Political Fix
598 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 61 ratingsThe Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday.
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Episodes
The gamble for growth
September 23, 2022 16:35 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBKwasi Kwarteng delivered his first Budget in all but name this week, with the biggest overhaul in taxes in half a century. We unpack all the major tax cuts and examine whether the Truss government's huge bet on growth will pay off, and what happens if it doesn't. Plus, we look at the ABCD plan to see the health service through the winter and whether the UK is losing its focus on science. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Sarah Neville and Clive Cookson. Produ...
King Charles III begins his reign
September 17, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MBThe UK has experienced an unprecedented week of constitutional upheaval with new national and political leadership. We discuss the death and mourning of Queen Elizabeth II, the arrival of King Charles III and what it all means for the new prime minister Liz Truss. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Peter Foster, George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Hannah White. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https:/...
In memory of Queen Elizabeth II
September 09, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 68.1 MBFollowing the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II - who died on September 8 2022 at the age of 96 - we are in tribute republishing this platinum jubilee episode, in which we looked back on Her Majesty's 70 years on the throne. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles and Sarah O'Connor. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @Seb Payne -Subs...
Truss’s glide path to Number 10
September 03, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 35.8 MBThe Tory leadership race finished this week, with foreign secretary Liz Truss widely expected to triumph. We discuss the final campaign developments, Truss’ pledges on tax, and what Boris Johnson might do next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe...
Struggling with the energy crisis
August 27, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 65.1 MBWith energy bills set to soar from October, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak faced mounting questions about how they would help struggling families, yet neither of the candidates to be the new prime minister has set out detailed plans. We examine the foreign secretary's tax proposals, whether they will address the economic turbulence ahead and if Whitehall needs a new ethics adviser. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief political correspondent Jim Pickard, political correspondent Jasmine Camer...
Liz Truss pulls even further ahead
August 20, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBTwo new opinion polls put Liz Truss 32 points ahead of her rival Rishi Sunak in the race to be the next Tory leader and prime minister. We analyse whether the contest is over, and the latest clashes between the two contenders on the union and economy. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe and special guest Paul Goodman of ConservativeHome. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth -Read the latest on https://www...
Tory leadership race: And the heat goes on
August 13, 2022 04:00 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MBAs much of the country wilts in a heatwave, the focus in the Tory leadership contest this week has been on colder times to come. The two rivals for UK prime minister have disagreed publicly on how to help the most vulnerable cope with rising energy costs in the autumn. Rishi Sunak is promising direct help, while Liz Truss has criticised what she calls “handouts”, favouring tax cuts instead. But in the face of dire warnings that energy bills could reach more than £4,000 a year, is Truss softe...
Liz Truss targets the Treasury
August 06, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBThe voting process in the contest for a new Tory leader and prime minister was delayed over security concerns, but the campaign continued with Liz Truss looking all but certain to win. We discuss her lines of attack and her proliferation of new ideas, and delve into why Rishi Sunak is struggling to present himself as the grown-up. Will the delay to voting help him gain ground? Presented by political editor George Parker, with Robert Shrimsley, chief political commentator, and political corr...
Truss pulls ahead
July 30, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBThe race to be the next UK prime minister rolled on this week, as foreign secretary Liz Truss firmed up her campaign lead and former chancellor Rishi Sunak struggled to make headway. We delve into the trio of debates, policy clashes on China and taxes, and ask whether the race is all but over. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with political editor George Parker, chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie ...
Head-to-head - Sunak and Truss fight it out to be Tory leader and PM
July 23, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBIn this week’s episode, we delve into the positions and policies of the two final candidates in the contest to succeed Boris Johnson as Conservative leader and UK prime minister. Who is likely to win the votes of the Tory party membership over the next six weeks? Political editor George Parker and associate editor Stephen Bush analyse Rishi Sunak while economic editor Chris Giles and special guest Katy Balls, deputy political editor of the Spectator, look at Liz Truss. Produced by Anna De...
The race for next Tory leader and PM
July 16, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBIn this week’s episode, we’ll delve into the two classes of contenders to be the next UK prime minister: the frontrunners and the outsiders. Political editor George Parker and associate editor Stephen Bush will discuss former chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is in pole position, and the surprise surge of Penny Mordaunt. Plus, chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and columnist Camilla Cavendish will look at the three other remaining candidates, Liz Truss, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat. Pr...
The fall of Boris Johnson
July 08, 2022 13:49 - 41 minutes - 56.7 MBIn this week’s bumper episode, we’ll be taking you behind the scenes on a week that brought Boris Johnson’s time as prime minister to a rather bitter close. We’ll take you through his handling of the Chris Pincher affair, the dramatic Cabinet resignations and the moments the prime minister knew the game was finally over. And we’ll be looking at another Conservative party leadership contest, the candidates already out of the blocks and how the process is going to work. On the panel: politic...
