Podcasts by Paynes Politics

Why it is not new for progressive parties of the centre-left to work together from 2022-02-19T05:00

Parliament may have been in recess this week but the political action hasn't stopped. We discuss our significant story about the next election featuring Labour and the Liberal Democrats. ...

Resetting the Boris Johnson government from 2022-02-12T05:00

We examine the abrupt departure of Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick, what it means for the police investigation into the “partygate” scandal and how it plays into Boris Johnson’s hopes of rese...

The net tightens for Boris Johnson from 2022-02-05T05:00

We ask whether the prime minister can survive the latest scandal engulfing his government. Is the departure of his closest and longstanding aide Munira Mirza the beginning of the end? Or the start ...

The Met vs Sue Gray on ‘partygate’ from 2022-01-29T05:00

The official investigation into lockdown Downing Street gatherings was due to be concluded this week, but a criminal probe by the police has thrown Whitehall’s Sue Gray off course. When will the in...

The hole Boris Johnson digs for himself gets bigger from 2022-01-22T05:00

The latest twists and turns in the ‘partygate’ drama this week as Conservative MPs threatened a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson. We explore the progress of Sue Gray’s inquiry ...

The row over Number 10 parties during the 2020 lockdown from 2022-01-15T05:00

This week we’re devoting the episode to the “partygate” row which has blown up in Westminster. After the prime minister revealed he attended a party, calls for his resignation grew in and outside o...

The cost of living crisis - a defining political theme of 2022 from 2022-01-08T05:00

We look at the trouble ahead for Boris Johnson, starting with the crisis in the energy market. What can the government do to stop bills doubling in the coming months? Along with sleaze investigatio...

In conversation with Michael Cockerell from 2022-01-01T05:00

Michael Cockerell has made some of the best political documentaries about UK politics, covering prime ministers from Harold Macmillan to Boris Johnson. 
His new book, “Unmasking Our Leader...

In conversation with Andrew Mitchell from 2021-12-25T05:00

Andrew Mitchell went through many of the UK's most established institutions, from public school to the army to the City of London and parliament, the Whips Office and the cabinet. 
His new...

A remarkable by-election outcome from 2021-12-18T05:00

We analyse the remarkable by-election outcome. On top of the two biggest parliamentary defeats of his career as prime minister, we’ll look at just how much trouble Boris Johnson is in and whether h...

Boris Johnson encounters turbulent times from 2021-12-11T05:00

This week we analyse the new measures abruptly imposed in England in response to the alarming rise in Omicron coronavirus cases. What spooked the government?  Science reporter O...

Fears about the Omicron coronavirus variant from 2021-12-04T05:00

This week we dissect how much we know about the rising new variant and ask how worried we should be. Will we see much tighter restrictions imposed as Christmas approaches? Health editor Sarah Nevil...

Tragedy in the English Channel from 2021-11-27T05:00

Twenty-seven asylum seekers drowned trying to reach Britain, highlighting the growing crisis of small boats. How can the issue be resolved and what does it say about Anglo-French relations? Plus, w...

Is Boris Johnson on the right track? from 2021-11-20T05:00

This week we delve into the plan for reshaping the UK’s railways. Is £100bn of investment the biggest change in a generation, or will it prove to be a massive disappointment? Chief political corres...

‘I genuinely believe that the UK is not remotely a corrupt country’ from 2021-11-13T05:00

This week we examine the row about outside interests for British MPs. Is it acceptable to be earning hundreds of thousands of pounds a year on top of their parliamentary work? And do voters care? C...

MPs distraught at being asked to offer support for change from 2021-11-06T05:00

This week we discuss the chaotic events surrounding the botched reform of the parliamentary standards committee. We look at why No 10 was so eager to save disgraced MP Owen Paterson and where the r...

Delivering the autumn Budget from 2021-10-30T04:00

This week we examine the philosophy behind this year’s Budget and whether this is a marked change in how the Conservatives look at the economy. Political editor George Parker and chief political co...

Budget day special from 2021-10-27T16:50

Rishi Sunak delivered his 2021 Budget that pledged to increase spending, cut taxes and burrow away money for saving too. Is it all things to all people and will it help with the cost of living cris...

Will the NHS face pressure over the winter? from 2021-10-23T04:00

This week we discuss the return of Covid to the news agenda and ask whether the government will implement its so-called Plan B of measures as infections and hospital admissions rise rapid...

A testy war of words breaks out in Whitehall from 2021-10-16T04:00

This edition of Payne’s Politics was recorded before the news of the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess who died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex on Friday.

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Why every day at Conservative conference is Johnson day from 2021-10-09T04:00

This week we analyse this year’s Conservative party conference. First, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech: how credible was it? Can low-skilled immigration be simply replaced without a big infla...

Keir Starmer’s clear break with the Jeremy Corbyn era from 2021-10-02T04:00

This week, we’ll be analysing Labour’s annual jamboree and whether Sir Keir Starmer has met expectations. How did he take on the left and what was the core message of his keynote speech? Chief poli...

Boris Johnson undertakes his first major overseas trip from 2021-09-25T04:00

This week, we analyse Boris Johnson’s trip to America, his address to the UN, his one-to-one with President Joe Biden and the health of the so-called special relationship. Joining to discuss are ou...

Looking in detail at the cabinet reshuffle from 2021-09-18T04:00

This week, we dissect prime minister Boris Johnson’s first major reshuffle of this parliament. We’ll be examining who went up, who went sideways, those who were sacked and what this all tells us ab...

Tearing up the Conservatives’ fiscal orthodoxy from 2021-09-11T04:00

This week we analyse prime minister Boris Johnson’s game on social care reform, what the plan involves and whether the Conservative party and its voters will swallow tax rises. Political editor Geo...

Britain’s diplomatic push over Afghanistan from 2021-09-04T04:00

This week we examine how the UK got its withdrawal from Afghanistan so badly wrong and the subsequent Whitehall briefing war against the Foreign Office. 
Robert Shrimsley, our chief politi...

Interview special: Liz Truss from 2021-08-28T04:00

In the fifth and final of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne meets Liz Truss, international trade secretary and minister for women and equalities.
Truss is the most popular member of Boris Jo...

Interview special: Sir Malcolm Rifkind from 2021-08-21T04:00

In the fourth of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne meets Sir Malcolm Rifkind. In a week when the Taliban shocked the West with its rapid advance in Afghanistan, the former Conservative defence a...

Interview special: Steve Baker MP from 2021-08-14T04:00

In the third of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne speaks to Steve Baker, the Tory MP for Wycombe and one of the Conservative party's most formidable campaigners. Whether it's through the Europea...

Interview special: Professor Neil Ferguson from 2021-08-07T04:00

In the second of our summer specials, Sebastian Payne speaks to Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London. Nicknamed Professor Lockdown by some newspapers, the leading epidemiologist and g...

Interview special: Anas Sarwar from 2021-07-31T04:00

In our first summer special, Sebastian Payne speaks to the leader of the Scottish Labour party Anas Sarwar about countering Nicola Sturgeon, how he intends to revive his party’s prospects and leade...

Exemptions to isolation and the Northern Ireland protocol from 2021-07-24T04:00

In what should have been a big final week of term at Westminster, Boris Johnson had to abandon plans for a big announcement on social care reform. Instead, ministers tried to come up with a series ...

Chaos and confusion over masks and levelling up from 2021-07-17T04:00

The UK is pressing ahead with the easing of all lockdown measures on July 19, despite coronavirus infections hitting 50,000 a day. How has Downing Street got itself into a mess over masks? Plus we ...

Freedom day too soon and English patriotism from 2021-07-10T04:00

Boris Johnson has announced that all remaining lockdown restrictions will end on July 19 in England, but is he acting too hastily with Covid-19 cases rising so quickly? Plus, we debate whether a ne...

Labour comes home in Batley and Spen from 2021-07-03T04:00

Sir Keir Starmer was given a reprieve after Labour clung on at the Batley and Spen by-election this week. What does it mean for his leadership? And was Matt Hancock's breaking of lockdown rules to ...

Travel woes and Brexit five years on from 2021-06-26T04:00

The UK eased travel to several holiday destinations this week, but will they welcome British tourists? And when are vaccination passports being introduced? Plus we reflect on five years since the B...

Lockdown continues, a shock in the Chilterns from 2021-06-19T04:00

Boris Johnson reluctantly delayed the easing of England’s lockdown for another month due to the spread of the Delta strain of coronavirus. Will the July 19 easing go ahead? Plus, we discuss the Lib...

G7 special from Cornwall from 2021-06-12T04:00

The leaders of the west descended on Carbis Bay, along with podcasters, for this year's G7 summit. Boris Johnson and Joe Biden appeared to develop a bromance - despite their split on Northern Irela...

British holidays at home from 2021-06-05T04:00

The hopes of international travel this summer were dashed as Portugal was taken off the UK's green list for travel amid a rise in cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus. But will the June 21 eas...

Dominic Cummings versus the world from 2021-05-29T04:00

Boris Johnson's former chief adviser made an epic seven-hour appearance at a parliamentary hearing this week, claiming the prime minister was unfit for the job and the health secretary a liar. We e...

Tackling the Indian coronavirus variant from 2021-05-22T04:00

The UK's easing out of lockdown was put under threat by a new strain of coronavirus that originated in India. Can the race between inoculations and infections be won? Will the June 21 easing go ahe...

Labour goes to war (again) from 2021-05-15T04:00

The opposition Labour party was consumed by infighting this week after Sir Keir Starmer botched a shadow cabinet reshuffle, leading to questions about whether he can survive as leader. Did Starmer ...

The Tories conquer Hartlepool from 2021-05-08T04:00

Thursday's local elections resulted in gains for Boris Johnson's Conservatives, including a historic win in the Hartlepool by-election. What does this mean for Labour and Keir Starmer's leadership?...

Cash for curtains, curtains for Arlene Foster from 2021-05-01T04:00

Boris Johnson is facing three inquiries into the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. Why hasn't the prime minister offered a clear explanation of what happened? Will he face sanctions and wil...

'Favours for chums', and the football debacle from 2021-04-24T04:00

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of sleaze after allegations that friends can text him seeking special treatment. Is lobbying worse today? Plus, we discuss the collapse...

