nostalgic reflections on political careers and memorabilia provide humor amidst serious geopolitical conversations.

With a humorous twist, the hosts delve into the contentious role of personal insults in politics. They ponder the potential for a more civil campaign culture in the UK, inspired by German political practices. The infamous bacon sandwich incident sparks a debate about fairness in political attacks. Also discussed are the challenges of modern media interactions and the absurdity of misleading 'gotcha' moments in journalism. Personal experiences highlight the balance between political strategy and genuine leadership in tackling social issues.

The Assisted Dying bill faces potential collapse as key amendments are proposed, igniting debate among Labour leaders. Kemi Badenoch grapples with her role as opposition leader, trying to escape Nigel Farage's looming presence. Meanwhile, JD Vance attends a global AI summit in Paris, highlighting the UK and US's refusal to sign an international AI declaration. The discussion raises critical questions about the impact of political maneuvering and the challenges of upholding economic credibility in today’s tense political climate.

This week's discussion tackles the pressing issue of youth unemployment, with insights on the economic impact of worklessness. The hosts debate the efficacy of public spending and respective tax reforms. They also explore the Office of Budget Responsibility's role in shaping policies amidst rising demands. Historical examples underline the importance of effective policymaking in crises. Additionally, the conversation highlights how psychology can guide public policy, especially in addressing the societal effects of the pandemic on those re-entering the workforce.