Bloomberg UK Politics

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf is facing a vote of no confidence after ending a power sharing agreement with the Green Party. The challenge has seen opposition MSPs from the Scottish Labour and Conservative parties unite against him too.

We ask former chief of staff to Nicola Sturgeon, Liz Lloyd if he can survive. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  

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Our analysis of data from Reed Recruitment shows employers are offering fewer flexible and hybrid-working positions, potentially making it harder to bring people back into the job market. Tackling what the government calls 'sick note culture' and reducing the benefits bill is a key priority for the PM.

Bloomberg reporter Irina Anghel walks us through the numbers. Political Editor Kitty Donaldson weighs in on the politics of the debate. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  

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The Prime Minister wants to spend more on defence, but do his numbers add up? We discuss the cost of Rishi Sunak's Warsaw pledge with Ben Zaranko from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. While the PM's away, it was the turn of Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner to fill in at PMQs, which featured jibes about living arrangements, rental market reforms and a nod to next week's local elections. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. 

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Rishi Sunak's bill calling Rwanda a safe place to send migrants is set to become law after the House of Lords passed it last night. Bloomberg's Ailbhe Rea discusses what happens next, and what the policy might actually deliver after years of wrangling. Plus, checks on the EU food goods coming into Britain are set to be imposed next week. We ask Britain's Exports Minister Lord Malcolm Offord says he's not concerned, his focus is on 'light touch' regulation to boost trade. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.  

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Thames Water now says it needs to spend nearly £20 billion by 2030 on fixing the water and sewage system, but the company appears to have little prospect of being able to raise the money. Our energy and environment reporter Jess Shankleman and distressed debt reporter Lucca de Paoli unpack the latest turn in the water firm's crisis. Plus, Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Matthew Brooker joins us to discuss the questions raised about Britain's relationship with privatization. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. 

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Having helped to repel Iran's attack on Israel last weekend, we discuss the UK's initial reaction to Israel's retaliation overnight with Bloomberg's EMEA News Director Rosalind Mathieson. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says no one wants escalation, but after six months of a war in Gaza, is the conflict destined to grow?

Plus, can being cool rub off? We speak to Timothy Paul, one of social media influencers who interviewed Sunak recently about why he did it and the role of TikTok in an election year. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.

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UN data shows 3.2% of the global population are international migrants and in a year of global elections it's a hot political issue. Bloomberg's Senior Economy and Government Editor Alan Crawford joins us to talk through what's at stake. In the UK, much of the debate centres on the government's controversial Rwanda bill. We discuss the legislation with Jenny Jones, a Green party member of the House of Lords, and award-winning journalist Sally Hayden. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts 

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Jeremy Hunt tells Bloomberg that interest rate cuts and an improved economic situation will help lift voters' moods ahead of a general election, adding to speculation about an autumn vote. We bring you our interview with the Chancellor, as well as the first Prime Minister's Questions after the Easter recess. Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer traded barbs over Liz Truss's book, and the Conservative party's tax-cutting plans. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. 

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The latest UK Jobs data saw unemployment jump to a six month high. Bloomberg's economics reporter Irina Anghel joins us to talk through the figures.

Plus, the government has announced legislation to criminalise the creation of deepfake images and videos as part of plans to tackle violence against women. We speak to Women and Equalities Select Committee Chair, Caroline Nokes MP and feminist campaigner Patsy Stevenson about the news. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  

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UK jets helped Israel to fend off Iran's first-ever direct attack over the weekend, but Foreign Secretary David Cameron is now urging restraint from the Israeli government in its response. We discuss the foreign policy challenges with Bloomberg Managing Editor Adam Blenford, and Julie Norman, Senior Middle East Fellow at RUSI. Any escalation in the Middle East could drive up oil prices and add to inflation here. Energy market expert Bill Farren-Price from the the Oxford Institute of Energy Studies gives us his analysis. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  

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Several banks have started offering the opportunity to bet against Thames Water's debt. It's the latest sign of an impending crisis at the UK's biggest water supplier, after it was labelled 'uninvestable' by its own shareholders. We talk through the company's options and what they could mean for customers and the government, with Bloomberg's Tasos Vossos and restructuring expert Linton Bloomberg from Reed Smith. Hosted By Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts.  

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The local election campaign is in full swing, but Rishi Sunak can't escape his own splintered party, with Boris Johnson grabbing the headlines with a speech in Canada. We ask Bloomberg UK Government Reporter Ellen Milligan how it's going for the PM.

Labour meanwhile are determined to stick resolutely to their message of 'no complacency'. But what would prove the polls right and be a good election result for Labour on the morning of May 3rd? We get the inside scoop on the party's thinking from Labour Together's Director of Research and polling guru, Christabel Cooper. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. 

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Meta's Nick Clegg told an event in London the social media giant isn't seeing artificial intelligence being used a on a "systemic basis" to disrupt elections arguing that the technology can be a 'sword and shield' against harmful content. We discuss the risks posted by AI and social media with our technology reporter Mark Bergen, and Keegan McBride from the Oxford Internet Institute.

Plus, James Woolcock reviews Rishi Sunak's appearance on a phone-in radio show. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts. 

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The UK's Foreign Secretary is in America to lobby for more funding for Ukraine. Our Managing Editor Brendan Scott explains Britain's changing role on the world stage and speculates how Cameron's meeting went with former president Donald Trump.