Greensill, Cameron and Whitehall's revolving door from 2021-04-17T04:00

The collapse of Greensill Capital and the involvement of former prime minister David Cameron have raised serious questions about the UK's lobbying regime. We discuss whether any rules were broken a...

Britain's vaccine setback from 2021-04-10T04:00

Britain’s vaccination programme suffered a setback this week over the use of the AstraZeneca jab — the workhorse of the UK immunisation effort — among younger people. How will new guidance for unde...

UK vs EU vaccine tussle from 2021-03-27T05:00

Relations between Britain and the rest of Europe thawed this week, after the EU had threatened an export ban on vaccines. Will the UK have enough jabs to complete its second round of doses? And wha...

AstraZeneca vaccine tribulations from 2021-03-20T05:00

The UK encountered the first bumps in its vaccine roll out programme, as the government warned supplies of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab would drop significantly in April. Why? How will this affect th...

Harry and Meghan, and the government from 2021-03-13T05:00

The explosive TV interview the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave this week raised major questions about the future of the monarchy, as well as tricky issues for Downing Street on how to handle the ac...

Sunak's spend now, tax later Budget from 2021-03-06T05:00

Chancellor Rishi Sunak presented his second Budget this week, tearing up Conservative economic orthodoxy with billions of pounds of spending and tax rises. What state are the UK's public finances i...

UK Budget preview and Salmond vs Sturgeon from 2021-02-27T05:00

Rishi Sunak will deliver his second Budget next week, where the chancellor will set out a mission to put the UK's public finances on a sounder footing. Will he reveal rises in spending, tax or both...

Data, not dates, for easing lockdown from 2021-02-20T05:00

Boris Johnson made it clear this week that he will not rush into easing the nationwide lockdown - what will the UK prime minister set out in his road map next week? Will schools return and when wil...

Held in hotels and is Starmer stalling? from 2021-02-13T05:00

Hotel quarantine will finally be introduced to the UK next week, but can the logistics work? Will it stop new variants of the virus spreading - and are enough countries going to be included? Plus, ...

Vaccine triumphs and the lockdown question from 2021-02-06T05:00

This week the UK faced the prospect of the emergence of new coronavirus mutations while surging past 10m vaccinations. Will this progress speed up the relaxation of the lockdown? What timetable is ...

100 days of May and the implosion of Ukip from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With George Parker and Robert Shrimsley of the Financial Times, plus Matthew Goodwin, senior fellow at Chatham House. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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US election countdown: A trip to the Mexican border from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Why has immigration become such a sticking point in the presidential election at a time when fewer and fewer Mexicans are coming to the US? The FT's Demetri Sevastopulo and Courtney Weaver discuss ...

Britain's Olympic success and Labour's new defence policies from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With Janan Ganesh, Gideon Rachman, Sam Jones, Roger Blitz and Peter Chapman from the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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US election countdown: Trump attempts a presidential pivot from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump showed signs of a shift in campaign strategy this week, firing his embattled campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, and delivering a striking but carefu...

Jo Cox MP - a tribute from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley and James Blitz, plus Labour MP Alison McGovern. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

See from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

What is motivating Bernie Sanders to stay in an already decided primary race? How did Hillary clinch the Democratic nomination, eight years after conceding to Barack Obama? The FT's Courtney Weaver...

Momentum for Brexit and fixing migration in the U.K. from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With Martin Wolf, Janan Ganesh and Lisa Pollack from the Financial Times - plus Labour commentator Ayesha Hazarika. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Philip Stephens, Janan Ganesh and Kate Allen of the Financial Times, plus Rob Oxley of Vote Leave and Lucy Thomas of Stronger In, discuss the latest developments in Westminster this week — includin...

Johnson’s easing plan begins, mixed messaging and the rising cost of furlough from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Boris Johnson revealed his gradual plan for taking the UK out of lockdown, but his government’s new strategy was undermined by confused messages. Why has Downing Street struggled this week? Is the ...

Coronavirus latest: Struggles with testing, the blame game begins and Labour’s new leader from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The coronavirus crisis deepened this week as Boris Johnson’s government battled to increase the levels of testing, or explain why the UK is having such problems. Who is to blame? We also discuss wh...

Dealing with coronavirus, the collapse of Flybe and Priti Patel v the civil service from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The rapid spread of coronavirus has dominated this week's political agenda, as Boris Johnson tried to grapple with the crisis. Has the government shifted out of campaigning mode and into gover...

Keir Starmer leads the Labour leadership race, Boris Johnson hits his first Brexit obstacle from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn is well underway, with Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long Bailey in poll position. Can any of the other candidates halt their momentum? Who will make it on the ballo...

Midweek update: Labour enters choppy waters on racism and economics from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

An unprecedented intervention from the UK’s chief rabbi has knocked Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign off course. A disastrous BBC interview also raised questions about his party’s economic credibility. Can...

Midweek update: First TV debate, Lib Dem and Labour manifestos from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn survived their first head-to-head encounter but neither candidate to be prime minister scored major points or made much headway. Plus, we discuss the manifestos from...

Gloves come off over coronavirus from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Boris Johnson's coronavirus strategy was yet again tested to breaking point this week, as Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer and leaders of northern English cities tore into the government's new...

Boris Johnson v the Supreme Court and Lib Dems v Labour from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Brexit returned to the Supreme Court this week as judges and lawyers debated whether Boris Johnson legally prorogued parliament earlier this month. We discuss what arguments were made and what will...

Boris Johnson prorogues parliament, what happens next? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The prime minister announced plans to shut down parliament for five weeks this autumn to thwart efforts to stymie his Brexit strategy. Was it wrong, clever or unconstitutional? And what does it mea...

Will Boris Johnson's no-deal Brexit plan work, and is Labour backing the end of the UK? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The prime minister and his aides have made it known they’re ready to force through leaving the EU with or without a deal, even if MPs collapse his government. Is this a bluff, and will it work? Plu...

Brexit deal or no deal? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Boris Johnson's government is bringing in a new law — the internal market bill — that threatens to undermine the UK's withdrawal agreement with the EU. Will this push negotiations for a trade deal ...

Out goes Matt Hancock (and three others), and can parliament stop 'no deal'? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership contest, Boris Johnson confirmed his place as the clear frontrunner. Matt Hancock, Esther McVey, Andrea Leadsom and Mark Harper have all ...

Labour triumphs in Peterborough, Tory leadership race officially begins from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The Brexit party came close but failed to win its first seat in Westminster. What lessons are there for Labour and the Tories? Plus, we discuss the latest from the Tory leadership race and who will...

Gavin Williamson is sacked, and the yellow bird takes flight from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson was summarily sacked by Theresa May, following a leak inquiry on the National Security Council. Can we be sure he was responsible? Who are the new entrants to the...

Theresa May's Brexit deal fails again, total chaos ensues from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The prime minister brokered legal tweaks to her Brexit deal and brought it back for MPs to vote on. It failed to pass once again. We discuss all the Commons votes against a no-deal exit, in favour ...

May enters Brexit hell and Labour finally budges from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The prime minister returned to Brussels this week, only to be told once again that the Brexit withdrawal agreement would not happen. When/if might a breakthrough emerge? Plus, Labour shifts its Bre...

Theresa May's worst week in politics - what happens next? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Theresa May endured one of the most difficult weeks of her leadership: delaying the meaningful vote on her Brexit strategy, facing and winning a confidence vote in her leadership and rebuffed by Br...

NDAs, Sir Philip Green and parliamentary privilege from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The allegations against Sir Philip Green were thrown into the public thanks to Lord Hain's use of parliamentary privilege. Was the businessman wrong to try and gag the press? Plus we discuss whethe...

Labour moves on anti-Semitism and Brexit deadlock continues from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Westminster returned from from its summer break this week and we discuss the two main stories that still dominate the headlines: Labour's travails with anti-Semitism and the government's lack of pr...

Summer interview special: Lisa Nandy from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In our third episode, we visit the town of Wigan in the north-west of England to speak to its Labour MP. We discuss what should be done to help boost Britain’s provincial towns, why the party is fa...

What a 'no-deal' Brexit would mean and taking-out-the-trash week from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Talk of a crash Brexit has ramped up this week, but how likely is it actually to happen? And how bad would it be for the UK and the EU? Plus we discuss the final week of the political season and wh...

The joys of English football and the pains of Brexit from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

We're gearing up for Saturday's World Cup match against Sweden and the announcements coming out of Theresa May's Cabinet meeting at Chequers. Will Britain be able to find its identity, now and afte...

Boris blunders on Brexit and talks collapse in Belfast from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Boris Johnson delivered his “road to Brexit” speech this week but did not say anything new. Was it his fault or the Cabinet? Plus, power sharing talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein fall apart. What...

Boris on manoeuvres and the case for the customs union from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Is the foreign secretary lining up for a leadership bid? Or just frustrated at Theresa May’s leadership? Plus, is there a case for staying in the EU customs union? With Laura Hughes and Alan Beatti...

Farewell Damian Green and 2017 political roundup from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Was Theresa May’s de facto deputy right to resign? And who will replace him? Plus. a review of the political year for the Conservatives, Labour, Brexit and the British economy. With George Parker, ...

Phase One is complete, and can the Tory party reinvent itself? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Now that the UK has a divorce settlement with the EU, how difficult is phase two going to be? Plus, can the Conservative party find a way to reinvent itself while guiding the country through Brexit...

May’s Brexit breakthrough from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

How did Theresa May unlock the stalled negotiations with the EU? What is in the divorce settlement? And what does it mean for the next stage of talks? With Alex Barker and George Parker of the Fina...

Settling the Brexit bill and Corbyn vs. bankers from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Has the UK agreed a financial settlement with the EU? What does this mean for making progress with Brexit? Plus, what motivated Jeremy Corbyn’s attack on Morgan Stanley and bankers generally? With ...

Hammond's Budget success and the Irish border conundrum from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week's budget went without a hitch for the May government, but what does the future hold for the economy? And why was Labour's response so poor? Plus, can cooler heads prevail over brokering a...

Farewell Priti hello Penny, and solving the Northern Ireland conundrum from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Has Theresa May’s government been fatally weakened by the forced departure of Priti Patel? And is any progress being made in addressing the Northern Ireland border problem after Brexit? With George...

