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
Dec 23, 2024 • 24min
EMQs: Christmas crises and cracker etiquette
As Christmas approaches, the hosts reflect on past political crises that disrupted the festivities. They debate the proper etiquette for pulling Christmas crackers and discuss favorite holiday treats. Claudia Winkleman pops in to add her humorous takes on these traditions. The duo also explores which politicians deserve a biography and reveals personal anecdotes about holiday dinners gone awry. Amidst light-hearted banter, they capture the unpredictable charm of Christmas and politics intertwining.
13 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 58min
A lump of coal for Waspi women?
Delve into the political landscape as the hosts tackle pressing issues, including espionage linked to Prince Andrew and its implications for UK-China relations. They scrutinize Keir Starmer's handling of the WASPI women's pension struggle, questioning its impact on Labour's image. Expect highlights of 2024's political highs and lows, with awards for the best and worst speeches. The discussion also explores rising political stars and reflects on leadership dynamics. Tune in for a mix of humor and serious political commentary!
9 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 34min
EMQs: Political Mishearings
Economic decisions in the UK government are up for debate—should they be confined to the Treasury and Prime Minister? The discussion includes the impact of female representation in politics, as well as some encouraging insights for aspiring female politicians. They also tackle the costs of joining the customs union and the viability of a Welsh referendum. And for some laughs, they reminisce about awkward political mishearings that have led to amusing moments. It’s a mix of serious topics and light-hearted anecdotes!
24 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 54min
Starmer’s blame game
Dive into the political arena with a sharp analysis of Keir Starmer's blame game and the fallout from his recent speech. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss whether pointing fingers is helpful for UK politics. Meanwhile, the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime prompts a reflection on the Syrian civil war and its lingering effects. Emmanuel Macron's political troubles are also examined, as he navigates a frozen parliament after festive successes. The need for optimism in leadership and strategic responses to geopolitical crises takes center stage.
13 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 34min
EMQs: Can one person flip an election?
Discover the intriguing power of individuals like Elon Musk in influencing elections throughout history. The conversation dives into Scotland's push for independence and how it intertwines with Brexit. Explore the economics of Scotland's ties to England and the emotional arguments surrounding nationalism. The podcast also highlights the role of media and celebrity in political outcomes, with a critical look at Britain's foreign policy challenges post-Brexit. It's a fascinating look at the dynamics of power and identity in modern politics.
9 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Why Starmer shouldn’t underestimate Elon Musk
Elon Musk's growing influence on UK politics raises eyebrows. The potential implications for Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch unfold, hinting at a shift in the political landscape. The discussion on assisted dying legislation reveals the complexities facing the government, as divisions within the cabinet come to light. Plus, can the government successfully maneuver a relaunch to reshape public narrative? As economic challenges mount, the impact of reformist parties on voter behavior adds another layer to a rapidly changing political arena.
8 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 34min
Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum (Part 3: The result)
Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, shares her insights on the Scottish independence referendum, reflecting on the emotions and political upheavals surrounding the vote. She recounts the exhilaration in the SNP as polls hinted at a potential victory for independence, alongside the mounting fears from the British establishment. The discussion touches on the impact of media influence, the emotional aftermath for supporters, and the deeper implications for Scotland's political identity. Sturgeon also highlights how Labour's decisions during this time reshaped their standing in Scotland.
7 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 30min
Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum (Part 2: The unanswerable question)
Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, shares her insights on the complex dynamics of the Scottish independence referendum. She discusses the 'yes' campaign's emotional appeals versus the rationality of the 'no' side. Nicola reveals key moments of uncertainty that nearly derailed the movement, and how George Osborne’s role became pivotal. Ed Balls adds depth by detailing the currency concerns that plagued the debate, highlighting the legacy of 'Project Fear' and its impact on public perception.
13 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 59min
Trump the peacemaker?
With Biden's days in the White House ticking down, the impact of Trump's return on foreign policy takes center stage. The talk delves into the recent Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and how it shapes discussions on Ukraine. On the domestic front, Rachel Reeves promises no new tax hikes, raising questions about her political viability. Meanwhile, Germany's economy is scrutinized as it shifts from miraculous to a state of decline, with insights into impending elections and power dynamics. It's a lively blend of politics, economics, and the anticipation of significant shifts.
Nov 25, 2024 • 33min
Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum (Part 1: The vote is granted)
Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland and a leading voice for the independence movement, joins George Osborne and Ed Balls for an insightful discussion. They delve into the 2014 referendum, exploring the dynamics that led to Scotland's push for independence. Sturgeon shares her perspective on the strategic meetings that influenced the decision-making process, including the role of public sentiment and the pivotal Edinburgh Agreement. The trio also reflects on the surprising political maneuvers leading to the referendum being granted.