Back at home, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also trying to raise some cash by tightening up non-dom rules. Founder of Tax Research, Richard Murphy, tells us Labour should go after small businesses and sole traders not paying their fair share. Plus, how does the economy change if the next generation are still living with their parents? Bloomberg's economy reporter Tom Rees explains. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Lizzy Burden. 

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Robert Stheeman has borrowed more than £3 trillion for the government in his 21 years running the Debt Management Office. He's been speaking to Bloomberg about the challenges of raising debt through a pandemic, the 2008 financial crash, and Liz Truss's premiership.

Bloomberg's Alice Gledhill brings us details of her interview. Plus: the Resolution Foundation forecasts average rents will rise by 13% over the next three years. Senior economist Cara Pacitti tells us what's gone wrong in the housing market, and how it could be fixed. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden.  

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A rift has emerged in the cabinet over a plan to suspend arms sales to Israel, with Rishi Sunak and David Cameron caught between Tory factions who support or oppose the move. Over 800 lawyers and academics have signed a letter to the Prime Minister warning Britain is breaching international law by continuing to allow arms sales. One of them, human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield KC, joins us to discuss. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and James Woolcock.  

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A new poll is predicting a Labour super-majority of over 400 seats at the next general election. YouGov's Patrick English joins us to discuss the details of their projections, and our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson brings us Westminster's reaction.

Plus, financial pressure mounts on Thames Water, the UK's biggest supplier. Our reporter Eamon Farhat tells us what's at stake for the government and investors. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden.  

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With less than a month to go until local elections in England and Wales, our UK government editor Alex Morales tells us what's at stake for the parties. Local government funding is also in focus, as some councillors call for an independent review of the system for accessing 'Levelling Up' money. Graeme Atherton from the Centre for Inequality and Levelling Up talks us through the scheme's successes and failures, while Nottingham City Labour councillor Graham Chapman shares his experience. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll.  

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Scotland's new law on hate crimes came into force this week, amid criticism from the likes of author JK Rowling. We discuss the law's expanded definition of hate speech with human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. Also in the show: our reporter Jess Shankleman updates us on a crunch week for Thames Water and its financial troubles. Plus: Tiwa Abebayo reports on issues with the government's new childcare plan. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.

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Meg Hillier, chair of the cross-party Public Accounts Committee, is warning of spending 'Nasties' in store for the next government in a new report, Bloomberg's UK Politics Editor Alex Morales brings us the details. Meanwhile, in local government, the spending nasties might already have arrived. Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley tells us how she's tightening the purse-strings in her borough.

Plus, John Neal CEO of Lloyd's of London discusses the insurer's latest results and more. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  

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Two more Conservative ministers have announced they won't be contesting the next election, prompting a mini-cabinet reshuffle for Rishi Sunak. Bloomberg's Associate Editor Ailbhe Rea joins us with the details.

Plus, at 28 years old Carmen Smith is the UK's youngest member of the House of Lords. The Plaid Cymru politician talks to us about youth engagement, Welsh independence, and why she wants to abolish the upper chamber. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and James Woolcock. 

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The UK and the US have accused China of cyberattacks targeting politicians, voters' data, and election regulators in an election year. Our TV anchor and former Beijing Correspondent in London Tom Mackenzie explains how Britain's relationship has gone so awry and what these latest claims mean.

Plus, looking for a job? It might help to have the letters 'AI' in your CV. LinkedIN's UK Country Manager Janine Chamberlain speaks to us about how Artificial Intelligence is changing the jobs market. And a Bloomberg exclusive interview with Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee Member Catherine Mann. Hosted by James Woolcock 

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Jeremy Hunt says the pensions triple lock will feature in the upcoming Conservative manifesto and Labour are also 'committed' to the policy. But despite political backing, others disagree - Lord David Willetts, President of the Resolution Foundation tells us why the pension guarantee should be scrapped.

Plus, Bloomberg analysis shows local Tory candidates are actively distancing themselves from the party online. We speak to Samuel Power, senior politics lecturer at the University of Sussex about the Conservative party's brand challenge. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock. 

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The latest Bank of England update is moving markets but British Politicians are focused on football. Senior Economics Editor Philip Aldrick brings us the latest on the Bank of England's rate cutting path.

Plus, we dissect the controversy surrounding changes to the England Flag on the Nike's Euro 2024 kit with and former England player, football executive and broadcaster Eniola Aluko.  

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Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar stunned the political world with his resignation - we discuss what his departure means for the future of Ireland with former Irish ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall.

Plus, Keir Starmer's commitment to diversity is under question the Labour Party's adviser on race Doreen Lawrence reportedly said he failed to listen to her. Martin Forde KC, who was tasked by Starmer with investigating previous allegations of racism within Labour joins us with his perspective. Hosted by Ailbhe Rea and Caroline Hepker. 

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Today's edition of PMQS saw Rishi Sunak grilled on the progress of the Rwanda deal and criminal prosecutions, we discuss the Prime Minister's performance.

Plus, yesterday the Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves delivered her big economic vision-setting Mais lecture. What did we learn? Panmure Gordon's Chief Economist Simon French joins us with more. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock. 

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The prestigious Mais economics lecture will be delivered by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves today. We take a trip down memory lane and revisit Rishi Sunak's address with Bloomberg's economics reporter Tom Rees. Meanwhile, Robinhood's new app will give UK traders access to thousands of US listed stocks, the company's president Jordan Sinclair tells us.