Theresa May's Brexit speech in Florence from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The UK prime minister delivered a landmark speech in Italy on Friday with the aim of unlocking the stalled Brexit negotiations. Did she say enough to bring the EU and the UK closer together? With A...

Theresa May heads to Florence, and unfreezing the pay cap from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The UK prime minister is set to give a big Brexit speech in Florence next week - what might she say and how important is it? And has the government made the right decision to lift the public sector...

Brexit talks round three and will Theresa May cling on? from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The political news season has kicked off again with David Davis going head-to-head with Michel Barnier in Brussels - have the talks stalled already? And does Theresa May have any chance of leading ...

Summer special: immigration from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Will the UK ever manage to reduce migration levels to the "tens of thousands?" Should it? And how will immigration change after the UK has left the EU? With Helen Warrell of the Financial Times, pl...

Summer special: the education debate from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Who should pay for expanding undergraduate degrees, the shake-up of state school funding and apprenticeships. With Claer Barrett and Sarah O'Connor of the FT and Nigel Keohane of the Social Market ...

Brexit at home and abroad from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

As the UK prepares to enter the next round of negotiations with the EU, we discuss how much progress has been made, whether Brussels and Britain are on the same page and what will happen next week....

General election: Theresa May loses her gamble from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With George Parker and Matthew Singh. Presented by Sebastian Payne  

See from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With Roula Khalaf, Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

See from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With Roula Khalaf, Janan Ganesh, David Gardner and Henry Mance. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Scotland's indyref2 and May vs. Hammond from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With Chris Giles, James Blitz, Mure Dickie and Kate Allen. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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See See Listen

May's big Brexit moment and Trump's arrival on the world stage from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With George Parker, Philip Stephens, Jim Pickard and Brooke Masters of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Brexit arrives in the Supreme Court and the Commons from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

With George Parker, Philip Stephens, David Allen Green and Jane Croft. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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A plan for exiting Covid lockdown from 2021-01-30T05:00

Boris Johnson set out how England will exit its nationwide lockdown this week, with schools set to reopen in early March but shops and other businesses due to come later. We speak to Mark Harper, c...

Biden, Boris and Brexit from 2021-01-23T05:00

Joe Biden was inaugurated as the new US president this week - what does it mean for UK-US relations? Can Boris Johnson forge a rapport with him on shared policy areas? Plus, we examine how the UK-E...

Enforcing lockdown as vaccines ramp up from 2021-01-16T05:00

The UK's battle against the new strain of Covid-19 has had mixed results this week – deaths continued to be high while infections started to fall. Are enough people following the rules? And is the ...

Back to national lockdown from 2021-01-09T05:00

UK prime minister Boris Johnson put England into its third lockdown this week, as the new strain of coronavirus risked the health service being overwhelmed. How long will it last and why does every...

Brexit has arrived from 2021-01-01T19:27:55

The UK has fully left the EU, ending 47 years of membership. In this Brexit special, we examine the last-minute trade deal that Prime Minister Boris Johnson brokered last week, the new checks and r...

Brexit: the moment of truth from 2020-12-19T05:00

Talks between the UK and the EU on a trade deal have reached their final days. Can a deal be agreed, or could an accidental no-deal still occur? Plus, we discuss the latest Covid-19 rules, progress...

Time running out for Brexit trade deal from 2020-12-12T05:00

With negotiations on a Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU stalled again, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning of a no-deal outcome, can the process be salvaged? Plus, with the Brexit ar...

Covid vaccine arrives, Douglas Ross on the future of the UK from 2020-12-05T05:00

Britain became the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine this week. The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab will arrive soon, but is the UK ready to distribute it? Which groups will get...

Rishi's spending review and fears for new tiers from 2020-11-28T05:00

Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his spending review this week amid the harsh economic effects of coronavirus and the UK's mounting debt pile. Why was foreign aid cut, should public sector workers ...

Why Johnson's splashing cash on climate and defence from 2020-11-21T05:00

In his bid to reset the UK government's image, Boris Johnson announced a 10-point plan for a 'green recovery' costing billions of pounds. Will it do enough to tackle climate change and does it risk...

What Cummings' exit means for Downing Street from 2020-11-14T05:00

In a dramatic week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost two of his key aides, chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain, both senior forces in the Vote Leave campaign. Wi...

What Biden means for Johnson from 2020-11-07T05:00

With Joe Biden on the cusp of becoming the 46th US president, how will Boris Johnson recalibrate and repair transatlantic relations? We discuss whether the two can overcome their differences on Bre...

Labour's day of reckoning from 2020-10-31T05:00

Keir Starmer made the dramatic move to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour party this week, following an investigation into anti-Semitism. Is a new and bitter rift about to start within...

Boris vs Burnham from 2020-10-24T04:00

The prime minister found himself at odds with northern leaders this week, as disputes grew over localised coronavirus restrictions. Is Boris Johnson facing a governing crisis with mayors and devolv...

Coronavirus clampdowns go regional from 2020-10-10T04:00

Tension over coronavirus rules pervaded local and national UK politics this week as the north of England faced further restrictions, and pubs and restaurants in central Scotland were closed. Will W...

Tories dream of Terra Australis from 2020-10-03T04:00

Home secretary Priti Patel's initiative to examine plans for an offshore immigration centre on Ascension Island — more than 4,000 miles from the UK — put the government's asylum policy under the sp...

Coronavirus returns as Chancellor Sunak walks a tightrope from 2020-09-26T04:00

Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced further restrictions to halt the spread of Covid-19 in the UK but faced a backlash from Conservative MPs. Chancellor Rishi Sunak's winter economic plan, howe...

Tory tribes go back to war from 2020-09-19T04:00

Boris Johnson found himself in another parliamentary stand-off over Brexit legislation this week, and eventually found a compromise with rebellious Conservative MPs. Why is the prime minister strug...

Bridget Phillipson on Labour's long-term strategy from 2020-09-09T04:00:40

In the latest from our special interview series, the FT's Sebastian Payne talks to Bridget Phillipson, Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, about the government's ec...

Sunak's tax dilemma from 2020-09-05T04:00

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned both the public and Conservative MPs that difficult decisions must be taken on tax and spending. How dire is the UK economy and will taxes rise? We also discuss th...

Government U-turns and the blame game from 2020-08-29T04:00

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made yet another abrupt policy change this week to get pupils in England back to school. Are the wrong people in government making these decisions, and how much is the ...

Will Boris Johnson move from chairman to chief executive? from 2020-08-22T04:00

It has been an embarrassing week for the Johnson government, as education secretary Gavin Williamson was forced into a U-turn on exam results. Will the prime minister rethink his management style a...

Ed Davey on the Lib Dem’s radical reform agenda from 2020-08-19T04:00

In the latest from our summer interview series, Sebastian Payne talks to Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leadership candidate, about why he thinks the party’s “radical reforming agenda” can win over vot...

Weighing the cost of a historic recession from 2020-08-15T04:00

The UK is in its deepest recession on record, official data showed this week. Not only does Britain have the worst coronavirus death toll in Europe, but the economy has been harder hit than any oth...

Tracking the virus before schools return from 2020-08-08T04:00:27

Boris Johnson’s government has been warned by the opposition that it has less than a month to fix the test, track and trace system to get pupils back into schools, while avoiding another coronaviru...

Sajid Javid’s verdict on the Johnson government from 2020-08-05T04:00

In the latest from our summer interview series, former UK chancellor Sajid Javid joins Sebastian Payne for a discussion on whether the government has the right approach to getting the country's eco...

Lockdown tightens in the north from 2020-08-01T04:00

Prime Minister Boris Johnson put a brake on the reopening of parts of the UK, as cases of coronavirus began to surge again. Will these localised lockdowns work? Plus, we discuss the chaos over the ...

Russian meddling and Scottish independence from 2020-07-25T10:24:58

The long-awaited report on Russian interference in British politics was finally released this week. Although it is no smoking gun, what should Westminster do about this real threat? We also discuss...

Amber Rudd on why PM is getting it wrong on equality and Brexit from 2020-07-22T04:00

Former home secretary Amber Rudd finds the state of the Conservative party "devastating” and "embarrassing". In the second episode of a special interview series, she tells Sebastian Payne that Bori...

Downing Street vs the Conservative party from 2020-07-18T04:00

Number 10 found itself at odds with its own MPs this week, as its plan to install former minister Chris Grayling as chair of the intelligence committee backfired. With serious questions a...

Sunak's snacks to save the economy from 2020-07-11T04:00:56

Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a £30bn plan to save British jobs this week, with a big boost for pubs and restaurants, but will it be enough to stem the tide of unemployment? We delve into his summ...

Jeremy Hunt on the lessons of Covid-19 from 2020-07-08T03:00

In the first episode of a special summer interview series, Sebastian Payne talks to Jeremy Hunt, former health secretary and chair of the health select committee, about why the UK was not better pr...

Boris the builder and the UK’s offer to Hong Kong from 2020-07-04T04:00:19

The FT politics podcast has relaunched as 'Payne's Politics' and in this first episode presenter Sebastian Payne and his guests analyse Boris Johnson's plan to get his government back on track and ...

Introducing Payne's Politics from 2020-07-01T18:45

The UK Politics podcast is getting a fresh look. From Saturday, July 4, your weekly look at British politics will become Payne's Politics. Every week FT Whitehall correspondent Sebastian Payne will...

The great British unlocking, plus RLB and Sedwill are out from 2020-06-27T06:00:17

Boris Johnson announced this week that July 4 would be the UK’s Independence Day, when swaths of the economy would reopen. But is the prime minister moving too fast and going against scientific and...

U-turns on free school meals and tracking app, No10 wades further into culture war from 2020-06-20T06:25:25

Boris Johnson caved in to Marcus Rashford’s campaign to provide free school meals over the summer holidays, but why did it take so long? No 10 responded by defending the statue of Winston Churchill...

Conservative anger grows over Covid crisis, and should statues be pulled down? from 2020-06-13T06:00:31

Tory ministers and MPs were furious this week at Downing Street’s refusal to ease the 2m social distancing rule to boost the ailing economy. Will Boris Johnson go against the advice of his scientis...

Quarantine fallout, queueing in parliament, chaos at the top and the UK’s offer to Hong Kong from 2020-06-06T06:00:10

Boris Johnson’s government found itself confused this week about why it was introducing a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals in the UK. Ministers and MPs warned it would undermine the economy, whil...