Boris Johnson lands back to earth
July 02, 2022 04:00 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBWe discuss whether Boris Johnson's Global Britain ambitions were achieved during his recent overseas trip and the fallout from the resignation of deputy chief whip Chris Pincher. Plus, we explore Nicola Sturgeon's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum and whether the next general election will decide the future of the United Kingdom. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with political editor George Parker, political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, UK chief political commen...
Introducing: Hot Money
June 29, 2022 14:54 - 32 minutes - 74.6 MBThe FT just launched a new podcast on porn, power and profit. When FT reporter Patricia Nilsson started digging into the porn industry, she made a shocking discovery: nobody knew who controlled the biggest porn company in the world. Now, she and her editor, Alex Barker, reveal who is behind it and much more. This eight-part investigative podcast reveals the secret history of the adult business and the billionaires and financial institutions who shape it. Brought to you by the Financial Times ...
Boris Johnson’s double by-election defeat
June 24, 2022 17:50 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBThe Conservatives lost two crucial by-elections this week in Yorkshire and Devon, putting UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s leadership under scrutiny. Host Sebastian Payne, the FT’s Whitehall editor, discusses these results — and the resignation of Tory party chair Oliver Dowden — with political editor George Parker and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Sebastian is also joined by economics correspondent Delphine Strauss and transport correspondent Philip Georgiadis to talk ab...
Boris Johnson’s Northern Ireland plan - is it just a bluff?
June 18, 2022 04:00 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBWe examine the situation with the Northern Ireland protocol, whether the government’s plans break international law and how the EU might respond. Public policy editor Peter Foster digs into the details with our Ireland correspondent Jude Webber. Plus, the resignation of Lord Christopher Geidt, the prime minister’s independent adviser on ministerial ethics. Why did he quit after a turbulent year? Chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley will chat through with special guest Hannah White fr...
Boris survives, but for how long?
June 11, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MBThe prime minister had a close shave with his MPs this week when 41 per cent of the Conservative parliamentary party voted to oust him. We discuss how and whether Johnson can renew his leadership and whether he will face another vote of no confidence in the near future. Plus, we look at the government's latest proposals to address the housing crisis - do they go far enough? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and special guest Vicky Spratt. Prod...
The Queen's jubilee: How Britain has changed since 1952
June 03, 2022 04:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBThe Queen celebrates her platinum jubilee this weekend. To mark 70 years since she took to the throne, we look back on how the country has changed politically, economically and societally since 1952. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles and Sarah O'Connor. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Singsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @Seb Payne -Subscribe to https://www.ft.com/new...
It’s definitely not a windfall tax!
May 28, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBWe start with that huge bailout package for struggling families announced by the chancellor and the controversial taxes he raised to fund it - a £5bn windfall tax on energy companies with more to come. The FT’s economics correspondent Delphine Strauss and special guest Torsten Bell, director of the Resolution Foundation think-tank, discuss. Next and Sue Gray’s long-awaited report into the Covid parties scandal in Downing Street landed on Wednesday and the prime minister is still there. We’...
Behind the Money is back!
May 23, 2022 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.86 MBBehind the Money is back with all-new episodes! From hostile takeovers to C-suite intrigue, Behind the Money takes you inside the business and financial stories of the moment with reporting from Financial Times journalists around the world. The podcast returns May 25. You can follow the show now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Examining the fallout from the end of the police investigation
May 21, 2022 04:00 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBShould the prime minister now fear the fallout from the full investigation by Whitehall official Sue Gray? Or is he safe for now? Chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley will discuss with special guest Paul Goodman from Conservative Home. And then we dig into the economics of the UK’s cost of living crisis. Inflation hit 9% this week and pressure is growing on the government to do more, something, anything, to help those struggling to make ends meet. But what exactly could that mean?...
Double crisis: cost of living and Northern Ireland
May 14, 2022 04:00 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBThis year’s Queen Speech was Boris Johnson’s attempt to reset his government’s policy agenda but it did little to tackle the growing cost of living crisis. We look at what the government might do, plus whether the EU and UK are about to enter a trade war over the Northern Ireland protocol. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, George Parker and Jude Webber. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on ...
Voters cast their opinions on the state of politics
May 07, 2022 04:00 - 39 minutes - 54.7 MBThe Conservative party lost hundreds of councillors across the county in this year's local elections, with the Labour party making significant gains in the capital. We analyse the results in London, the red wall, blue wall and beyond, plus what they mean for Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, Jennifer Williams, Jim Pickard and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan...