Plus, the UK government are setting out legislation for an independent football regulator. We take a closer look with Bloomberg's UK political reporter Ellen Milligan and Football agent  and former Olympian Sky Andrew. 

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The UK Misery Index - based on Bloomberg analysis of unemployment and inflation data is nearing 1997 Conservative election wipe-out levels, we dig into the latest figures with Bloomberg's Irina Anghel. Local councils are also feeling the pinch and delays to levelling up funding haven't helped according to former Liverpool City Mayor Joanne Anderson.

Plus, Sadiq Khan kicks off his campaign for a third term as London Mayor today, but can anyone stop him ? We discuss the lay of the land. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  

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Rishi Sunak has ruled out a general election to coincide with local and mayoral votes on May 2nd, but what does his decision mean for Tory party strategy? We get the details from Bloomberg's UK government editor Stuart Biggs and analysis from Hanover communications guru Gavin Megaw.

Plus, could a bit of the mundane be what the country needs? Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Adrian Wooldridge on how Labour could provide an alternative to Tory instability. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.  

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Diane Abbott says race "is at the heart of the debate in British politics", after she was the target of racist remarks reportedly made by a top Tory donor. Our political editor Kitty Donaldson reports on how the controversy is putting further pressure on Rishi Sunak's leadership.

The comments have sparked a wider debate on racism in the UK. We get the view of author and commentator Nels Abbey. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll.  

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Controversial comments by Conservative Party donor Frank Hester dominated much of this week's Prime Minister's questions, with Rishi Sunak describing the reported remarks as "wrong" and "racist". Opposition leader Keir Starmer also questioned the PM on his plans to phase out National Insurance, while making the case for a Labour government.

Plus: the UK has signed a new trade pact with the state of Texas. Our reporter Lucy White updates us on the government's trade policy post-Brexit. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and the owners of the Daily Mail have held talks about a potential joint bid for the Telegraph with UAE-backed investment fund Redbird IMI, people familiar with the matter have told Bloomberg. Our global business editor Jamie Nimmo bring us details of the exclusive reporting, and tells us why the media deal is getting so much attention in Westminster. Also today: the head of fiscal watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility faces questions from MPs over its latest forecasts. Our senior economics reporter Philip Aldrick joins us to discuss. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.

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The former deputy chairman of the Conservative party, Lee Anderson, has joined Richard Tice's Reform UK party. Our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson tells us what the move means for Anderson's old and new parties.

Plus: new Brexit rules are making life more different for Irish horses travelling to Cheltenham. Our Dublin reporter Olivia Fletcher brings us details. We also discuss the latest survey on ethnic diversity in UK listed companies with the Parker Review's co-chair David Tyler. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. 

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The second woman to become prime minister, Theresa May, has announced she will be leaving parliament at the next election. Although the former PM was known for Brexit, she also was a champion of getting more women involved in public life. It's a task that seems ever harder in the age of social media and abuse.

We discuss the realities of being a woman in Westminster with Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP and Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central. Hosted by Ailbhe Rea and Stephen Carroll. 

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 As pundits decry an absent 'rabbit in the hat' moment during the Chancellor's Budget, we reflect on the announcements with Bloomberg's Chief UK Economist Dan Hanson and government reporter Joe Mayes.

Plus: our interview with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and tax expert Dan Neidle gives his perspective on the Treasury's giveaways. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  

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The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled details of his long-awaited Budget, with tax cuts he's hoping will revive his party's ratings in the polls. Among the key measures: a two percentage point cut to National Insurance contributions, raising the threshold at which child benefit is taxed, abolishing the non-domiciled tax status and introducing a British ISA to encourage more investing in UK stocks. We bring you highlights from Hunt's speech, the response from Labour leader Keir Starmer, plus analysis from Stephanie Flanders, Head of Bloomberg Economics, and John Stepek, who writes Bloomberg's Money Distilled newsletter. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. 

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UK business leaders are more optimistic about the state of the economy. We bring you a special report ahead of the budget. CEOs including WPP's Mark Read, British Land's Simon Carter and M&S Chair Archie Norman tell us why things might not be as bad as they seem. Kallum Pickering, Senior Economist at Berenberg is also in the bullish camp.

Plus, Bloomberg's senior economics writer Philip Aldrick previews Hunt's budget.  

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Jeremy Hunt is under pressure to include further giveaways in Wednesday's budget. We discuss the politics of tax cuts with former Cabinet minister David Gauke, who warns us the government is already close to its fiscal limits.

The Chancellor is also eyeing ways to get more small investors to put their money in UK shares. Paul Stevens, Head of Quoted Investment at the Business Growth Fund makes the case for a British ISA, while our UK business reporter Sabah Meddings briefs us on other potential changes. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll. 

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George Galloway has won a seat in parliament in the Rochdale by-election, with a campaign calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza. Bloomberg's associate editor Ailbhe Rea explains if this result is headache for Keir Starmer or the sign of more woes to come for his Labour Party. Galloway's pitch to disaffected muslim voters was only possible due to Starmer's complete overhaul of the party in his relatively short time as leader. But how much do we know about what actually drives the man? The author of Keir Starmer's new biography Tom Baldwin joins us for an extended discussion of Keir's background and what he might do with real power. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.

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Voting is underway in the Rochdale by-election, so we're taking a look at issues outside of Westminster could shape Britain's future. The London Stock Exchange Group CEO David Schwimmer sees the prospects for Britain's stock market improving.