The battle to save Dominic Cummings and the launch of test and trace from 2020-05-30T06:00:24

Westminster has been engulfed by the extraordinary row over Boris Johnson’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings and whether he broke the UK’s lockdown rules. How long will he now stay in government? Why...

School wars, tracing app woes, Boris Johnson’s health charge U-turn and back to Brexit from 2020-05-23T06:35:08

The government found itself in a mess this week over whether schools can return on June 1, with teaching unions and local authorities arguing it is not safe. What does it say about the plans for lo...

Slowly easing the lockdown, rising costs and how Keir Starmer will lead Labour from 2020-05-09T06:00:33

Boris Johnson will finally set his exit strategy this weekend, but any changes will be gradual and limited. Why is the prime minister reluctant to move quickly? We also discuss why the government i...

Boris Johnson returns, lifting the lockdown with the R rate and Britain’s alarming death rate from 2020-05-02T06:00

The prime minister returned to Downing Street this week and began to set out how the lockdown will end. Why is Johnson relying on the science and the R rate? Are businesses and Britons ready to go ...

Coronavirus latest: hitting 100k daily tests, tracing our contacts and Boris Johnson returns from 2020-04-25T06:00:28

The UK government is confident of reaching its target for daily Covid-19 tests by the end of April, but why is it still struggling to use its capacity? Is the NHS ready for nationwide contract trac...

Coronavirus latest: Lockdown extended, exit strategies at home and in Europe and Brexit delay ruled out from 2020-04-18T06:00:50

Dominic Raab, standing in for Boris Johnson while the prime minister recovers from Covid-19, announced this week another three weeks of social distancing. What can Britain learn from other European...

Coronavirus latest: Boris Johnson in hospital, a route for our lockdown and Keir Starmer’s first week from 2020-04-10T06:00:22

The health of the prime minister has dominated this week, as the prime minister was admitted to intensive care suffering from Covid-19. Can foreign secretary Dominic Raab fill his shoes? Will the Q...

Coronavirus: Britain in lockdown, Johnson tests positive, Sunak's help for self-employed from 2020-03-27T18:33:48

The prime minister addressed the nation and put Britain in lockdown at the beginning of the week after persuasion alone proved failed to keep people apart. By the end of the week Boris Johnson and ...

Coronavirus latest: Johnson’s U-turn, Sunak’s fiscal stimulus and a London lockdown from 2020-03-20T06:00:20

Prime Minister Boris Johnson significantly upped the UK’s action to tackle coronavirus this week with stringent new social distancing measures, while the chancellor unveiled a huge economic stimulu...

Rishi Sunak’s debut Budget as coronavirus ramps up from 2020-03-14T07:00:18

The new chancellor delivered his first Budget this week and pulled off a complicated, uncertain fiscal event. Has he defined what Johnsonism is? How does the Conservative party feel about the big s...

Q&A on Scotland, Ireland, Boris Johnson, on business and more from 2020-02-29T07:05:39

The second part of our first live podcast from Bracken House. Our panel answers questions from listeners on whether we’re heading for a united Ireland, what will happen in the next Scottish electio...

Brexit mandates, civil service wars, the Budget and Labour leadership from 2020-02-29T07:00:47

The first part of our first live podcast from Bracken House. We discuss the UK and EU’s mandates for the negotiations and whether the talks could collapse before they’ve even begun, Priti Patel’s r...

Brexit hostilities resume, and a new immigration system unveiled from 2020-02-22T07:00:19

The UK and the EU presented somewhat different approaches to the Brexit trade talks this week, with Brussels and London disputing what kind of deal can be struck. Are the parties too far apart or i...

Sajid Javid quits, Rishi Sunak rises, and the all-new cabinet from 2020-02-15T07:00:04

Boris Johnson’s first major cabinet reshuffle did not go to plan this week, as Sajid Javid abruptly quit as chancellor over a row about his advisers. We look at the tension between No 10 and No 11 ...

The next opening salvo of Brexit, a crisis for the SNP from 2020-02-08T07:00:09

The UK and the EU unveiled their mandates for the trade talks this week, setting out the dividing lines for striking a deal this year. Are the sides irreconcilably split, or is there a path towards...

Brexit day finally arrives, and will Boris Johnson back HS2? from 2020-02-01T07:00:02

The UK has left the EU, three and a half years after the referendum result. What has been the mood leading up to departure day, will anything actually change and how will Boris Johnson define ...

Chancellor Sajid Javid talks up the economy, and what’s next after Brexit Day from 2020-01-25T07:00:22

UK chancellor Sajid Javid has been in Davos with the world's rich and powerful this week, talking up the UK economy post-Brexit. Is there good news on the economy, and is there more to him than a v...

What the EU Brexit negotiations might bring, and how the Labour leadership race is hotting up from 2020-01-18T07:00:50

What line is Brussels likely to take in the next phase of talks now Prime Minister Boris Johnson has his mandate to act tough? Keir Starmer is ahead in the competition to replace Labour’s Jeremy Co...

Interview special: James Blitz from 2020-01-04T07:00:21

After 28 years at the FT, Whitehall editor James Blitz looks back on his time as political editor and defence editor, and the stories he has covered - including Tony Blair’s election victory, the I...

Interview special: Lionel Barber from 2019-12-28T07:00:32

After 14 years of editing the Financial Times, Lionel Barber discusses British politics over the last three decades - including the fall of Margaret Thatcher, her relationship with Ronald Reagan, t...

Another Queen’s Speech, another Brexit vote - plus Labour leadership latest from 2019-12-21T07:00:28

Parliament returned this week and Boris Johnson delivered on his election pledge of voting on Brexit legislation before Christmas. We discuss what lies ahead for the government’s programme, the new...

Election 2019: Boris Johnson's crushing victory for the Tories from 2019-12-13T18:02:30

With a majority of 80, Boris Johnson has delivered the Conservative party’s best performance in three decades. With such a significant mandate, the UK is now leaving the EU and the political landsc...

Midweek update: the final campaign days from 2019-12-11T05:00

Boris Johnson endured some of the most difficult days of the campaign to date, as he struggled to deal with an NHS crisis in Leeds. Will it knock him off course? Plus, we discuss Jonathan Ashworth'...

Election week four: Boris Johnson dodges the BBC, Labour’s minority government plans, more reports from the stump from 2019-12-07T07:00:28

The last full week of the UK’s election campaign was dominated by Boris Johnson’s failure to turn up to an interview with Andrew Neil, yet another anti-Semitism row in Labour and the Brexit party d...

Midweek update: Conservative nervousness from 2019-12-04T16:44:55

As the campaign enters the final week, the Conservative party is eager to ensure its lead is not knocked off course. Prime Minister Boris Johnson must hope US president Donald Trump does not destab...

Election week three: trouble for Labour, the big poll and tales from the stump from 2019-11-30T07:00:01

The UK's general election continued as the opposition Labour party struggled with anti-Semitism and its economic platform. A major new poll suggested the Conservatives are on course for a comf...

Week two of the election - Labour's radical manifesto and on the road in marginal seats from 2019-11-23T08:21:32

The second week saw Labour propose sweeping tax and spend changes, the Liberal Democrats struggle to make an impact and the inconclusive first TV leadership debate. We discuss whether the...

First week of the election, Labour's big broadband pledge from 2019-11-16T07:00:33

The first week of campaigning is over, but none of the parties have made much progress. Boris Johnson struggled with the floods, Nigel Farage tied himself in knots on where to stand candi...

Midweek update: the Brexit party's dilemma from 2019-11-13T16:41:20

Nigel Farage's decision to stand down his candidates in Tory-held seats was intended to help the Conservatives, but should he stand them down in Labour marginals, too? How is Jo Swinson going down ...

Shaky election start for Tories, and ripping up spending rules from 2019-11-09T07:00:05

The first week of the election did not go to plan for the Conservatives, as their campaign was beset by gaffes and mistakes. Can Boris Johnson get back on track? Is Labour pleased with how its camp...

Boris Johnson calls the election, moderate Tories flee from 2019-11-02T07:00:05

The prime minister finally succeeded in calling a general election this week, so Britain is heading to the polls on December 12. How is the campaign going to shake up? How did the launches for Labo...

Boris Johnson's tumultuous Brexit week, another attempt at an election from 2019-10-26T06:00:55

The prime minister introduced legislation to parliament this week to deliver Brexit. It may have passed a vote in principle, but the government's rapid timetable for implementing it was rejected. W...

Boris Johnson's new Brexit deal: what’s in it, how it was struck and will it pass parliament from 2019-10-18T19:41:49

After a week of intense diplomacy with the EU, Boris Johnson brokered a new withdrawal agreement - without the troublesome Irish border backstop but with a contentious customs border in the Irish S...

The Supreme Court's historic decision on prorogation, Labour and Tory conferences from 2019-10-14T14:13:13

The highest court in Britain ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament was unlawful, with parliament unexpectedly returning this week. What are the constitutional implications of ...

The big Brexit breakthrough? And is Downing Street dysfunctional? from 2019-10-14T13:41:11

After months of stalemate, a Brexit deal suddenly became increasingly possible after an unlikely breakthrough between Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar on the Wirral this week. What sort of new deal i...

Boris’ big Brexit proposal and are the Tories ready for an election? from 2019-10-05T06:00

As the Conservative’s annual conference came to a close in Manchester, Boris Johnson made his bold play on Brexit - proposing the long-awaited ideas to replace the infamous Irish border backstop. D...

Can Boris Johnson pull a Brexit deal out of the hat, and what excitement will the party conferences bring? from 2019-09-14T06:37:13

The government is accused of not doing enough preparation to rescue a deal but there are rumours of movement on the Northern Ireland backstop. Plus, as the conference season opens, we discuss who m...

Boris loses control, what happens next and Labour’s plans for government from 2019-09-07T06:00

The prime minister lost control of his Brexit strategy this week, as parliament forced no deal off the table, 21 Tory MPs rebelled and were ejected from the party. Will Johnson be successful in for...

Boris Johnson meets EU leaders, and the latest no-deal warnings from 2019-08-24T06:00:23

The prime minister set off on his first visit to world leaders, meeting Angela Merkel in Germany and Emmanuel Macron in France. What was his Brexit message - and has anything changed? Plus, we disc...