Too many rising prices, too much sleaze
April 30, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBIn this week’s episode we’ll be looking at why the government is anxious to find ways to fix rising fuel and food prices. Why is the Treasury not doing more? And how does this play into next week’s local elections? Political editor George Parker will provide analysis with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Plus, we discuss the return of “Pestminster”. Why does Westminster have such a problem with sexism and is enough being done to call out bad behaviour? Political correspondent Ja...
Boris Johnson says sorry, sorry, sorry
April 23, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBThe prime minister came to the House of Commons to apologise for misleading MPs over the partygate scandal, but now faces a third probe into his conduct. We discuss whether support for Boris Johnson is draining away and what might happen next. Plus we dive into the PM's trip to India, what it says about the government's Global Britain ambitions and whether relations with the EU are about to become problematic once again. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, George Parker, P...
Can Johnson and Sunak survive Partygate fines?
April 16, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBNo10 and No11 Downing Street were thrown into chaos when the Met Police issued fines to the prime minister and chancellor. We discuss the seriousness of the lawbreaking, whether Tory MPs are minded to move against Boris Johnson, the public mood and whether the new migration strategy involving Rwanda is a distraction. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Josh Gabert-...
Sunak's non-dom saga
April 09, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBWe delve into two messes the government has got itself into, over the tax affairs of Rishi Sunak’s wife and the long-awaited energy white security paper. Will the chancellor’s spouse be forced to give up her non-dom status? And why did Boris Johnson shy away from tough new targets for onshore wind farms? Associate editor and columnist Stephen Bush and energy correspondent Nathalie Thomas will dissect these along with our. Plus, we look at the decision to privatise Channel 4 — which cultur...
Partygate returns, but no energy strategy
April 02, 2022 04:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MBLondon's Metropolitan Police issued the first fines over the Partygate scandal this week. British prime minister Boris Johnson has yet to be fined, but does the scandal still pose a threat to his leadership? We also explore how this will shape the local elections, the internal Tory debate on trans rights and why the government is struggling to publish its new strategy on energy security. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Laura Hughes, Jim Pickard, Nathalie Thomas and special guest Paul Good...
Partygate returns, but no energy strategy
April 02, 2022 04:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MBLondon's Metropolitan Police issued the first fines over the Partygate scandal this week. British prime minister Boris Johnson has yet to be fined, but does the scandal still pose a threat to his leadership? We also explore how this will shape the local elections, the internal Tory debate on trans rights and why the government is struggling to publish its new strategy on energy security. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Laura Hughes, Jim Pickard, Nathalie Thomas and special guest Paul Good...
Spring Statement: Sunak misfires
March 25, 2022 18:34 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBRishi Sunak delivered a mini-Budget this week that slashed taxes and attempted to tackle the cost of living crisis and deal with inflation. But the UK chancellor was widely criticised for failing to help the poorest and was told that his measures did not go far enough. We delve into the Spring Statement, including what it means for businesses, the wider economy and workers. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles and special guests Frances O'Grady and Tony Danker. Pr...
Nazanin returns and Spring Statement preview
March 19, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBThe UK celebrated the return of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe after six years of imprisonment in Iran. We discuss how she was released and what it says about other parts of foreign policy. Plus we discuss Boris Johnson’s failed visit to Saudi Arabia, the latest sanctions against Russian oligarchs and preview Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement next week. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Rupert Harrison. Produced by Anna Dedhar and ...
The war in Ukraine: is the UK doing enough?
March 12, 2022 08:52 - 30 minutes - 42 MBThe UK has been criticised for failing both to fulfil its rhetoric on sanctions and on opening the door to refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. Is it due to Whitehall incompetence, political leadership or domestic politics? We also discuss how the economic isolation of Russia will worsen the cost of living crisis in Britain and what options the Treasury has to ease the pain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley, Chris Giles and Jim Pickard. Produc...
Ukraine latest and tackling 'Londongrad'
March 05, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBRussia’s invasion of Ukraine became more brutal this week, with urban bombardment of civilians. We discuss what is likely to happen next and the west’s response. Plus, we explore whether the UK is doing enough to tackle dodgy Russian money in London and what further sanctions should be introduced. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Gideon Rachman, Laura Hughes, Tom Burgis and special guest Tom Tugendhat. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and J...
Johnson sees blood on Putin's hands
February 25, 2022 18:40 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MBAfter weeks of warnings from the west, Russia invaded Ukraine this week, prompting what some say could be the continent's worst conflict since the second world war. We explore why President Vladimir Putin decided to invade, his histrionic explanation, the situation on the ground and how the conflict will pan out. Plus, we examine the response from western nations, whether sanctions will work and what the effect on Britain would be. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Max Seddon, Ben Hall, Ge...