While in the US, it's been a rollercoaster 24 hours in politics - mostly revolving around Donald Trump. Bloomberg's Kriti Gupta takes us through the latest developments.

Plus, new figures from PwC show the gender pay gap has widened in the UK. Our business reporter Sabah Meddings unpicks the unwelcome news. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden. 

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Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak accuse each other of failing to tackle extremism in their parties, as the Home Office puts millions of pounds into more security for MPs. We bring you this week's Prime Ministers Questions.

Plus, our Bloomberg exclusive reporting on the preparations the government is making to sell its shares in NatWest. Our finance reporter Will Shaw and City Editor Katherine Griffiths explain the context and what the sale means for the political world. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.  

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The controversy over Lee Anderson's comments continue to dog the Conservative Party, with Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson facing difficult questions on radio. Are voters swayed by these internal party rows? We discuss with Tom Lubbock from pollsters JL Partners. Manufacturing lobby group Make UK have a bold vision for management of the economy, but are politicians listening? The group's Chief Operating Officer Ben Fletcher joins us. Plus, our UK Government Editor Stuart Biggs has an update on the latest reporting ahead of next week's Budget. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll.Anchor, Bloomberg Radio 

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Former Conservative party deputy chairman Lee Anderson has been suspended from the party after making incendiary comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Bloomberg's senior UK government reporter Alex Wickham joins us with the latest.

Plus, Britain's competition regulator says the home building system is not working. We hear from the CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority, Sarah Cardell, and discuss the CMA's report with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Matthew Brooker. Hosted By Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  

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Bloomberg's associate editor Ailbhe Rea joins us with more on the Rochdale by-election. The speaker's decision during the Gaza ceasefire debate brought issues of intimidation and violence against politicians to the fore.

Alice Perry former chair of Labour's National Executive Committee discusses some of the most serious incidents and Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation reinforces the increasingly tense political environment. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker 

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Lindsay Hoyle has MPs calling for his resignation after he was accused of giving the Labour party preferential treatment in a debate on a Gaza ceasefire. Our UK Government reporter Emily Ashton was in the Commons and explains how the day derailed into chaos not seen since the Brexit era. Plus, Richard Thomson, the Scottish National Party MP for Gordon, explains why the SNP are so angry about it in spite of getting their motion passed. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden 

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The Post Office accounting scandal dominates this week's Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer cross-examines the Prime Minister over comments made by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch about the former Post Office chair Henry Staunton.

Plus, a failed Trident missile test raises questions about the efficacy of the UK's nuclear deterrent. We discuss with Andrew Dorman, Professor of International Security at King's College London and editor of Chatham House's International Affairs Journal. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll.  

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The Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has faced questions from MPs over what the BOE's former chief economist, Andy Haldane, told us about the risk of deeper recession from keeping interest rates high. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth shares Haldane's view, and says the BOE governor signalled an important shift in his thinking. As Birmingham Council announces a cost-cutting plan to tackle its financial problems, we discuss with Iain Murray of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Plus: business groups have written their wish list for the Chancellor ahead of the Budget. Our reporter Joe Mayes joins us with details. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll. 

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The former Chief Economist of the Bank of England, Andy Haldane, says the central bank is risking a deeper recession if it doesn't cut rates soon. He says the economy is heading for a year of  "at best of anemic growth" given the current outlook.

Haldane also tells us that he preferred the original version of Labour's £28 billion green investment plan, and that the government's fiscal rules should be changed to allow more spending on investment. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll. 

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After Labour by-election wins in Kingswood and Wellingborough, election expert John Curtice explains how the results are the worst possible outcome for the Conservatives.

Plus, 'Rishi's Recession' makes Jeremy Hunt's March budget even more daunting. Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), shares his perspective on whether government tax cuts should still be on the agenda. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker. 

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New data shows the economy dipped into recession in the second half of 2023, but does it really matter? Ana Andrade from Bloomberg Economics walks us through the implications. Plus, Ed Arnold from defence think tank The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) joins us to discuss the NATO meeting and Donald Trump's stance on the alliance. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Caroline Hepker. 

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The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has welcomed new figures showing annual inflation was stable at 4 per cent in January, avoiding an increase expected by economists. Bloomberg's Chief UK Economist Dan Hanson talks us through the political implications of the data. Also in the show: another Labour parliamentary candidate was suspended for controversial comments about Israel. Our senior reporter Alex Wickham has the details.

Plus, ahead of tomorrow's two by-elections, our resident expert Yuan Potts joins us with a look at what to expect. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden.  

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After antisemitic comments from Labour's Rochdale by-election candidate surfaced, the party has found itself embroiled in yet another row over the issue. Bloomberg's senior UK government reporter Alex Wickham joins us with details. Martin Forde KC was tasked by Keir Starmer with investigating the issue of antisemitism under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn - he tells us what Labour should do next. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden.  

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Donald Trump's comments about NATO defence spending are sending reverberations around the international community. We ask Evie Aspinall, director of think-tank The British Foreign Policy Group how the UK might fare under Trump 2.0. Bloomberg's EMEA News Director Roaslind Mathieson tells us how European leaders have reacted.

Plus, is the UK already in a recession? New economic data coming this week will answer that question. Our economics and government reporter Lucy White discusses what the figures could mean for Rishi Sunak. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.  