Prime Minister Jeremy Corbyn's caretaker government? from 2019-08-17T06:00:21

The Labour leader announced plans this week to form a temporary government to avoid a no-deal Brexit, appealing to other opposition MPs to back his efforts. But he was soon rebuffed by the Liberal ...

The Boris bounce: the polls look good for PM Johnson, but what about the pound, the threat to the Union and defeat in Brecon? from 2019-08-03T04:00

We look back at a mixed first full week in the job for Boris Johnson, as he toured Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland against a backdrop of a slump in sterling and Bank of England warnings about ...

What to expect from Boris Johnson, and how the opposition is reacting to the new prime minister from 2019-07-27T04:00:14

The key appointments by Britain's new Conservative prime minister and what we're learning about his priorities and strategy, especially - of course - on Brexit. Plus, we discuss the jostling for po...

Out goes May, Johnson and the kipper and Brexit and the new EU top team from 2019-07-20T05:00

Theresa May's last days in No 10 - is she going with a bang or a whimper? And who will be the next prime minister, and what do we know about him? Plus, the new top team in Brussels, the balance of ...

The ousting of Kim Darroch and Corbyn's latest travails on anti-Semitism and Brexit from 2019-07-13T04:30:39

The resignation of the UK's ambassador to the US this week caused a huge stir in Westminster, thanks to a leak of confidential diplomatic cables. Why did Kim Darroch decide to go? Was Boris Johnson...

Tory leadership voting starts, and the prospect of an early election from 2019-07-06T04:00:20

The ballot papers have gone out to Conservative members for the leadership election and voting has begun. Boris Johnson is leading in the polls, Jeremy Hunt is still fighting - but is it game over ...

Boris vs Hunt gets personal, plus the fiscal and immigration plans of the next PM from 2019-06-29T05:00

The skirmishes between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt became more personal, with clashes over character and scrutiny. Is the foreign secretary gaining momentum? And has the frontrunner recovered fro...

It's Boris vs Hunt and Labour gently shifts towards Remain from 2019-06-22T05:00

Four candidates were knocked out of the Conservative party leadership race this week: Michael Gove, Sajid Javid, Rory Stewart and Dominic Raab. Does the foreign secretary have any hope of beating t...

Boris vs Gove round two, and Trump comes to Britain from 2019-06-01T05:00:40

Jeremy Hunt lost momentum in the Tory leadership contest this week, suggesting that the final race might end up being Boris Johnson versus Michael Gove - just like the 2016 contest. Plus, we discus...

Theresa May resigns from 2019-05-25T03:00:59

The prime minister announced her intention to resign on Friday, following a dramatic week in Westminster where a final Brexit speech misfired and brought an end to May's time in office. We discuss ...

Theresa May's succession, and Labour's opportunities from 2019-05-18T05:00:03

Theresa May has finally agreed to step down, clearing the way for a leadership contest this summer, against the background of the European Parliament elections. Might we have three prime ministers ...

How long will Theresa May last, and will Labour back UBI? from 2019-05-11T03:00:35

Anger is growing in the Conservative party against Theresa May, but MPs have failed to move against her. Will next week be a decisive moment for the prime minister? Plus, we discuss whether a unive...

Investigating the Huawei leak, Change UK launches its Euro campaign from 2019-04-27T05:00

An unprecedented leak from the National Security Council this week about the UK's 5G network has prompted much angst and a leak inquiry at the top of government. What was the row about and what doe...

Euro election campaign begins, Sajid Javid makes his leadership pitch from 2019-04-20T05:00

Westminster is in recess, but campaigning has begun for the unexpected European Parliament elections on May 23. Will the Brexit party and TIGs surpass the two main established parties? Why have the...

May delays Brexit again - but how long can she hang on? from 2019-04-13T05:00

The UK did not leave the EU (again) this week. Instead, exit day has been pushed back until the end of October. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the process moving any closer to a resolution? Plus,...

May’s offer to work with Corbyn and Brexit is delayed again from 2019-04-06T05:00

The prime minister concluded a long cabinet debate this week by deciding to work with the Labour party, thus annoying many Tories. Will they broker a cross-party deal? Or is it all politics? Plus, ...

Third defeat for Theresa May's deal, the PM vows to bow out from 2019-03-30T05:00:03

Theresa May brought her Brexit deal for a third vote this week. Once again it failed to get through. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the UK heading for a permanent customs union with the EU? Will ...

Brexit is officially delayed, May changes her tune and no-deal chances rise from 2019-03-23T04:00:32

After a tumultuous week in Westminster, Britain's departure from the EU has been delayed until at least April 12, while Theresa May tried to pin the blame on parliament for all the chaos in an extr...

Back to Brexit stalemate and tackling knife crime from 2019-03-09T04:00:26

Geoffrey Cox spent much of this week in Brussels but failed to negotiate any kind of Brexit breakthrough. With another meaningful vote due next week, does the prime minister have any hope of breaki...

Theresa May offers Brexit delay, Labour battles over second referendum and anti-Semitism from 2019-03-02T05:13:26

Theresa May survived another week of crucial Brexit votes, but only by pledging to delay leaving the EU to avoid a crash exit. What will happen over the next fortnight? And is the UK making any pro...

The Independent Group emerges from 2019-02-23T04:00

It was a huge week in Westminster as eight Labour MPs broke away to form the Independent Group of MPs along with three Conservatives. Where might the group go next? Will it become a party? And will...

Humiliation again for Theresa May, a new centrist party begins to emerge from 2019-02-16T05:00

The prime minister was defeated in another meaningless vote in the House of Commons this week, where does this leave her talks with the EU? We also discuss the rumoured plans for Labour MPs to brea...

Amendment success and back to Brussels for Theresa May from 2019-02-02T05:00

The prime minister staved off defeat in the House of Commons this week, but now faces the daunting challenge of finding compromise changes to the Irish border backstop that work for both the EU and...

The end of no-deal Brexit and Labour's shifting stance from 2019-01-26T05:00

MPs are likely to demand an end to a no-deal Brexit next week, what does this mean for Theresa May's deal and the Brexit debate? The consequences in Westminster will be huge. Plus is the Labour par...

May's Brexit deal dies, but the prime minister survives from 2019-01-19T04:30

Brexit was finally put to a meaningful vote in the House of Commons this week and MPs gave a resounding no to Theresa May's deal. But her government survived a confidence motion so the stalemate ha...

2018 in review special from 2018-12-22T04:00:11

We look back on a traumatic year in British politics for Brexit and the Conservative and Labour parties. Will the UK leave the EU in March? Does Theresa May's deal have any hope of surviving? Does ...

Brexit finally arrives in the Commons, legal advice is given from 2018-12-08T05:00

MPs began debating Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the Commons this week and there was little sign of a breakthrough for the prime minister. The government’s legal advice on the deal was also mad...

Labour edges towards a second referendum and can 'Norway Plus' fly? from 2018-12-01T05:00

John McDonnell tipped the Labour party towards supporting a second Brexit referendum this week. Does this make it any more likely to happen? And we dig into the "Norway Plus" model and discuss whet...

Theresa May struggles to sell her deal and what happens next from 2018-11-24T05:00:20

The UK prime minister has survived a failed coup, but her Brexit deal is going nowhere. Can she sell it to the nation above the heads of MPs? Plus we discuss what might happen if the House of Commo...

May's deal lands, Raab resigns and chaos ensues from 2018-11-17T04:30

Theresa May finally struck a Brexit deal this week, but it did not please much of her Conservative party with two cabinet ministers resigning. Will Mrs May survive? Will she be challenged? Does her...

A Brexit deal slowly emerges and Arron Bank's troubles from 2018-11-10T04:30

Westminster is awaiting a Brexit deal but Theresa May is still facing great challenges. Will she strike a deal that is acceptable to her cabinet as well as the House of Commons? Plus we discuss the...

Philip Hammond's giveaway Budget from 2018-11-03T05:00

Emboldened by an OBR windfall, Britain's chancellor tossed largesse to potential Brexit problem groups and declared austerity was coming to an end. But was he fiscally reckless? Presented by George...

Brexit 'hell week' and more universal credit mishaps from 2018-10-29T12:19:55

Negotiations between the UK and the EU are hotting up. A deal might be in sight, but can Theresa May sell it to her sceptical cabinet and party? Plus we examine why the universal credit welfare ref...

Another failed Brexit summit and bullying in the House of Commons from 2018-10-20T05:00:47

Theresa May did not achieve a breakthrough in this week’s Brussels summit of EU leaders. So where do the Brexit talks now stand? Plus a new report has unveiled the extent of bullying and sexual har...

Tory conference reviewed and a tricky fortnight for Brexit from 2018-10-06T04:30:53

The Conservative party gathered in Birmingham this week for a broadly successful if uneventful conference. But is Theresa May safe as leader for the duration? Plus we discuss whether there is a com...

Labour conference reviewed as the Tories head to Birmingham from 2018-09-29T03:30

The opposition party's conference was a success, with Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell delivering speeches that continued the party in its radical direction. We also look forward to the Conservativ...

Troubling times in Salzburg and previewing Labour conference from 2018-09-22T04:00

The British prime minister's hopes of a Brexit breakthrough at a summit this week were dealt a heavy blow. Where does this leave negotiations with the EU and the prospects for a deal this autumn? P...

Leadership plots, Tory wars and John McDonnell's plans for workers from 2018-09-15T06:00:44

Chatter about a leadership challenge against Theresa May has abounded this week, but is it all talk and no trousers? Plus we discuss John McDonnell's speech to the TUC's annual conference and his p...

Summer interview special: Peter Mandelson from 2018-09-01T03:00

Sebastian Payne speaks to the former New Labour minister about his efforts to halt Brexit through another referendum, Theresa May's efforts to strike a withdrawal deal with the EU, his views on Jer...

Summer interview special: Nick Boles from 2018-08-25T03:18:23

In our fourth summer special, we speak to the Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford in Lincolnshire about why, as a former Remainer, he is happy to get on with Brexit, how the House of Commons ...

Summer interview special: Jacob Rees-Mogg from 2018-08-11T04:30

In the second of this series, the Financial Times speaks to the Conservative MP for North East Somerset and ardent Brexit supporter. We discuss whether a ‘no-deal’ exit from the EU could be a good ...

