Political Currency

Is legalising cannabis the answer to the hole in Labour’s financial plans? Are fiscal rules there to be broken? And, in light of the infamous royal photography fail, can Ed and George think of other times a photograph has landed a public figure in hot water? Of course they can - sorry Prime Minister!Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gove is rolling out his new definition of extremism this week, to the chagrin of people across the political spectrum. Ed and George weigh in on whether this will have any impact in keeping the UK safe, or whether it will threaten to divide the country further.Unfortunately for Gove, a major Tory donor undermined the whole message with his own extreme comments about Diane Abbott. Should they return his £10m donation? And why didn’t they consult their most senior Black female member before responding to this new crisis? And the ‘crypto-winter’ is over: Bitcoin is back. Is the boom here to stay, and what does it mean for governments around the world?  Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast delves into why Donald Trump continues to be popular despite his controversies, discusses universal basic income in the UK, explores the linguistic divide in American and British political phrases, and navigates power dynamics in politics with historical examples and personal anecdotes.

With the budget behind us, Ed pushes George on whether he’s still backing a November election. Tory sources are saying there’s a push from the centre of the party to send the country to the polls in May, but George has pretty strong views on what kind of idea that would be …. Meanwhile, Lord David Cameron is making lists and taking risks. The Foreign Secretary just celebrated 100 days in office, and George says he is being true to form by releasing a video listing off his lengthy travel agenda. But while anyone can hop on a plane – especially if you don’t have a constituency to tend to – Ed and George agree his willingness to push Israel on its approach to Gaza is shifting the international political mood, and restoring faith in the foreign office. And Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty’s interview with Grazia about their home life, meant to be lighthearted and relatable, has been met with widespread cringing. Is Rishi listening to any of George’s advice at all? Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this the budget that turns the Tories’ fortunes? Ed and George have been poised for this day for weeks: budget day! They give their immediate reaction to Jeremy Hunt’s (final?) spending plans, consider whether it meets the tests they set out on last week's episode, and they answer your questions.This episode was originally broadcast LIVE on YouTube. Make sure you’re following us on social media @polcurrency so you don’t miss the next one. Producer: Rosie StopherTech production: Will Gibson SmithExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Budget speech secrets and the mystery of the EdStone are discussed, including debates on pension lifetime allowances, real wages, milk preferences in politics, and diversity in British politics. The episode also delves into the intriguing tale of the Ed Stone and a surprise Star Wars credit.

Discussions on Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, tensions between Downing Street and the Chancellor over budget cuts, the necessity of a regional approach for economic growth, and the potential gender equality implications of appointing Claire Lombardelli as Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.

Former politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne tackle the topics of Boris Johnson's upcoming book, private plane usage, and positive discrimination in politics. They discuss the implications of Johnson's memoirs, the ethics of private flights, and the effectiveness of positive discrimination measures.

Former politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss the chaos in Parliament, focusing on housing policy and the economy's absence in the election year. They also delve into David Cameron's visit to the Falklands and speculate on his role as Foreign Secretary in a Labour government.

Ed Balls and George Osborne answer more of your Ex-Minister’s Questions. Speaking of ex-ministers, Nick Boles, wants to know if there’s still an opportunity for anyone except Trump and Biden in the race for POTUS... And what about Labour’s proposed VAT on private school fees - will it cause a state school influx? Is the left a bit ‘male’ as George alleges? Ed isn’t convinced. Plus, they both revisit their experience of very publicly losing their jobs.Follow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan CopelinProduction support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.