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We talk through the challenges facing the Labour Party after Keir Starmer's U-turn on a £28 billion green spending pledge attracted criticism with Labour strategist John McTernan. He says Labour needs to get radical, meanwhile former Tory donor Nick Candy tells Bloomberg its time for a change in government.

Plus, Chief Economist at Panmure Gordon and former Cabinet staffer Simon French tells us what he makes of news Jeremy Hunt seems to be coming round to calls for a British ISA. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Caroline Hepker 

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Rishi Sunak has refused to apologise for his joke about Keir Starmer’s stance on gender identity, made during Prime Minister’s Questions when the mother of murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey was present. Our UK government editor Stuart Biggs discusses how damaging this moment is for Sunak, and what voters may remember from this political week. Lizzy Burden reports on Labour backtracking on its £28 billion green spending pledge and what it could mean for the party. Plus: why equal pay for ethnic minority workers should be an election issue. We speak to Dianne Greyson, founder of the Ethnicity Pay Gap Campaign about the legal changes she’s seeking from politicians. Hosted by Stephen Carroll.

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Rishi Sunak faces a backlash for a jibe over the Labour leader's stance on transgender issues during Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer called "shame" after Sunak raised the topic in front of the mother of murdered transgender teen Brianna Ghey, who was in attendance. Health issues more generally dominated this week's exchange between the leaders. Also today: we speak to Stephen Millard, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, about their forecast for UK living standards to improve before the general election. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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 Kwasi Kwarteng is stepping down as an MP at the next election. The former Chancellor was best known for his disastrous mini-budget under Liz Truss. We wanted to understand what it's like being at the centre of a media storm, how to manage it, and how crises have changed in the online world. We speak to Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor and Downing Street Head of Communications, who went to jail over the phone-hacking scandal. He now runs a strategic communications agency and is the host of the 'Crisis What Crisis?' podcast. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Lizzy Burden. 

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 The restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland at the weekend was like a wedding, with speeches full of warm words and good intentions, according to politics professor Jon Tonge. He joins us to discuss how much credit Rishi Sunak can claim, as the Prime Minister visits Stormont today. The Alliance Party's Kate Nicholl tells us what it's like to take up her seat in the Assembly, almost two years after she was first elected, and her party's priorities as the business of government resumes. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden. 

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The Labour Party did its best to woo industry leaders at their annual business conference in London. It was a sold-out event with attendees from the likes of Microsoft and Aviva. We ask Bloomberg UK government reporter Emily Ashton if the party's pro-business makeover will pay off. One high-profile Labour recruit from the business world is Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland supermarkets and a former Conservative party donor, he tells us why he switched sides. Plus, advice from an unlikely source - former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng shares his perspective on how the next government should manage its money. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker.  

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Keir Starmer's been to Iceland, and he can't wait to tell the Prime Minister about a man called Phil he met there, and what Phil thinks about the UK economy. The Prime Minister also wants to talk to Phil, and tell him about so-called Labour U-turns on banker bonuses.

We unpack this week's Prime Minister's Questions and hear from BlackRock Investment's Deputy Head Alex Brazier about tomorrow's Bank of England decision and the economic outlook ahead of the general election. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden. 

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The Democratic Unionist Party has agreed to end its boycott of Northern Ireland's power-sharing assembly, concluding two years of post-Brexit paralysis. Our reporter Olivia Fletcher joins us from Belfast on the latest deliberations. Plus: Reg Empey, former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and one of the negotiators of the Good Friday Agreement, gives us his view. We also speak to Bloomberg's Eamon Farhat who's analysed the demographics of the seats Labour needs to flip if Keir Starmer is to win the keys to 10 Downing Street. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden. 

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Labour has won the endorsement of Tory donor and Iceland chair Richard Walker, in a blow to Rishi Sunak. Our business reporter Sabah Meddings brings us the latest on Labour's business charm offensive. Plus: is housing going to be the political flashpoint of the next election? Zoopla's Executive Director Richard Donnell and our Corporate Finance Czar Neil Callanan tell us about the state of the property market and the policy risks ahead. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden. 

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Disappointing polling, a Canada trade deal on ice, and less money to spend on tax cuts all add up to a week of bad news for Rishi Sunak. Our reporter Joe Mayes brings us his exclusive story detailing the latest Treasury analysis ahead of the upcoming budget. Director of think-tank the British Foreign Policy Group, Evie Aspinall, talks us through the breakdown in trade talks between the UK and Canada.

Plus, we get insight on what a controversial bid for ownership of the Telegraph newspaper says about politics and media in the UK from Rasmus Nielsen, professor of political communication at the University of Oxford. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and James Woolcock.  

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 A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies says the next government will face the worst fiscal inheritance in 70 years and that the country will have to reckon with "big decisions and trade-offs". IFS Deputy Director Carl Emmerson says both parties need to be more honest with voters. City Minister Bim Afolami discussed his plan, unveiled today, for a new platform that will allow investors in private companies to trade shares. We get the investor perspective on the policy from Tony Dalwood, CEO of Gresham House.

Plus, Rwanda is central to the government's asylum policy. Bloomberg's Africa Editor Neil Munshi has a special report about the country's economic transformation and suppression. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker. 