Summer interview specials: Liz Truss from 2018-08-04T04:30:47

Westminster is in recess, so this summer we are interviewing interesting MPs who will be setting the political agenda for the rest of the year. First up is Liz Truss, Conservative MP for south-west...

The Brexit votes and Labour's antisemitism problem from 2018-07-21T04:30

The amendment votes in the House of Commons, the likely fate of Theresa May's Brexit plan and the Labour Party's problem with antisemitism. With Miranda Green, James Blitz and Robert Shrimsley of t...

Johnson and Davis say goodbye, Trump says hello from 2018-07-14T05:00:51

The dual departures of two cabinet ministers this week has challenged Theresa May's authority. Where do her Brexit plans stand now? Plus, we discuss Donald Trump's brief visit to the UK and the hea...

Cabinet chaos special from 2018-07-10T15:09:42

The resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davis have shook both Theresa May and the government. Sebastian Payne discusses what it means and what happens next with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley a...

Cabinet ruptures and further Brexit stalemate from 2018-06-30T04:30:23

Collective responsibility has collapsed within Theresa May’s government, so can ministers now do and say whatever they like? Plus, two columnists debate whether a second Brexit referendum is a good...

A big birthday gift for the NHS and a new Brexit destination emerges from 2018-06-23T05:01:44

Theresa May is giving the NHS an extra £20bn a year for its 70th birthday. Will it help the suffering health service and is it money well spent? Plus, is Britain on course to stay in the EU single ...

Withdrawal bill woes and uncovering sexual harassment in Westminster from 2018-06-16T05:01:37

Tight votes and compromises dominate this week as Theresa May’s government puts Brexit into law. But has any actual progress been made? Plus, what can be done to tackle bullying and sexual harassme...

Two Brexit tantrums and one year on from the botched election from 2018-06-09T05:00:02

David Davis and Boris Johnson found themselves falling out with Theresa May this week over her Brexit strategy. But neither resigned and the prime minister faced down their complaints. Plus, we dis...

Northern Ireland's abortion quandary, and how to fund the NHS from 2018-06-02T09:00:51

The Irish Republic's vote ?to end the ban on abortion has raised questions about whether their northern? neighbours are n?ext. Will Theresa May, once again, be blown off course by events? Plus, a n...

Renewal in office and where Brexit is likely to land from 2018-05-26T04:19:04

The Conservative party's efforts to renew themselves while in government are ramping up. But how big is the challenge they face? And with tensions increasing between Eurosceptics and the EU , what ...

East Coast rail nationalisation and another Brexit fudge from 2018-05-19T03:05:05

The government's decision to bring the East Coast railway back into public ownership has fuelled the debate on nationalisation. Will this be the last franchise to leave the private sector? Plus, Th...

Brexit stalemate and tackling intergenerational unfairness from 2018-05-12T04:01:13

Another week, another round of infighting about the customs union with no conclusion. How long can the Cabinet remain divided? Plus, we discuss whether millennials need a £10,000 bond to make ...

Stalemate in England's local elections, and the customs union debate from 2018-05-05T03:04:31

Neither Conservatives nor Labour made big gains in this week's local elections. Is there any impetuous for the parties to change course? Plus, Theresa May failed to sell her new customs partnership...

Customs union conundrums and the upcoming local elections from 2018-04-28T00:58:19

The May government has yet to fully decide if it will have a customs union with the EU after Brexit. Does it need one and will parliament force her hand? Plus, is Labour set to make big gains in th...

The Windrush fiasco and the troubles with a 2nd Brexit referendum from 2018-04-21T03:58:02

Theresa May's government has suffered from one of its worst weeks since the general election, thanks to the uncertainty about the "Windrush generation". What does it say about immigration policy in...

Should the UK bomb Syria, and 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement from 2018-04-14T04:54:39

The latest chemical weapons attack in Syria has shocked the world. Can Theresa May join Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron in bombing the nation without asking parliament's permission? And two decade...

Russia's propaganda battle and knife crime in London from 2018-04-07T04:30:35

The war of information over the events in Salisbury has become increasingly tense. Is the UK engaging a hopeless propaganda battle with Russia? Plus, why is London witnessing a spike in knife crime...

Corbyn's anti-Semitism woes and Sheffield's battle with trees from 2018-03-31T03:52:40

It has been a difficult week for the Labour leader, who has struggled to stem criticisms of his stance on racial hatred. Plus the row in Sheffield about trees, and what it tells us about public-pri...

The use and abuse of data in politics - plus May's Brexit breakthrough from 2018-03-24T03:00

The scandal around Cambridge Analytica has raised questions about whether data is being misused in politics. Will the revelations about the British firm's Facebook strategy undermine the votes for ...

Corbyn's Russia troubles and the first Spring Statement from 2018-03-17T03:00

Jeremy Corbyn has taken a firm line on Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack, much to the annoyance of his colleagues. Has civil war broken out in the Labour party again? Plus, Philip Hammond...

Salisbury under attack and Hammond's offer on financial services from 2018-03-10T03:00:01

The attempted murder of an ex-Russian spy in Salisbury has shocked the country. If there are links to the Russian state, what will happen to its relations with the UK? Plus, we dissect Philip Hammo...

Theresa May's third Brexit speech and profiling John McDonnell from 2018-03-03T07:19:17

The prime minister delivered her vision of the UK's future relationship with the EU, did it strike the right note? And will it be well received in Brussels? Plus, are Britain and Labour ready for J...

Brexit chess at Chequers and Corbyn vs the media from 2018-02-24T07:43:40

The May government has finally decided what it wants from Brexit. But will it fly in Brussels? Plus, did Jeremy Corbyn receive an unfair hearing from the media over the Czech spy scandal? With Geor...

Trading blows over Brexit and women in politics 100 years on from 2018-02-10T05:00

The UK cabinet spent hours locked in debate over what to ask for in the Brexit negotiations, but little has emerged with any clarity. In Brussels, they call for a clear lead from London. Meanwhile,...

May's travails and the end of the Anglo-Chinese golden era from 2018-02-03T04:30:55

The prime minister went to China this week on a mission to make the case for "Global Britain". At home the colleagues Theresa May left behind argued about Brexit, appeared to undermine the civil se...

Carillion goes into liquidation and Macron comes to Britain from 2018-01-20T04:11:57

Was the government responsible for the financial troubles at the construction giant? Is this the end of PFI and outsourcing? Plus, did Macron strike the right tone in his first presidential visit t...

Theresa May’s botched reshuffle, and why the Tories are going green again from 2018-01-13T00:24:58

The prime minister tried to make some decisive moves in her government this week - and failed. Where does this leave her now? Plus, is the Conservative party taking up environmentalism for the righ...

Health, membership, rail and reshuffle conundrums for May from 2018-01-06T05:00

2018 has brought a slew of domestic challenges for Theresa May, can she tackle them while keeping her government on the tracks? Plus, what do the state of the respective memberships say about their...

Budget 2017 special: Fiscal Phil's housing gamble from 2017-11-22T17:23:11

Philip Hammond delivered his autumn Budget on Wednesday - was it enough to placate his Conservative critics? What do the dire growth forecasts suggest for the years ahead? And is the UK ready for B...

The Brexit mutineers and how the City of London will survive from 2017-11-18T10:04:05

EU legislation was back in the House of Commons this week and not all Conservative MPs were willing to back the government. Plus, how will Europe's financial centre survive Brexit and what kind of ...

Westminster in crisis and a raise in rates from 2017-11-04T00:45:16

British politics is engulfed in a tide of sexual harassment allegations, where will it go next? Is it time for a cultural shift in the Palace of Westminster? And what does the Bank of England’s int...

Unpicking the Universal Credit crisis and Brexit wars, continued from 2017-10-28T01:07:42

Is the government's welfare programme about to come off the rails, or can tweaks be made to ensure the poorest in society receive the support they need? Plus, will parliament have a chance to vote ...

Theresa May’s dish of disappointment in Brussels from 2017-10-20T16:00

The UK prime minister did not get the result she was hoping for at this week’s EU summit, so what comes next for Brexit? And what was Jeremy Corbyn up to in Brussels too? With Peter Mandelson, Alex...

An eventful week for Brexit from 2017-10-14T00:28:09

The ball is bounced back across the court in the negotiations, business worries over lack of urgency on transition, talk of a leadership challenge has subsided but Theresa May is tripped up in an i...

Theresa May's terrible week from 2017-10-07T03:00

The Conservative party conference was supposed to be the prime minister's big moment, yet her keynote speech was a disaster and the overall mood was flat. So where does the party go now, and how ...

Labour's galvanising conference in Brighton from 2017-09-30T04:00

The UK opposition party gathered for their annual conference this week and it was a success for leader Jeremy Corbyn. But how united is the party behind the scenes? And what can we expect to hear f...

The repeal bill, and Labour's Brexit repositioning from 2017-09-08T23:36:57

As parliament debates the legislation for Britain's EU exit, we discuss the dangers of the Henry VIII powers and Keir Starmer's new line on customs union. With George Parker, Jim Packard, Miranda G...

Summer special: fixing Britain's housing crisis from 2017-08-12T05:33

Why is the UK not building enough new homes when there is a consensus that more are desperately needed? And is social housing receiving the attention it deserves? With Judith Evans and John Gapper ...

Summer special: the devolution revolution from 2017-08-05T04:13:14

Britain has been promised that political power will flow from Whitehall to local government to help rebalance the economy - but how successful has it been? With Brian Groom of the Financial Times, ...

Summer special: Brexit one year in from 2017-07-29T03:27:09

In the first of our summer policy specials, the Financial Times examines the state of Brexit one year after the historic vote to leave the EU - what progress has been made, the triumphs and failure...

Brexit reset and a summer of plotting from 2017-07-22T07:33:55

How did the second batch of talks between Britain and Brussels go? And will the Conservative leadership plots to overthrow Theresa May grow over the summer break?

With George Parker and P...

Theresa May listens to business and Labour deselections from 2017-07-08T09:33:41

With George Parker and Miranda Green of the Financial Times, plus commentators Paul Mason and John McTernan. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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One year on since the referendum and the Queen's Speech from 2017-06-24T02:15:58

Plus, why the Conservatives have failed to negotiate a deal with the DUP. With Jim Pickard, Miranda Green and Vincent Boland of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  
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Theresa May's future, the Grenfell fire and the end of austerity from 2017-06-17T10:09:50

With Martin Wolf, Chris Giles, Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.

