Political Currency
Persephonica
Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday.Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFind us on social media @polcurrencyPolitical Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
How far will Trump go on Iran and what could it mean for Britain?
Tensions escalate as Donald Trump navigates the unpredictable waters of U.S.-Iran relations, leaving Britain in a precarious position. Insightful discussions reveal the challenges UK leaders face regarding potential military use of British bases. Closer to home, Keir Starmer's call for an inquiry into grooming gangs raises questions about accountability versus political maneuvering. Meanwhile, Labour's retreat on taxing non-doms signals struggles to retain wealthy residents while staying true to fiscal promises, igniting debates on migration and tax reform.
6 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 45min
EMQs: Could PMQs save America?
Could a UK-style Prime Minister’s Questions bring accountability to American politics? Join the discussion on the dynamics of political engagement and the insights from the latest analysis of Joe Biden's presidency. Explore the peculiarities of traditional red boxes used by UK ministers versus digital solutions. Delve into the soft power impact of the BBC World Service amidst rising military expenditures, and hear about innovative policy advocacy for social initiatives like health and school meals.
27 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 60min
Reeves's Spending Review ‘gamble’: continuity or change for Labour?
Rachel Reeves' Spending Review has sparked debate, with critics like George Osborne claiming it continues the previous government's economic path. Ed Balls warns that Reeves' substantial promises lack a safety net in uncertain times. Defense and NHS funding are prioritized while cuts loom for the Foreign Office. Meanwhile, Trump's recent tensions with Musk and response to immigration protests shake U.S.-UK relations, complicating Starmer’s diplomatic strategy. Discussions delve into the implications of these political gambles for Labour's future.
11 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 48min
EMQs: The art of political sacking
Two MPs seek advice from Ed Balls and George Osborne on handling political sackings, with humor about coping strategies like sherries and coffee machines. They discuss the impact of AI on government efficiency and elaborate on the complexities of UK immigration policy. The importance of a Politics, Philosophy, and Economics degree is debated, emphasizing its elitism in politics. They share anecdotes of political blunders and explore how humor can be a tool for engagement in this challenging landscape.
11 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 59min
Welfare vs Warfare: Can Labour Afford NATO’s Demands?
The podcast dives into the tension between escalating NATO defense spending and domestic welfare needs, questioning if Labour can balance both effectively. It discusses Trump's renewed trade war and its potential ripple effects on the UK economy amidst market instability. Boris Johnson's possible political comeback is examined, with debates on whether it could solve crises or create new ones. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the challenging navigation of economic pressures and political leadership within the current UK landscape.
Jun 2, 2025 • 30min
EMQs: Can Britain capitalise on Trump’s student crackdown?
The podcast dives deep into the impact of Trump's student visa policies, exploring how Britain could potentially attract international talent fleeing restrictive U.S. regulations. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss systemic government failures in compensating victims of scandals, emphasizing the need for timely accountability. They also share humorous stories from their political memorabilia collection, revealing unexpected connections to former leaders. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the show for a chance at exclusive live event tickets.
10 snips
May 29, 2025 • 1h 4min
Labour’s looming spending review chaos
Labour faces a chaotic spending review with unclear details on winter fuel payments and the potential cut to the two-child benefit cap. The discussion shifts to King Charles’s diplomatic visit to Canada and the complexities of UK-US relations, especially regarding Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit. The hosts also explore the dominance of Apple and Google in the UK app store and how it may hinder economic growth. Finally, they emphasize the need for stronger competition policies to spur innovation in the tech sector.
May 26, 2025 • 48min
EMQs: Can Kemi Badenoch cheer up the Conservatives?
This discussion unpacks whether quick political wins can sway public opinion, especially within the beleaguered Conservative Party. The hosts contemplate Kemi Badenoch's potential to lift morale amidst internal strife. They analyze how symbolic changes in governance affect voter support and the importance of leadership during turbulent times. Delving into accountability in government contracts, they highlight the historical struggles of political integrity. Plus, there's a reflection on Keynes' influence, offering insights into economic policy and governance.
11 snips
May 22, 2025 • 59min
Is winter fuel U-turn a leadership 'fiasco' for Labour?
The political landscape is heating up with a controversial U-turn on winter fuel allowances, sparking debates on leadership credibility. Speakers reflect on the messy implications for Labour's standing with voters and discuss the suspension of trade talks with Israel amidst Gaza tensions. A deep dive into the recent UK-EU trade deal reveals the complexities of fishing industry dynamics. The conversation also touches on the ongoing debate around bank ring-fencing, weighing the legacy of prior regulations against current economic needs.
6 snips
May 19, 2025 • 39min
EMQs: Is Trump accidentally going green?
Join a lively discussion about the surprising green implications of Trump's tariffs. Hear insights on the political dynamics between senators and governors, and reflect on personal memories from PMQs in Parliament. Explore innovative proposals for employment incentives and the complexities of job seeking in today's climate. The hosts also share whimsical hypotheticals about future political ambitions, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.