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Keir Starmer says the Prime Minister is presiding over a "complete s***show" as PMQs descends into personal attacks in what might be a sign of the election campaign to come. We also hear from OBR Chairman Richard Hughes, who told the House of Lords yesterday the government's long term spending plans are "worse than fiction". And our City Editor Katherine Griffiths tells us about the Chancellor's private meeting with the heads of Britain's major banks. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker 

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 Six weeks until the budget and the lobbying for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's attention is well underway. But with the UK launching air strikes on Yemen, are the asks for electioneering tax cuts ignoring the big geopolitical risks on the horizon? Former Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood met the Chancellor last week to push for 2.5% of Britain's GDP should be spent on the armed forces. He makes the case on the podcast that Britain should be thinking far more seriously about a coming 'World at War'.

The economy was supposed to be the Prime Minister's main priority after passing the Rwanda bill, but our government editor Stuart Biggs explains why a defeat in the House of Lords is likely to keep the immigration debate spiralling.

Plus: The Chancellor meets bank executives behind closed doors today, reportedly to ask why their valuations are so low. We hear from City of London's Policy Chairman Chris Hayward, who's fresh from meeting the financial elite in Davos, about what they might be discussing. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. 

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Labour Leader Keir Starmer is pledging to restore people's civic pride and community work. It sounds a lot like former Prime Minister David Cameron's abandoned "Big Society" project. We ask one of the architects of that plan, ResPublica Director Phillip Blond, why Labour are revisiting the idea.

Also in the show: more than 40 Tory MPs are calling on their own leader to deliver more funding for councils. Derbyshire Council's Leader and Vice-Chair of the County Councils Network Barry Lewis sets out the state of local government finance as we head towards May elections. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.  

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Government ministers go to Davos to pitch their countries to the world's top CEOs, and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has told Bloomberg the UK can offer stability to investors. Our government reporter Joe Mayes joins us to discuss. Plus: Another deadline passes in Northern Ireland's two-year political deadlock. Stormont opposition leader Matthew O'Toole of the Social Democratic and Labour Party tells us what he thinks the Northern Ireland Secretary should do next. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll.  

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The Prime Minister's Rwanda bill was passed without amendments, and only eleven Conservative MPs voted against it. Rishi Sunak used a press conference to appeal to the House of Lords not to delay the legislation. Our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson was there, and she tells us what's likely to happen next. The Foreign Secretary David Cameron has been speaking to Bloomberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos - we bring you his thoughts on tensions in the Middle East and his party's chances in the next election.

Plus: Former general secretary of the Unite trade union, Len McCluskey, joins us with his view of the Labour leadership and their pitch to be the party of business. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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Fresh from a breakfast with JP Morgan in Davos, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves tells us Labour plans on actively welcoming business if they win power, describing them as the "party of wealth creation". She also hinted to our Editor-At-Large Francine Lacqua that she would not hike taxes on company's profits. Hear the full interview on this special episode, hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. 

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The Prime Minister is facing a rebellion among his MPs as his Rwanda deportation bill heads for a second vote in Parliament this evening. Labour leader Keir Starmer spent Prime Minister's Questions needling Rishi Sunak over the detail of the policy. Our UK government editor Stuart Biggs joins us to discuss whether the next vote could spell the biggest challenge yet for the PM. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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 A senior executive from Fujitsu, the company behind the faulty Horizon software in the Post Office scandal, is facing questions from MPs today. There are also questions being asked about how the government allocates and supervises contracts with private companies.

We discuss with Colin Talbot, emeritus professor of government at the University of Manchester. Bloomberg's Alex Wickham reports on the Tory rebellion brewing over the Rwanda deportation bill, and we get the view of the risks facing the UK economy in an election year from Lloyds Banking Group CEO Charlie Nunn. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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As you await the latest episode of UK Politics, check out another podcast from our team here at Bloomberg: Daybreak Europe edition. Every episode delivers the day's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. Available every morning by 7am GMT in your feed.  

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The US Election is likely to have more of an impact on UK politics than any other event outside of Britain this year. So as the Iowa caucus starts the ten-month process, we take a look at what the UK doesn't understand about the American elections.

We hear from three Americans: Shannon Felton Spence, who used to be a part of Britain's diplomatic service and tells us how embassies follow the campaigns, CrowdStrike Chief Security Officer Shawn Henry who tracks misinformation campaigns, and our TV anchor Kriti Gupta who shares what British people culturally get wrong about the US. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Caroline Hepker.  

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak authorised the first UK military intervention in the Middle East in over a decade early this morning targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. The move was swiftly met with a pledge by the militants to retaliate against all UK and US interests. Bloomberg's Marc Champion discusses the escalation despite the reluctance of actors in the region to go to war and Jane Kinninmont, Policy and Impact Director at The European Leadership Network shares her views on the global context behind the developments.

Plus, South Africa builds its case against Israel who it is accusing of committing genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice. Our legal editor Karin Matussek breaks down ongoing proceedings in The Hague. Hosted by James Woolcock and Caroline Hepker 

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New analysis backed by Sadiq Khan says the UK's economy is £140bn smaller that it would have been without Brexit. Ben Gardiner, Chief Operations Officer at Cambridge Econometrics, tells us what their research shows about the economic shock of leaving the EU.

Plus, we delve into the legal complexities of the Prime Minister's plan to address wrongful convictions in the Post Office scandal with our legal reporter Jonathan Browning. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll.  

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a bill to exonerate and compensate former Post Office workers who were wrongfully convicted of theft and false accounting. In today's Prime Minister's Questions, Keir Starmer asks if Sunak's government has delivered on its other pledges.