 

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Election wrap-up, and how long will Theresa May last? from 2017-06-09T23:48:37

With Janan Ganesh, Miranda Green and Matt Singh. Presented by Sebastian Payne  

See from 2017-05-13T09:29:52

How Theresa May is trying to soften her image, Ukip's decision to stand aside in many seats for the Tories and why Labour's draft manifesto was leaked. With George Parker, Jim Pickard, Miranda Gree...

Local elections: a blue wave hits Britain from 2017-05-06T00:41:26

The Conservatives have made great gains in England and Scotland in the local and mayoral elections this week - what lies ahead for Labour? And what hints are there for June's general election? With...

Week 2 of the 2017 general election and the revival of the Scottish Tories from 2017-04-29T01:19:43

The pros and cons of tactical voting, Ukip's campaign launch, Labour's decline in the Wales and taxing issues for the Tories. With Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times, plus comment...

Week 1 of 2017 general election from 2017-04-22T01:12:06

With George Parker, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Henry Mance of the Financial Times, plus pollster Matt Singh. Presented by Sebastian Payne.
 

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See from 2017-03-04T01:09:19

With James Blitz, Jim Pickard and Henry Mance of the FT, political commentator Miranda Green and John Denham, professor of English identity and politics. Presented by George Parker  
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Tony Blair's speech and the scene in Stoke and Copeland from 2017-02-18T00:10:16

With Kate Allen and Andy Bounds of the FT and political commentator John McTernan. Presented by Sebastian Payne
 

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A big week for Brexit and the Lib Dem fight-back from 2017-02-04T03:36:06

With George Parker, Philip Stephens, Henry Mance and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Theresa May goes to Washington and Labour's by-election challenges from 2017-01-28T01:26:17

With Janan Ganesh, Gideon Rachman and Andrew Bounds from the Financial Times, plus Matt Singh of Number Crunch Politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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The Lib Dems seize Richmond Park and the rise of Paul Nuttall from 2016-12-03T00:37:53

With George Parker, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green from the Financial Times, plus Marcus Roberts from YouGov. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

from 2016-11-19T01:04:10

With Janan Ganesh, George Parker, Robert Shirmsley, David Bond and Renee Kaplan of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Inside US election night from 2016-11-09T22:52:24

FT reporters discuss how the election night unfolded from the inside, what the pollsters missed, and how the markets moved. Plus a look at the way fiscal policy might develop under the new Trump ad...

The Article 50 ruling and Mark Carney stays in London from 2016-11-05T00:27:44

With George Parker, Martin Wolf, Chris Giles, David Allen Green and Jane Croft of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

from 2016-10-28T23:39:59

With Martin Wolf and Janan Ganesh of the Financial Times, plus political adviser Julian Glover and Rupert Harrison of BlackRock. Presented by Sebastian Payne.
 

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US election countdown: The final debate from 2016-10-20T19:39:22

The FT's Demetri Sevastopulo and Sam Fleming break down the big moments of the final debate, from Putin's puppets to "bad hombres", and more. Sign up for the FT White House Countdown email at FT.co...

Brexit: Has Theresa May given away too much or too little? Plus, Labour returns from 2016-10-15T04:35:02

With George Parker and James Blitz of the Financial Times, Marcus Roberts of YouGov and political commentator Ayesha Hazarika. Presented by Sebastian Payne  

from 2016-10-13T18:55:06

How will voters and the rest of the Republican party respond to the latest scandals to hit Donald Trump's campaign? The FT's Sam Fleming and Courtney Weaver discuss this and more. Sign up for the F...

Theresa May targets the elite, and has business any clarity on Brexit? from 2016-10-08T01:36:36

With George Parker, Gideon Rachman, Sarah Gordon and Daniel Dombey of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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US election countdown: Veteran voters and Ohio from 2016-10-06T19:35:05

Can Donald Trump shore up the US veteran vote in spite of his rhetoric? Will the state of Ohio carry the weight it has in previous elections? The FT's Demetri Sevastopulo, Sam Fleming and Geoff Dye...

Theresa's Tory conference challenges and Whitehall's plan for Brexit from 2016-10-01T00:16:10

With George Parker, Janan Ganesh, Sarah Gordon and James Blitz of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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US election countdown: Apathy in North Carolina and the Florida ground game from 2016-09-29T19:03:21

Will apathy for Hillary Clinton among black voters in North Carolina help Donald Trump in the southern state? How are the Republican and Democratic ground games working in Florida to secure turnout...

What next for Labour and whither George Osborne? from 2016-09-24T09:25:03

With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard of the FT and John McTernan, political strategist and former Tony Blair aide. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Theresa May's Brexit decisions and Ukip leadership race from 2016-09-02T00:26:11

With Henry Mance and James Blitz of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

See from 2016-08-27T00:07:37

With Gideon Rachman, Robert Shrimsley, Giles Wilkes and Alan Beattie of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Problems with railways and the devolution revolution from 2016-08-12T23:38:19

With Robert Wright, Andrew Bounds and Henry Mance of the Financial Times, plus rail commentator Christian Wolmar. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

from 2016-08-05T23:40:13

With the FT's Sarah Gordon, Gideon Rachman, Henry Mance and Arthur Beesley. presented by Jonathan Derbyshire  

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Theresa May and Brexit, plus Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith from 2016-07-23T01:35:56

With Philip Stephens, Jim Pickard and James Blitz of the FT and Marcus Roberts, from the pollster YouGov. Presented by George Parker.  

from 2016-07-16T03:36:23

With Robert Shrimsley and Philip Stephens of the FT, John McTernan, former adviser to Tony Blair, and Emma Burnell, a commentator on the Labour party. Presented by James Blitz  
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US election countdown: Trump eyes his running mate from 2016-07-14T23:33:09

How will Donald Trump and his expected running mate Mike Pence, the governor of Indiana, reconcile their differences on immigration, abortion and trade on the campaign trail? What to expect from th...

Theresa May, Brexit Britain's prime minster from 2016-07-11T17:37:01

Andrea Leadsom dropped out of the Tory leadership contest on Monday, anointing Theresa May as the next prime minister — and overshadowing the launch of Angela Eagle's bid to oust Jeremy Corbyn as l...

Theresa May vs. Andrea Leadsom, plus the impact of Chilcot from 2016-07-08T04:30

With Martin Wolf, Philip Stephens, Roula Khalaf and James Blitz from the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Brexit Britain - the political storm from 2016-07-01T06:20:02

With Robert Shrimsley, James Blitz, Philip Stephens and Jim Pickard of the FT, Iain Martin, author and political commentator, and Marcus Roberts, former political Labour strategist and now a polls...

The day after Brexit from 2016-06-10T23:30:58

A special podcast on what will happen if Britain votes to leave the EU. With Chris Giles, George Parker, Peter Spiegel and Sarah Gordon. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Immigration vs. economics from 2016-05-27T22:18:45

With Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley and John Burn-Murdoch from the Financial Times, plus Matt Singh from Number Crunch Politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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The Queen's Speech and Borismania from 2016-05-21T01:19:25

With George Parker, Gideon Rachman, Henry Mance and James Blitz of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.
 

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US election countdown: Can Donald Trump get the female vote? from 2016-05-19T15:48:29

How will Donald Trump's treatment of women affect his race to the White House? Will the Republican establishment come around on their candidate now that he has agreed to joint fundraising efforts w...

Week two of the EU referendum campaign from 2016-05-14T09:06:04

With Sarah Gordon, Jonathan Ford and James Blitz from the Financial Times, plus political commentator Iain Martin. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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2016 local and regional elections special from 2016-05-06T22:04:25

With the FT's George Parker, Philip Stephens and Jim Pickard, plus Labour commentator John McTernan. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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US election countdown: Fast forward to the general race from 2016-05-06T16:37:18

How would Hillary Clinton have to change course to compete with Donald Trump in the general election? Who can Donald Trump pick as a running mate to endear his campaign to the Republican establishm...

Labour's Jewish problem and Brexit economics from 2016-04-30T00:45:08

With Martin Wolf, Robert Shrimsley and James Blitz from the Financial Times, plus Andrew Lilico from Economists for Britain. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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Barack Obama visits Britain and the march of academies from 2016-04-23T02:54:02

With Roula Khalaf, Philip Stephens, Gonzalo Vina and Isabel Berwick of the Financial Times. Presented by Sebastian Payne.  

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The EU referendum campaign begins from 2016-04-16T08:04:49

With Janan Ganesh, Sarah Gordon and Jim Pickard of the Financial Times, plus Labour commentator Ayesha Hazarika. Presented by Sebastian Payne.
 

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The political impact of Brussels and the return of the Tory wars from 2016-03-26T02:29:34

Roula Khalaf, Gideon Rachman, George Parker and Janan Ganesh of the Financial Times discuss how the Brussels terrorist attacks will affect global politics, and why the Conservative party has entere...

Budget 2016 special from 2016-03-17T15:55:46

Stephanie Flanders, former BBC economics editor and chief market strategist at JP Morgan, plus Rupert Harrison, former chief of staff to George Osborne and now a strategist at BlackRock, analyse th...

Brexit royalty and Tony Blair's shadow from 2016-03-12T04:57

George Parker and Sarah Gordon of the Financial Times, plus Marcus Roberts from YouGov, discuss whether the Queen is a Eurosceptic and why Tony Blair continues to cause headaches for Labour. Presen...

Ed Balls on global politics and fear in the Brexit campaign from 2016-03-05T01:22:12

Gideon Rachman, Janan Ganesh and George Parker of the Financial Times, plus former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, discuss whether political leaders are failing to tackle the global economic uncertaint...

British sovereignty and a lack of Labour from 2016-02-27T02:34:57

Philip Stephens of the Financial Times, plus Ayesha Hazarika and Andrew Gimson, discuss whether the Eurosceptics or Europhiles are right about British sovereignty and why Labour has been mostly abs...

EU referendum special: the deal, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove from 2016-02-22T11:51:44

George Parker, Philip Stephens and Janan Ganesh of the Financial Times discuss the deal David Cameron brought back from Brussels on Britain's membership of the EU and the new recruits to the 'Leave...