Why it is not new for progressive parties of the centre-left to work together
February 19, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBParliament 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. Not since the days of Paddy Ashdown's ultimately unproductive courtship of Tony Blair in the 1990s have relations between the two opposition parties looked so promising. Plus, we look at the Ukraine crisis and the way Boris Johnson's government is handling it, as Germany hosts a very tense Munich Security C...
Resetting the Boris Johnson government
February 12, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MBWe 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 resetting his government. We also look at the mini Cabinet reshuffle and the new No10 team. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss. Plus, the government signals an end to all Covid restrictions in England by the end of February. Is it too hasty or a wel...
The net tightens for Boris Johnson
February 05, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47 MBWe 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 of a reset? Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard will discuss with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Plus, we look into the long-awaited levelling up white paper and ask if it delivers on the high promises to rebalance the UK - and will those pro-Brexit first-time Tory voters feel...
The Met vs Sue Gray on ‘partygate’
January 29, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MBThe 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 inquiry be released? Plus, we discuss the UK’s involvement in the worsening situation in Ukraine and what it says about post-Brexit foreign policy. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shirmsley, Laura Hughes and Gideon Rachman. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The s...
The hole Boris Johnson digs for himself gets bigger
January 22, 2022 05:00 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBThe 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 into the partygate row, how Johnson will respond and whether he can survive. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Camilla Cavendish. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. Audio: Sky News -Read the ...
The row over Number 10 parties during the 2020 lockdown
January 15, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBThis 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 of the Tory party. Can he survive? Does his fate lie in the hands of a senior civil servant? Will Rishi Sunak walk out of the cabinet? And where does the story go next? We’ll be unpacking all the news and drama with a top line-up of guests: political editor George Parker, chief political commentato...
The cost of living crisis - a defining political theme of 2022
January 08, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBWe 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 investigations, how much of a threat is this to the PM? Political editor George Parker will discuss, together with chief political correspondent Jim Pickard. And we look at the latest with the spread of Omicron over the festive season and whether the new variant is putting too much pressure on the health serv...
In conversation with Michael Cockerell
January 01, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBMichael 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 Leaders”, takes us into a career of political journalism and interviews regarding not just politicians and MPs and ministers but also the secret world of Whitehall. Cockerell looks back on the leaders he has met and what he learnt from them. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shann...
In conversation with Andrew Mitchell
December 25, 2021 05:00 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBAndrew 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 book, “Beyond A Fringe”, refers not only to his distinctive hairstyle but also his insider’s view of Britain. We explore his journey into politics, life in government and where he sees Tory politics going next. Presented by Sebastian Payne. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engine...
A remarkable by-election outcome
December 18, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 48.1 MBWe 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 he’s about to face a leadership challenge. Political editor George Parker and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley discuss. And we look at the coronavirus situation following a huge rise in case numbers and whether the NHS is at risk of being overwhelmed this winter. Will plan B work or wil...
Boris Johnson encounters turbulent times
December 11, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBThis 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 Oliver Barnes and special guest science commentator Anjana Ahuja explain. Plus, the prime minister faces a Tory rebellion not only over the new Covid rules, but whether parties were held at No 10 last Christmas that broke lockdown rules, and who paid for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. Political editor G...
Boris Johnson encounters turbulent times
December 11, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBThis 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 Oliver Barnes and special guest science commentator Anjana Ahuja explain. Plus, the prime minister faces a Tory rebellion not only over the new Covid rules, but whether parties were held at No 10 last Christmas that broke lockdown rules, and who paid for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. Political editor G...
Fears about the Omicron coronavirus variant
December 04, 2021 05:00 - 37 minutes - 85.1 MBThis 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 Neville analyses the situation with science editor Clive Cookson. Plus, the Conservatives held the seat in the Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election but with a reduced majority as Labour and the Liberal Democrats collaborated in opposition - and there's another by-election due in two weeks. Political edito...
Tragedy in the English Channel
November 27, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBTwenty-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, we discuss another chaotic week for Boris Johnson and whether a new operation at No 10 would improve the prime minister’s standing. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with the FT’s Laura Hughes, Anna Gross, Robert Shrimsley and special guest Paul Goodman of Conservative Home. Produced by Anna Dedhar...
Is Boris Johnson on the right track?
November 20, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54 MBThis 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 correspondent Jim Pickard discusses this with a special guest: George Osborne, the former chancellor and chair of the Northern Powerhouse Project. Plus, it’s been a torrid week for Boris Johnson but does any of it matter? The Tories may be behind in the opinion polls but is the party hanging with him an...
‘I genuinely believe that the UK is not remotely a corrupt country’
November 13, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBThis 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? Chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley will analyse the situation with political correspondent Laura Hughes. Plus, we look at the very odd case of the 92 hereditary peers in the House of Lords - the last vestiges of aristocracy in our politics. How do they still exist and will their time ever...