Plus: local government minister Simon Hoare says council should tap their emergency reserves to balance budgets. We discuss the idea with an expert in the field: Tony Travers, Professor in the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics & Political Science. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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 The world's largest asset manager BlackRock is warning that big spending pledges by politicians ahead of the election could spark a revolt in the bond market. Why the markets matter to politics is a theme on this podcast - so we've brought in our economics reporter Lucy White and Bloomberg Opinion columnist (and bond market expert) Marcus Ashworth for their analysis. Meanwhile, the Post Office accounting scandal is dominating conversations in Westminster. Reporter Sabah Meddings tells us what politicians want to happen next. Plus, our interview with the Chief Economist of the CBI business lobby, Louise Hellem, on the outlook for the financial services sector. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll. 

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China has accused the UK of training and equipping a foreign consultant based in the country to spy for MI6. It's part of Beijing's recent anti-espionage crackdown on consultancy companies, but the arrest raises wider questions about UK-China relations. Our senior UK government reporter Alex Wickham and Bloomberg TV anchor Tom Mackenzie, who lived in China for a decade, bring us their analysis.

Conservative MP Tim Loughton, sanctioned by China in 2021 for speaking out on human rights abuses, tells us what he thinks the government should do next in its relationship with Beijing. Plus, opinion columnist Adrian Wooldridge on the risks posed by global elections this year. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Stephen Carroll.  

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The general election is now expected in the second half of the year, but many voters will go to the polls before that, for local and mayoral elections in May. The financial troubles facing local government - with Birmingham, Nottingham and Woking among councils effectively declaring bankruptcy - are sure to be an issue. We discuss the challenges with Cambridge University researcher Jack Shaw.

Plus: our automotive editor Craig Trudell has been speaking to Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne about the government's plans to increase the take-up of electric vehicles, despite slowing sales. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  

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Keir Starmer has fired the starting gun on Labour's general election campaign, with a speech in Bristol. Keeping the bond market on side will be key for both parties if they want to avoid the same fate as Liz Truss.

Our reporter Ellen Milligan breaks down the Labour leader's speech, and we discuss what markets want to see from UK politics with Netwealth’s Gerard Lyons, formerly an external adviser to Truss. And we get the view of Bloomberg Opinion columnist John Authers.  

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Junior doctors are beginning a six-day strike over pay today - their longest walkout in the history of the NHS. Deputy Chair of the British Medical Association Council, Dr Emma Runswick, tells us what progress they've made in negotiations with the government. Bloomberg's Eamon Farhat joins us to discuss how industrial relations have changed since the wave of strikes last year.

Plus, the Conservatives are betting on economic growth to solve their election woes, but what do the markets think? Our opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth shares his take on investors' UK forecasts and how the Bank of England may influence the timing of the election. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts.  

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 Political disarray and weak investment are being blamed for dashing hopes of what Boris Johnson once called a 'Galactic Britain'. Our tech reporter Tom Seal reports on why officials and space industry executives are frustrated. Investor James Bruegger of Seraphim Space explains what the sector wants now from government. Plus, the New Year started much like the old one ended for Rishi Sunak, with a focus on migration. Our UK government editor Stuart Biggs explains why the latest figures on small boat crossings are facing particular scrutiny. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. 

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While the UK did manage to get through a whole year with just one Prime Minister, 2023 was no snooze-fest in British politics. From by-election wins to tax cuts and the scrapping of HS2, politicians have had their plates full.

We're joined by Bloomberg's Political Editor Kitty Donaldson for a special episode recapping the biggest events of the year and what could be on the cards in 2024. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts 

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Beyond the economy, the issue of migration has remained high on the list of what matters to voters. Bloomberg's Max Ramsay explains the European Union's new long-awaited deal on immigration and asylum. We also ask Baroness Catherine Ashton, the former EU high representative for foreign affairs if Europe is experiencing a shift to the right.

Plus: Samuel Kasumu, a former special advisor to Boris Johnson, on British attitudes to immigration and identity. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Caroline Hepker. 

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High inflation and soaring interest rates mean the government could lose £126 billion on the Bank of England's bond buying program - more than the cost of HS2. With a surprise drop in inflation today increasing the chance of earlier interest rates cuts, could the economy perk up before the general election? Bloomberg's David Goodman separates fact from fantasy.

Plus: Britain's stock market needs a reset, so says its regulator, the FCA. Their executive director Sarah Pritchard explains her plan for "the most far-reaching changes since the 1980s". Our finance reporter Will Shaw tells us if it will work. Hosted by Caroline Hepker, Yuan Potts, and Lizzy Burden. 

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NHS dentistry has probably 'gone for good' according to a report by Nuffield Trust report. Something else suffering losses is Rishi Sunak's signature Covid investment fund, which is nearly £300 million in the red. Our Senior Economy Reporter Phil Aldrick unpacks what went wrong. Plus: senior MPs will be baring their teeth at the Liaison Committee today. Bloomberg's Tiwa Adebayo tells us what the Prime Minister might face questions on. Plus: how disruption to shipping could feed into price rises back home. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts

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Foreign Secretary David Cameron has signalled a subtle shift in the UK's view on a cease-fire in Gaza. The intervention, alongside Germany, follows the accidental shooting of three Israeli hostages by IDF forces. We speak to political analyst and managing director at The Henry Jackson Society Aliona Hlivco if this a turning point for Israel. Plus: Are UK courts in turmoil? Bloomberg's legal reporter Katherine Gemmell joins us to talk about the record backlogs plaguing the British legal system. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. 