Who's right in the junior doctor's strike and the EU referendum on Fleet Street from 2016-02-13T07:45:58

Robert Shrimsley, Henry Mance, Sarah Neville and Emily Cadman of the Financial Times discuss what has been happening in Westminster this week — including the junior doctor's strike and what it says...

The latest Google tax saga and how Jeremy Corbyn is helping Ukip from 2016-01-30T06:54

John Gapper, Vanessa Houlder and Janan Ganesh of the Financial Times, plus Ayesha Hazarika , discuss the latest developments in Westminster this week — including the political fallout of Google's £...

The highs and lows of Cameron's EU negotiations and why Labour lost the election from 2016-01-23T08:00

George Parker, Philip Stephens, Janan Ganesh and Jim Pickard of the Financial Times, plus Matt Singh from Number Crunch Politics, discuss the latest developments in Westminster this week — includin...

The Tory EU wars begin and Scotland's economic woes from 2016-01-16T08:00

George Parker, Kate Allan, Chris Giles and Kiran Stacey of the Financial Times discuss what has been happening in Westminster this week — including the Tories' latest manoeuvres on the EU referend...

Will Europe sink the Tories and Corbyn's first reshuffle from 2016-01-09T08:00

Janan Ganesh, John McTernan, George Parker and Jim Pickard discuss what has been happening in Westminster this week — including David Cameron's decision to allow ministers a free vote in the EU re...

The UK election: What next for the winners and losers? from 2015-05-11T16:55

Michael Stott, Robert Shrimsley and Tim Bale discuss the UK general election results, what happens next for the winners and losers, and why pollsters and pundits got it so wrong.  
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UK Election Unspun: Education and job creation from 2015-05-06T16:12

How does OECD criticism of Sweden's "free" schools system reflect on Britain's education reforms and how does the employment recovery look in Liverpool? Sarah Neville talks to Helen Warrell and Sar...

Coalition permutations and questions of legitimacy from 2015-05-06T15:32

With the campaign all but over and no late surge for the main parties, a hung parliament looks certain. Michael Stott, is joined by Robert Shrimsley and Tim Bale to discuss likely government permut...

Janan Ganesh: Coalition has missed an obvious solution from 2015-05-06T12:36

The coalition would be cruising to victory if it were on the ballot paper. The country wants David Cameron as prime minister but worries that his fiscal plans are too aggressive. Both parties have ...

Janan Ganesh: Tactical voting may be more widespread than we think from 2015-05-05T12:51

Tactical voting by Tories looks likely to save the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg in his constituency of Sheffield Hallam. But will tactical voting skew results elsewhere?  

Quick guide to the UK general election from 2015-05-05T10:12

Michael Stott, the FT's UK News Editor, offers a quick guide to the main things you need to know about the UK general election.  

Se...

Janan Ganesh: Time to end election campaigns? from 2015-05-04T11:42

It now seems safe to conclude that nothing has worked: the manifestos, policy announcements and TV debates have had little impact on public sentiment. The money and effort spent on campaigning is s...

Janan Ganesh: The first serious event of an unserious campaign from 2015-05-01T12:15

Last night's BBC Question Time special, in which the party leaders faced interrogation by members of the public, was the first serious event of an otherwise unserious election campaign. But this la...

Janan Ganesh: Post-election free-for-all could spell trouble from 2015-04-30T12:52

The tone of the campaign, with parties conjuring tax cuts and new rounds of spending as if the deficit were already taken care of, raises doubts about Britain's determination to get its fiscal hous...

UK Election Unspun: The NHS and immigration from 2015-04-29T17:53

Sarah Gordon is joined by Sarah Neville and Helen Warrell who give their verdicts on the parties' pledges on funding the National Health Service and curbing immigration.  

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Janan Ganesh: Miliband's celebrity interview looks ill-judged from 2015-04-29T16:51

When celebrities and politicians mix, both can end up diminished. To go ahead with a celebrity chinwag in a Shoreditch loft apartment suggests that the Labour campaign either has a lot of confidenc...

Janan Ganesh: Why poor growth data could help the Tories from 2015-04-28T12:23

Disappointing economic data may perversely help the Conservatives by making nervous voters question whether they can afford to base their vote on any subject other than the economy.  
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UK parties sharpen their appeal in final stretch from 2015-04-27T16:13

Michael Stott, Robert Shrimsley and Tim Bale discuss Labour's gambit on housing, Cameron's new found passion, and the Lib Dem strategy for persuading voters that it's the best coalition partner as ...

Janan Ganesh: Who will reform Britain's farcical housing market? from 2015-04-27T12:15

Despite multiple election pledges, neither Labour nor the Conservatives are anywhere near becoming the undisputed party of housing. To do that they would have to reform Britain's old-fashioned laws...

UK Election Unspun: Business concerns and productivity from 2015-04-23T23:00

Sarah Neville is joined by business editor Sarah Gordon and employment correspondent Sarah O’Connor who give their take on why businesses have serious concerns about elements of both Labour and the...

Janan Ganesh: Lack of clarity on public debt will prove costly from 2015-04-23T11:52

This has turned out to be an election campaign of big talk but craven ambiguity. Whoever wins will pay the price in even greater disillusion and anger when they end up making unpopular fiscal decis...

Janan Ganesh: Ukip votes could be decisive from 2015-04-22T13:24

Ukip has been upstaged by the SNP in recent weeks, but the party could still be the decisive variable in this election. Polls show its share of the vote holding up at about 13 per cent - putting th...

Janan Ganesh: the Tories' toxic image from 2015-04-21T12:25

The Conservative party has consistently underestimated the power of its reputation as the party of the rich to repel voters. A rebranded party would have had this election won long ago.  ...

Tories overplay the Scottish peril from 2015-04-20T16:00

Michael Stott, Robert Shrimsley and Tim Bale discuss the SNP manifesto and Tory claims that a Labour-SNP coalition government would be "very frightening".  

from 2015-04-16T15:55

Britain's parties are running a post-austerity election campaign at a time when there is plenty of austerity to come. Labour leader Ed Miliband should take a stand against the lack of realism even ...

Janan Ganesh: Nick Clegg's pitch to swing voters from 2015-04-15T12:56

The deputy prime minister's message positions the Lib Dems in the middle of the political spectrum equidistant from labour and the Tories. It may help the party limit its losses in next month's el...

UK Election Unspun: Tory pledges on housing and tax for the low paid from 2015-04-14T17:34

Sarah Neville is joined by Emily Cadman and Sarah O'Connor, who give their verdicts on David Cameron's pledges to extend the UK's Right-to-Buy housing scheme and to exempt workers on the minimum wa...

Janan Ganesh: Tory Right-to-Buy policy misses its mark from 2015-04-14T11:52

David Cameron's latest Right-to-Buy policy does not assuage the concerns of swing voters who fear that a Conservative government given a second term in office would degrade the public services they...

Labour manifesto and Tory concerns over Lord Ashcroft's polling from 2015-04-13T17:53

Michael Stott is joined by Robert Shrimsley and Tim Bale to discuss the Labour manifesto and Tory concerns that the party’s former treasurer Lord Ashcroft is "arming the enemy" amid signs that the ...

Janan Ganesh: Labour seeks to score points on Tory ground from 2015-04-13T15:38

Labour's manifesto commitment to fiscal discipline will please hawks within the party and perhaps some outside, but as long as the two main parties are arguing about the economy, the Tories will be...

Are markets underplaying UK political risk? from 2015-04-13T13:09

Would an inconclusive UK election next month result in market turmoil? Ralph Atkins, FT capital markets editor, looks at a recent warning from the world’s largest fund manager that markets may be u...

Janan Ganesh: The power of negative campaigning from 2015-04-10T16:00

Tories' attacks on Ed Miliband have been strident but not obviously successful. A more subtle approach could help them gain the upper hand in the campaign, says Janan Ganesh.  

Janan Ganesh: Trident debate is a means to an end from 2015-04-09T12:27

Scottish Nationalists know that the quickest route to independence is to make the English exasperated with the union. Seen in this light, the debate over Britain's Trident nuclear deterrent is a me...

UK Election Unspun: Labour's non-dom tax pledge from 2015-04-08T17:44

Sarah Neville is joined by Vanessa Houlder and Brooke Masters to discuss Labour's campaign pledge to abolish non-domicile tax status. How radical is the proposal and would it be beneficial or harmf...

Janan Ganesh: The campaign's first policy row from 2015-04-08T11:41

Ten days in, the UK election campaign has produced its first real policy argument over Labour's pledge to abolish a tax loophole often used by rich foreigners.  

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Janan Ganesh: Blair campaign could backfire from 2015-04-07T12:55

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is back, and his intervention in the upcoming general election may be the best Tory campaign strategy yet, says Janan Ganesh.  

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Janan Ganesh: Predictability does not win elections from 2015-04-01T16:28

The chances are that today's letter from 100 business leaders arguing against the Labour party's economic policies won't help the Tories that much because it surprised no-one. The only way to shift...

Janan Ganesh: Why the truth is hard to come by from 2015-03-31T16:18

Politicians won't start telling the truth during election campaigns until the public and media stop punishing them for doing so, says Janan Ganesh.  

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Budget 2015: A step back from Wigan Pier from 2015-03-18T18:10

FT editor Lionel Barber and Janan Ganesh discuss George Osborne’s pre-election Budget  

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The UK's federal future from 2015-03-11T12:54

Westminster politicians have no answer to the rising power of the Scottish Nationalist Party, which is only emboldened further by each round of devolution, says Janan Ganesh  

The battle for Birmingham Edgbaston from 2015-03-06T14:05

In every UK general election from 1979 to 2010, where Birmingham Edgbaston went, so did the country. FT political correspondent Kiran Stacey visits the constituency to see if long-time Labour MP Gi...

The UKIP power base from 2015-02-20T10:25

In the first of a four-part series leading up to the UK general election, FT political correspondent Kiran Stacey visits Great Yarmouth to explore the rise of the UK Independence Party along Englan...

George Osborne's message to UK voters from 2014-12-04T16:50

In his final autumn statement before the general election next year, Britain's Chancellor George Osborne offered a reform of the tax on house purchases and pledged to crack down further on corporat...