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The Bank of England held interest rates at a 15-year high, and said they won't come down any time soon. What are the implications of higher-for-longer rates for the next election? Our senior economics reporter Philip Aldrick joins us to discuss. Former BOE advisor Tony Yates tells us politicians risk hurting the bank's credibility with their criticisms.

Plus: Rishi Sunak is considering a crackdown on teens' use of social media. Our tech reporter Thomas Seal has the details. Hosted by Lizzy Burden, Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. 

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Former Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett tells us her Labour colleagues should be cautious about making spending promises until they win a general election. We also hear from Treasury Select Committee Chair Harriett Baldwin on her report into sexism in the City.

Plus: A new poll says trust in politicians has hit its lowest level in forty years. Ipsos UK and Ireland CEO Kelly Beaver tells us why voters have such little faith in their lawmakers. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Yuan Potts. 

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The final PMQs of the year felt a bit like panto season, with Labour leader Keir Starmer doing his best to paint the prime minister as the villain, despite Rishi Sunak winning a key vote on immigration. Plus: you might have missed it with all the focus on Westminster, but the UK economy is shrinking. Our senior economist Dan Hanson explains today's disappointing growth data and where interest rates might be headed in 2024. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Caroline Hepker. 

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The Prime Minister is trying to win the support of hardliners ahead of a difficult vote on his Rwanda deportation bill. Our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson explains the stakes from Westminster. Reporter Ellen Milligan joins from Milton Keynes, where Keir Starmer has been speaking as he seeks to capitalise on what he calls the 'Tory psychodrama'.

Plus: how influential is upstart TV channel GB News within the Conservative party? We ask the station's Editorial Director Michael Booker.

Also: Lord Richard Harrington on how the UK can attract more foreign investment.
Hosted by Lizzy Burden, Yuan Potts, Stephen Carroll. 

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Rishi Sunak is facing 48 hours of major political challenges: he's taking tough questions at the Covid Inquiry today, while two crucial groups of Tory MPs are deciding whether or not to back his Rwanda deportation bill. Our senior reporter Alex Wickham joins us to discuss.

Plus: Nigel Farage is out of the jungle, but will he have an effect on the migration debates in Westminster? Tiwa Adebayo reports. We also look ahead to MPs grilling executives from Thames Water over the company's finances, with Bloomberg's Eamon Farhat. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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The Conservatives seem unable to escape their party splits on migration. Despite "taking back control" of UK borders being central to the Brexit campaign, net migration figures have hit record highs. After a week where political wrangling over migration has thrown Rishi Sunak's premiership into peril, we ask economics professor and UK in a Changing Europe senior fellow, Jonathan Portes, about what the statistics tell us and why this issue continues to have such prominence.

Plus: the Treasury Select Committee calls the government's flagship financial reforms a "damp squib". Our reporter Tom Rees tells us why. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. 

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Rishi Sunak has tried to reassert control of his party and his migration policy in held a hastily-arranged press conference at Downing Street, following the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.

Our UK Political Editor Kitty Donaldson gives us her reaction to Sunak's comments, and whether the vote on the Rwanda deportation bill next week now looks like a confidence vote.

Plus, we get analysis from Gavin Megaw of communications firm Hanover Group on how the Prime Minister sold his message. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Yuan Potts. 

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Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised to victims and their families "for the pain and the loss and suffering" they experienced during the pandemic. Our reporter Emily Ashton tells us what he had to say on his first day of evidence to the Covid Inquiry and what it might mean for his legacy.

Plus: Prime Minister's Questions focuses on the government's new deportation treaty with Rwanda, as Keir Starmer tries to poke holes in the agreement signed yesterday. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Stephen Carroll. 

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Rishi Sunak has promised his government will start flying asylum seekers to Rwanda to be processed before the next election. But the only UK government plane landing there today was carrying the Home Secretary James Cleverly, who's trying to salvage the plan. Our East Africa Correspondent Ondiro Oganga is following the trip from Kigali.

Before he left, Cleverly announced sweeping changes to visa requirements for people trying to legally move to the UK. Ben Brindle from the University of Oxford's Migration Observatory discusses the significance of the changes.

Plus: a company in hot water. Bloomberg's Jess Shankleman explains how a flood of concerns over Thames Water is soaking up attention in Westminster. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Yuan Potts. 

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Keir Starmer is making his first economic speech since the Autumn statement, where he's expected to set out Labour's economic strategy. The Leader of the Opposition is speaking at the launch of the Resolution Foundation's Economy 2030 Inquiry. The think tank says Britain is suffering from fifteen years of stagnation, making the average household £8,000 worse off than similar countries. 

Resolution Foundation Research Director Greg Thwaites and Bloomberg senior economy writer Philip Aldrick join us to discuss how Britain can catch up with its economic peers. Hosted by Lizzy Burden and Caroline Hepker. 

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Reports of crimes targeting Jews, Muslims and Arabs have risen around the world in since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and the Israeli military’s retaliatory operation in Gaza. While previous conflicts in the Middle East also sparked a backlash outside the region, this time it is more intense and the wave of hate may be far from cresting, according to advocacy groups, former law enforcement officials and analysts. In this Bloomberg Radio special report, Stephen Carroll examines how these communities are confronting a global surge in hate speech and hate crimes.

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